I'm looking at booking a walking tour in late May next year in Umbria. It ends in Norcia (not far from Spoleto) on a Sunday with group travel arranged back to FCO - times not yet available. I've never travelled solo in Italy and speak no Italian, but I have long wanted to visit Ravenna. I'm wondering how best to get to Ravenna, either from Norcia (involves starting with a local bus and several changes of train) or go with the group to FCO and then by train from there via Bologna (or plane to Bologna and on by train). My concerns about the latter idea are to do with dealing with two busy and potentially confusing railway stations (Rome Termini and Bologna) or getting from Bologna airport to Bologna train station. Of course, it's too far ahead to look for timetables, but any route will have limited options on a Sunday. Any advice from the Italy transport experts would be very welcome. I don't drive.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Ravenna is one of my favorite places. Trains may be faster than flying. Trains to Bologna leave Roma Termini frequently, even on Sunday. It's a quick trip from Bologna to Ravenna. Leave yours of 20 minutes to connect in Bologna Centrale, you should have no problem. Bologna Centrale is a big station but signage is very good. Look for your train number on the electronic board.
Posted by
Firenze
500 posts
Just remember that most high speed trains from Rome now arrive in Bologna at the underground tracks with high numbers. Getting to ground tracks with lower numbers takes 8-10 minutes or so, but the itinerary is well marked and you mostly follow the crowd. A few high speed trains arrive at the ground tracks (according to their final destination), connecting from there is even easier through the main underpass.
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
2026 posts
cg...I sent you a rather lengthy PM. For anyone considering Ravenna I heartily recommend the Hotel Albergo Cappello. Well priced, spacious,charming, and comfortable room with large, modern bathroom and a staffed by helpful, accommodating and kind folks. They made our stay very memorable.
Posted by
Massachusetts
715 posts
Roma Termini is not confusing,mwhereas Bologna can be your first time.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
You might try the following travel itinerary that avoids the big stations in Rome and Bologna. Take the 9:00am bus from Norcia to Spoleto train station (arrives 9:55). See umbriamobilita.it Linea E401 festivo. Take the 10:55 train to Ravenna that runs along the Adriatic coast. It requires changes in Ancona and Rimini, but those stations will be easier to navigate. You might also ask if your tour company could drop you off at the Spoleto train station on their way to FCO. In any case, your guide (or maybe one of your fellow travelers) should be able to help you with ticket purchases. I think you’ll find bus and train travel less daunting than you envision. Enjoy Ravenna. Great city.
Posted by
OP
English but living in Melbourne, Australia
420 posts
Many thanks to everyone for their advice and suggestions.
Frank, I really like your idea of the train along the Adriatic coast, and the timing sound right. Much better to stay in the north-east than waste time going all the way back to Rome and out again, and avoids having to negotiate train stations in large stations. Sounds like a much more pleasant journey along the coast. Would I need to book ahead? Thank you also for finding the Sunday timetable to the bus from Norcia to Spoleto, but yes, Spoleto should be on the tour company's route on that morning.
For the return, I have found a website for a bus that connects Ravenna directly to Bologna airport www.shuttlerace.it; it runs this year from 29th May to 27th September, and so will very likely be operating next year at the time I need it.