What is the best way to get from Rome to the port in Ravenna?

[HelloFromIdaho]

We're staying in Rome for two nights prior to embarking on Explorer of the Seas-June 15th. What is the best way to get up to Ravenna? Is renting a car feasible?

[cruisemom42]

I would suggest posting this in the ports of call forum for Italy, found here:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/464-italy-ports/

 

Transportation questions are frequent there. 

 

I've taken the train from Rome to Ravenna in the past and it is fairly straightforward, but I was only traveling with an overnight bag. There is no direct route; a change of trains is required (usually in Bologna). 

 

[mom says]

Renting a car is feasible,  but will likely be longer and more expensive than taking the train. You will need to get an International  Driver's  Permit (from AAA) before you leave home. Learn the Italian driving laws- particularly those regarding speed cameras, bus lanes, and ZTLs. Familiarize yourself with the opening and closing hours of the rental agencies. Those other than at airports may be closed Sundays. Take into account any extra costs: road tolls, gas (its a lot more expensive than in the US) and any drop off fees. It's a distanceof nearly 400 km. You would probably want to travel up the day before embarkation.

 

Trains are easier and cheaper. Most will require a change of trains in Bologna, but it's just a matter of getting off the train, looking at the signboard for the track your next train is leaving from, and walking there. Tickets bought in advance for the high speed trains can be a lot cheaper than those bought on the day of travel. The only possible downside (if you are lugging multiple massive suitcases) is that you need to handle your own luggage. But there is luggage storage in every train car. Look at the Trenitalia website for times and prices.

Edited January 18 by mom says

[Toofarfromthesea]

I've always found RometoRio to be helpful for this kind of question.

[Host Kat]

13 hours ago, HelloFromIdaho said:

We're staying in Rome for two nights prior to embarking on Explorer of the Seas-June 15th. What is the best way to get up to Ravenna? Is renting a car feasible?

 

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[euro cruiser]

Rome2Rio is only ever a good starting point, it leaves out some options and/or specific needed information, and some of the results are just plain wrong, so always double check what you find with the actual service providers.  

 

I would consider driving, and weigh it against the train (the available bus options get you to Ravenna too late for embarkation) in terms of time, cost, ease, and comfort.  What among those variables are most important to you for this decision?

 

Keep in mind that the train also requires a shuttle or taxi from Ravenna to the port (nearly eight miles).  Check with rental car companies to see if they will bring you to the port or if that will also require a taxi or shutle.

[Milhouse]

For our cruise in 2023, we flew into Rome and then trained up to Ravenna.  Similar to what others have mentioned, I think the most straight forward train route would be a high speed option from Rome to Bologna and then the hourly commuter train from Bologna to Ravenna.  Our trip from FCO airport to Ravenna took just under 4.5hrs total with the Fiumicino to Bologna segment taking just over 3hrs, about a 15min connection, and about a 1hr ride onto Ravenna.  The connection in Bologna can be a bit overwhelming as it's a large station with the high speed trains in a different section the other trains.  

 

We've only driven in Tuscany for a different land trip.  Personally, I found driving outside the cities/towns pretty reasonable while driving in them somewhat chaotic.  Some of our best memories though were from that drive just being able to take our time and make random stops.

 

 

[HelloFromIdaho]

On 1/19/2024 at 4:44 PM, Milhouse said:

For our cruise in 2023, we flew into Rome and then trained up to Ravenna.  Similar to what others have mentioned, I think the most straight forward train route would be a high speed option from Rome to Bologna and then the hourly commuter train from Bologna to Ravenna.  Our trip from FCO airport to Ravenna took just under 4.5hrs total with the Fiumicino to Bologna segment taking just over 3hrs, about a 15min connection, and about a 1hr ride onto Ravenna.  The connection in Bologna can be a bit overwhelming as it's a large station with the high speed trains in a different section the other trains.  

 

We've only driven in Tuscany for a different land trip.  Personally, I found driving outside the cities/towns pretty reasonable while driving in them somewhat chaotic.  Some of our best memories though were from that drive just being able to take our time and make random stops.

 

 

Thanks Milhouse. Did you make this train trip the day you embarked in Ravenna? 

[Milhouse]

9 hours ago, HelloFromIdaho said:

Thanks Milhouse. Did you make this train trip the day you embarked in Ravenna? 

No, we travelled up the day before on a Sunday and then boarded the ship on Monday midday.  It gave us a bit of time to check out the town and do the mosaics circuit.  There was also flooding in the Ravenna region during the weeks leading up to our cruise and we weren't sure how well the transportation/rail links were recovering so we wanted to get in a day before.  

[mytse77]

@HelloFromIdaho What have you decided to do? I'm thinking of flying into Rome and staying for a couple of days, then taking the train to Ravenna. 

[HelloFromIdaho]

The Airbnb we've booked is a ten minute walk from the Roma Termini. We will take the first train on embarkation day, take it to Bologna Central, transfer to Ravenna, taxi to the port.