How to Get to Mantua: Complete Transport Guide

Getting to Mantua: a surprisingly accessible city

Mantua is one of those cities you stumble upon almost by chance, often as a detour from a planned itinerary through Verona or Milan. Yet despite its relatively modest fame compared to the great destinations of northern Italy, it is connected to the rest of the country in a far more convenient way than most travellers expect. Nestled among the glacial lakes of the Mincio river, the city of the Gonzagas can be reached comfortably by train from Verona in under an hour, by car along the A22 motorway, and even by long-distance bus from several Italian cities thanks to Flixbus services. There are no direct flights to its own small airfield, but the airports of Verona and Milan Bergamo are within easy transfer distance. This guide brings together all your transport options, with journey times, approximate costs and a few practical tips to help you organise your trip as efficiently as possible. Once you arrive, you will find a city that is extraordinarily visitor-friendly, almost entirely walkable or explorable by bicycle.

By air

Mantua has no commercial airport of its own, but it is served by three regional airports that cover the main European and intercontinental air routes.

Verona Catullo Airport (VRN)

The closest airport is undoubtedly Verona Valerio Catullo, roughly 45 kilometres from Mantua. It offers direct flights to numerous European destinations including London, Berlin, Barcelona, Amsterdam and various cities in Eastern Europe. The transfer to Mantua takes approximately 50 to 60 minutes by car or taxi. The most economical option is to take the Aerobus shuttle to Verona Porta Nuova train station (about 15 minutes, around 6 euros), and from there board a regional train to Mantua, a journey of around 40 minutes. The total transfer cost works out to between 12 and 18 euros depending on the train type you choose. A direct taxi from Verona airport to Mantua generally costs between 70 and 100 euros.

Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY)

Orio al Serio airport, better known as Milan Bergamo, lies about 120 kilometres from Mantua and is one of Italy's busiest low-cost hubs, with Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air flying to hundreds of European destinations. The most practical connection goes via train: from Bergamo station (reachable by bus from the airport in about 20 minutes, 2 to 3 euros) you take a train towards Milan Centrale or Milan Lambrate and change there for Mantua. The total journey takes between two and a half and three hours. Alternatively, some private bus companies run directly between Orio al Serio and Mantua, with a journey time of around two hours and fares typically ranging from 15 to 25 euros.

Bologna Airport (BLQ)

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi airport lies about 130 kilometres from Mantua and offers excellent international connections. From Bologna Centrale station, reachable by bus or taxi from the airport in about 20 minutes, trains run towards Verona, from where you continue to Mantua. The total journey takes roughly two and a half hours. Travellers arriving from Rome by air can also opt for the high-speed train to Verona and then the regional service to Mantua, handling everything by rail without any intermediate flights.

By train

The train is without doubt the most practical and recommended way to reach Mantua, especially from Verona. The city is served by the Verona-Mantua line, which offers a frequent, affordable and scenic connection across the Po plain.

From Verona

The Verona Porta Nuova to Mantua leg is the most convenient: the journey takes about 40 minutes and trains run roughly every hour, often every 30 minutes during peak times. The ticket costs between 4.50 and 6 euros. Verona is a major rail hub served by high-speed trains from Milan (around 1 hour, 20 to 40 euros), Venice (around 1 hour 15 minutes), Rome (around 3 hours on the Frecciarossa) and many other cities. Travelling to Verona and continuing to Mantua is often the fastest solution for those coming from further afield.

From Milan

There are no frequent direct trains from Milan Centrale to Mantua, but several efficient combinations exist. The first goes via Codogno: a regional train to Codogno (about 1 hour), then a change for Mantua (about 45 minutes). The second goes via Verona: Frecciarossa or Intercity from Milan Centrale to Verona (50 to 70 minutes), then the regional to Mantua (40 minutes). There is also a route via Cremona with a total travel time of around two hours. Cost varies from 10 to 25 euros depending on the route and how far in advance you book. It is worth checking the Trenitalia website or the Trainline app to compare the options available on your travel day.

From other cities

From Brescia you can reach Mantua on a regional train via Piadena, with a journey time of about 1 hour 20 minutes. From Parma the connection runs via Suzzara with a travel time of around two hours. From Venice the quickest solution is always to go via Verona (40 to 50 minutes on a Freccia or Intercity) and then take the regional service. Mantua station is only a few minutes' walk from the historic centre and the main monuments, making the train a particularly convenient choice.

Practical tips

It is always better to buy your ticket in advance through the Trenitalia app or official website, especially for the high-speed trains covering the first part of the journey. For regional services, the ticket can also be bought at the station, but you must validate it before boarding. Travellers who use trains frequently in Lombardy and Veneto may want to consider weekly or monthly regional passes.

By car

Mantua is easily reached by car thanks to its strategic position near the A22 Brennero motorway, one of Italy's most important road axes. The exit to take is Mantova Nord, which is about 10 minutes from the city centre.

From Milan

From Milan you take the eastern ring road towards Lodi, then join the A21 towards Brescia, or alternatively take the A4 to the Verona-Sud exit and then head south towards Mantua. The most direct route goes along the provincial road via Cremona. Driving time is about 1 hour 45 minutes without traffic, though this can increase significantly during peak hours. The toll varies between 8 and 12 euros depending on the route.

From Verona

From Verona you take the SS62 or SS249 south, or join the A22 to the Mantova Nord exit. The drive takes about 40 to 50 minutes, with a toll of around 3 euros.

From Bologna

From Bologna you take the A22 northbound towards Verona and exit at Mantova Nord. The drive takes about 1 hour 15 minutes without traffic, with a toll of around 7 to 8 euros.

From Venice

From Venice you take the A4 westbound to Verona Est, then head south to Mantua via the SS249. Journey time is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Parking in the city

Finding parking in Mantua is not difficult, especially compared to other art cities in northern Italy. The main car park is at Piazzale Mondadori, right next to the historic centre, with rates of around 1 to 1.50 euros per hour. Also popular with visitors is the parking along the lakeside, with panoramic views over the Lago Inferiore and Lago di Mezzo. Some areas of the centre have restricted traffic during the central hours of the day, so it is worth checking the signs or consulting the municipality's website before arriving. Visitors staying for several days will find it economical to park in the more peripheral areas, easily reachable on foot or by bicycle from the centre.

By bus

Long-distance bus services to Mantua have grown in recent years, offering an affordable alternative to the train, especially for those departing from cities not directly connected by rail.

Flixbus

Flixbus connects Mantua with several Italian and European cities. The most frequent routes include connections from Milan, Bologna, Verona and some cities in the north-east. Tickets start at just a few euros if booked well in advance, and buses stop generally near the railway station or in areas well connected to the centre. The journey from Milan takes about two and a half to three hours depending on traffic. From Bologna it takes around two hours. It is worth comparing Flixbus prices with Trenitalia, especially for last-minute travel, where the bus tends to be more competitively priced.

Regional buses

Regional bus services in Lombardy (operated by APAM, ARRIVA and other local operators) connect Mantua with towns in the province and with some nearby cities such as Brescia, Cremona and Verona. These buses are used mainly by local commuters, but can be useful for those travelling from smaller centres not served by the train. Timetables are designed around daily working needs, however, and frequencies drop considerably at weekends.

Getting around

Once you arrive in Mantua, the good news is that the city is extraordinarily straightforward to explore. The historic centre is compact, flat and largely pedestrianised or with limited traffic, making it ideal both for walks and for cycling.

On foot

Most of the main attractions — Palazzo Ducale, Piazza Sordello, the Basilica of Sant'Andrea, Palazzo Te, the Bibiena Theatre — are within 20 to 30 minutes' walk of one another. The railway station is about 15 minutes' walk from Piazza Sordello. Walking around Mantua is a genuine pleasure: the streets are quiet, the historic centre is essentially flat and the atmosphere is that of a city that has not been overwhelmed by mass tourism. For a full rundown of what not to miss, see the guide what to see in Mantua in 2 days.

By bicycle

Mantua is a cycling city par excellence. It has a well-developed network of cycle lanes, and the completely flat topography makes the bicycle the ideal way to get around. There are several bike-sharing stations around the city, and many accommodation providers offer free bicycle loans to guests. The path along the Mincio is particularly beautiful and allows you to reach Palazzo Te comfortably by bike from the city centre. If you are looking for where to stay during your visit, you will find useful recommendations in the guide where to stay in Mantua.

Taxis and ride-hailing

Mantua has a taxi service that can be booked by phone or found at dedicated ranks at the station and in Piazza Sordello. Prices are in line with standard rates for Italian cities of similar size. Ride-hailing services such as Uber have a limited presence, so it is more reliable to use conventional taxis for late-night travel or journeys to peripheral areas such as Palazzo Te.

Navigating the lakes

A genuinely original way to move around Mantua is by boat on the Mincio lakes. From April to October, river cruises are available that allow you to see the city from the perspective of the water, including the bastions and the Gonzaga gardens. This is not a standard urban transport service but an experience well worth adding to your itinerary. For recommendations on where to eat after a day of exploration, do not miss the guide where to eat in Mantua.