How to get to Reggio Emilia: complete transport guide

How to get to Reggio Emilia: all the ways to reach the city of the Tricolore

Reggio Emilia, birthplace of the Italian Tricolore flag, lies in the heart of the Emilian plain along the Via Emilia. Well served by high-speed rail, it is easily reachable from across Italy. Here is how to get there.

Nearest airports to Reggio Emilia

Reggio Emilia does not have an airport, but several airports are nearby.

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ)

Located about 70 km away, this is the most important airport in the area. From the terminal, the People Mover connects Bologna Centrale station in 7 minutes. From Bologna Centrale, you can reach Reggio Emilia by train in about 30-40 minutes.

Parma Giuseppe Verdi Airport (PMF)

A small airport about 30 km away, with very few commercial flights. More useful as a reference for charter and private aviation.

Milan Linate (LIN) and Malpensa (MXP) Airports

About 180-200 km away, the Milan airports are an alternative for those arriving from abroad. From Milano Centrale, the high-speed train reaches Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana in about 1 hour.

By train: high-speed rail in Reggio Emilia

Reggio Emilia has two railway stations, a great advantage for travellers.

Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana

The high-speed station, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is located about 4 km from the city centre. It is served by Frecciarossa and Italo trains on the Milan-Bologna-Rome-Naples line. From Milan about 1 hour, from Rome about 2 hours 30 minutes, from Naples about 3 hours 30 minutes, from Florence about 1 hour. A shuttle service connects the AV station to the city centre in about 10 minutes.

Reggio Emilia Central Station

The historic station, in the city centre, is served by regional and InterCity trains on the Milan-Bologna line. From Bologna about 30-40 minutes, from Parma about 20 minutes, from Modena about 15 minutes, from Milan about 2 hours.

By bus

Bus connections are useful for local and regional destinations.

Urban and suburban services

The SETA network connects Reggio Emilia with the towns of the province and with nearby cities. Buses to Parma, Modena and the Reggian Apennine towns depart from the bus station near the central railway station.

FlixBus and long-distance buses

FlixBus connects Reggio Emilia with many Italian and European cities, with stops both in the centre and at the AV Mediopadana station.

By car

Reggio Emilia is in a strategic position on the northern Italian motorway network.

A1 Motorway

The Reggio Emilia exit of the A1 Milan-Bologna-Rome motorway is just a few minutes from the city centre. From Milan about 160 km (1 hour 40 minutes), from Bologna about 70 km (50 minutes), from Florence about 200 km (2 hours).

Via Emilia

The historic SS9 Via Emilia passes through the centre of Reggio Emilia, connecting it to Parma, Modena and Bologna. Convenient for local travel but slow during rush hours.

Parking

The centre of Reggio Emilia has restricted traffic zones. Fee-paying car parks are found in Piazza della Vittoria, the former Zucchi barracks, and at park-and-ride facilities connected to the centre by minibus. Free parking at the AV Mediopadana station.

Transfers and taxis

From Bologna airport, private transfers to Reggio Emilia are available (about 80-120 euros). The local taxi service operates from the central station and the AV station. From the AV Mediopadana station to the centre, the shuttle costs just a few euros.

Practical tips

The AV Mediopadana station is the fastest way to arrive from Rome, Milan and Florence
From the AV station to the centre, take the shuttle: a taxi costs about 15-20 euros
Bologna airport is the most convenient: People Mover plus regional train
By car, the A1 Reggio Emilia exit is very convenient
The historic centre is compact and best explored on foot
Reggio Emilia is an excellent base for visiting Parma, Modena and the Food Valley