How to get to Modena: train, plane, car and bus

How to get to Modena

Modena is one of Emilia-Romagna's gems: a UNESCO city for its Romanesque Cathedral, home of traditional balsamic vinegar, Ferrari and tortellini. Positioned along the Via Emilia between Bologna and Parma, it is a natural crossroads easily reachable from all over Italy.

Getting to Modena by train

Modena station sits on the Milan-Bologna line, one of Italy's busiest.

• From Bologna Centrale: regional trains every 15-20 minutes, approximately 25-30 minutes; high-speed trains stop at Modena AV (Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana station, 25 km away, reachable by car or shuttle)
• From Milan Centrale: Frecce stopping at Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana (then shuttle/train to Modena) in approximately 1 hour 15 minutes; direct regional trains in approximately 2 hours
• From Florence Santa Maria Novella: Frecce via Bologna in approximately 1 hour 30 minutes; regional trains with a change at Bologna in about 2 hours
• From Rome Termini: Frecce via Bologna AV, approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
• From Parma: frequent regional trains in approximately 30 minutes
• From Verona: regional trains in approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

The station is approximately a 10-minute walk from Piazza Grande and the Cathedral, along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.

Getting to Modena by plane

The nearest airport is Bologna Guglielmo Marconi (BLQ), approximately 40 km away.

• From Bologna airport: People Mover (automated monorail) to Bologna Centrale in 7 minutes, then regional train to Modena in 25 minutes. Total time approximately 45 minutes
• Parma Giuseppe Verdi Airport (PMF): approximately 60 km, few commercial flights
• Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN): approximately 100 km, then train (about 1 hour 15 minutes)
• Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP): approximately 220 km, then train via Milan Centrale

Bologna Airport is the obvious choice, with domestic and international flights and a quick, direct connection.

Getting to Modena by car

Modena sits at the junction of the A1 Milan-Naples motorway and the A22 Brenner motorway.

• From Bologna: A1 towards Milan, Modena Sud or Modena Nord exit, approximately 40 km (30 minutes)
• From Milan: A1 towards Bologna, Modena Nord exit, approximately 180 km (1 hour 45 minutes)
• From Florence: A1 towards Milan, Modena Sud exit, approximately 180 km (2 hours)
• From Verona: A22 Brenner motorway southbound, Modena Nord exit, approximately 100 km (1 hour)
• From Parma: A1 towards Bologna, Modena Nord exit, approximately 60 km (35 minutes)
• From Rome: A1, Modena Sud exit, approximately 390 km (3 hours 30 minutes)

The historic centre is a restricted traffic zone. Recommended car parks: Novi Park (the largest, near the centre), Palazzo dei Musei car park, Amendola car park. Park-and-ride facilities with shuttle are a budget option.

Getting to Modena by bus

• FlixBus connects Modena with Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, Naples and European cities
• SETA (Società Emiliana Trasporti Autofiloviari) operates provincial connections to Maranello (Ferrari Museum), Vignola, Sassuolo, Carpi and the Modenese Apennines
• Direct bus to Maranello and the Ferrari Museum from the station

Getting around Modena

Urban public transport is managed by SETA.

• Urban bus network with tickets valid for 75 minutes
• The historic centre is compact and entirely pedestrianised or traffic-restricted: Piazza Grande, the Cathedral, the Ducal Palace and the Albinelli Market are all within a few minutes' walk
• Cycle paths along the boulevards and in the centre: Modena is a very bicycle-friendly city
• To reach Maranello (Ferrari Museum and Fiorano): SETA bus line 800 from the station, approximately 25 minutes; or by car (20 km)
• For traditional balsamic vinegar producers and wineries: car hire or organised tours recommended

Modena is perfectly suited to walking. The centre is an elegant salon where you can lose yourself among arcades, workshops and authentic Emilian life.

Practical tips

For those wanting to visit both Modena and Bologna, the regional train every 15 minutes makes day trips effortless. The Enzo Ferrari Museum in the city and the Ferrari Museum in Maranello are reachable with a single shuttle bus. For motoring enthusiasts, the Emilian Motor Valley also includes Lamborghini (Sant'Agata Bolognese), Pagani (San Cesario) and Ducati (Bologna).

To plan your stay, also check our guides on where to stay in Modena, what to see in Modena in 2 days and where to eat in Modena.