Ravenna Day Trip from Bologna: Worth It? (2025 Guide)

Is a Day Trip to Ravenna from Bologna Worth It?

An emphatic, resounding yes! If you’re staying in Bologna and have a day to spare, Ravenna is not just an option; it’s an essential experience. Imagine stepping back in time into a world of glittering gold, deep blue, and shimmering green mosaics that tell epic stories of emperors and empires. Ravenna is home to an astonishing eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, all conveniently located within a charming, walkable historic center. It’s one of the easiest, most culturally rewarding day trips you can take, offering a unique glimpse into the twilight of the Roman Empire and the dawn of Byzantium in Italy.

Ravenna Day Trip at a Glance: Quick Facts for 2025

Here’s everything you need to know in a nutshell to start planning your Bologna to Ravenna mosaics day trip.

Metric	Details for 2025
Distance from Bologna	Approx. 85 km (53 miles)
Travel Time (Train)	1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
Best Way to Travel	Regionale Train (Direct & Affordable)
Average Day Trip Cost	€45 – €75 per person
Must-See Sights	Basilica di San Vitale, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
Best Time to Visit	Spring (Apr-Jun) & Autumn (Sep-Oct) on a weekday

How to Get from Bologna to Ravenna

Getting to Ravenna from Bologna is incredibly straightforward. While you have a few options, one stands out as the clear winner for a stress-free day trip. Here’s the breakdown.

By Train: The Best Option for a Day Trip

For convenience, cost, and comfort, the train is unbeatable. Trenitalia’s Regionale (regional) trains are the workhorses of this route, connecting the two cities efficiently.

• Departure/Arrival: Trains leave from Bologna Centrale and arrive directly at Ravenna Station.
• Journey Time: The trip takes a predictable 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Cost: As of early 2024, a one-way ticket costs approximately €8.70. Be sure to check the Trenitalia website for confirmed 2025 pricing.
• Booking: You can buy tickets at the station on the day of travel, but purchasing them online via the Trenitalia app or website is easy and saves time. You don’t need to book far in advance for these regional trains.
• Arrival: From Ravenna station, it’s a pleasant 10-15 minute walk straight into the historic heart of the city and its famous mosaic sites.

By Car: Flexibility with a Caveat

Driving offers flexibility but comes with a significant warning. The journey is about 85 km and takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes without traffic. However, Ravenna’s historic center is a ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato), meaning a “Limited Traffic Zone.”

Do not drive into the city center! You will face a heavy fine. Instead, you must park outside this zone. We recommend large, paid lots like Parcheggio San Vitale or Parcheggio Giustiniano, which are perfectly located for a short walk to the main attractions.

By Taxi or Private Transfer

While possible, this is by far the most expensive option and is not recommended for a simple day trip. Expect to pay €150 – €200 or more for a one-way journey. The train is just as fast and costs a tiny fraction of the price.

Transportation Options Comparison Table

Method	Time	Cost (One-Way)	Pros	Cons
Train	~1h 15m	~€9	Affordable, direct, relaxing, drops you near the center	Fixed schedule
Car	~1h 15m	€10-15 (fuel/tolls) + Parking	Flexible schedule, good for groups with lots of luggage	ZTL hassle, parking costs, potential for traffic
Taxi	~1h 15m	€150+	Door-to-door convenience	Extremely expensive

Top 5 Must-See Mosaic Sites in Ravenna (UNESCO)

The best way to see Ravenna’s treasures is by purchasing the “biglietto unico” (cumulative ticket). In 2025, expect the price to be around €12.50 when booked online. It grants access to the five incredible sites listed below.

1. Basilica di San Vitale

   This is the crown jewel of Ravenna. An architectural masterpiece of Byzantine art, its octagonal design is breathtaking. But the real reason you’re here is for the apse mosaics. The portraits of Emperor Justinian and the powerful Empress Theodora with their courts are so vivid and detailed, they seem to bring the 6th century to life right before your eyes.

   Insider Tip: Allow at least 45-60 minutes here. Don’t just look at the famous portraits; study the intricate details on the ceilings and arches.

2. Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

   Prepare to be enchanted. From the outside, it’s a humble, plain brick building. But step inside, and you’re transported into a magical, otherworldly space. The ceiling is a mesmerizing deep blue mosaic sky, studded with over 800 golden stars. It is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful things you will ever see.

   Insider Tip: Entry here is strictly controlled. You must book a specific time slot online in advance, especially from March to June. This often requires a supplementary €2 fee. Visits are limited to about 5 minutes, so be ready to soak it all in!

3. Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo

   What makes this basilica unique are the two enormous mosaic panels that run the entire length of the nave. On one side, a procession of 22 virgin martyrs leaves the port of Classe, and on the other, 26 male martyrs proceed from Theodoric’s palace. The rhythmic repetition and stunning detail are absolutely captivating.

   Insider Tip: Look closely at the mosaics depicting Theodoric’s Palace. You can see the faint outlines of figures that were later removed by the Byzantines—a fascinating piece of political history told through art.

4. Neonian Baptistery (Battistero Neoniano)

   As one of the oldest monuments in the city, this octagonal baptistery features an awe-inspiring ceiling mosaic. At its center is the Baptism of Christ, surrounded by a procession of the twelve apostles set against a brilliant blue background. The level of detail and symbolism is incredible.

   Insider Tip: It’s located right next to the Ravenna Cathedral (Duomo), which is free to enter if you have a few extra minutes.

5. Archiepiscopal Chapel of St. Andrew

   Tucked away inside the Archiepiscopal Museum, this is the only surviving early Christian private oratory. It’s small but powerful, with mosaics depicting Christ as a victorious warrior trampling a lion and a snake. The museum itself contains other fascinating artifacts, including the famous ivory throne of Maximian.

   Insider Tip: This chapel is included in your cumulative ticket. Don’t miss it, as it’s a quick but very rewarding stop within the museum.

Sample One-Day Ravenna Itinerary from Bologna

Here’s a simple, step-by-step plan to maximize your day trip from Bologna and see the best of Ravenna’s mosaics without feeling rushed.

1. 8:30 AM: Depart from Bologna Centrale. Grab a coffee and a pastry at the station for the journey.
2. 10:00 AM: Arrive in Ravenna. Take the 15-minute walk from the station to the city center. Head to your first stop to validate your pre-booked ticket.
3. 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Morning Masterpieces): Start with the showstopper, the Basilica di San Vitale. Then, head to your pre-booked time slot at the magical Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.
4. 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Lunch Break): Time to refuel! This is the perfect opportunity to try the region’s famous flatbread sandwich, the piadina.
5. 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM (Afternoon Art & History): Continue your UNESCO tour. Visit the Neonian Baptistery, explore the Archiepiscopal Museum & Chapel, and finish with the long, beautiful processions at the Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo.
6. 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM (Explore the City): With the main sites seen, take a relaxing stroll to the main square, Piazza del Popolo. Pay your respects at the quiet tomb of Dante Alighieri, the father of the Italian language.
7. 6:00 PM: Walk back to the station and catch a train back to Bologna, arriving in time for a late dinner.

Where to Eat in Ravenna: From Piadina to Pasta

The Emilia-Romagna region is a food lover’s paradise, and Ravenna is no exception. Here are a few top picks for your lunch break.

Budget-Friendly (€)

• Profumo di Piadina: You can’t visit this region without trying an authentic piadina. This spot makes them fresh to order with delicious local fillings. It’s the perfect quick, affordable, and tasty lunch.
• Mercato Coperto: The covered market is a modern food hall with a fantastic atmosphere. You can find everything here, from gourmet food stalls to coffee bars and bakeries.

Mid-Range (€€)

• Ca’ de Vèn: Step into this stunning, historic wine bar with vaulted ceilings and walls lined with wine bottles. They serve fantastic local dishes and, of course, have an incredible wine list.
• Osteria Passatelli: A cozy and popular spot known for its delicious handmade pasta, including the regional specialty, passatelli.

Insider Tips for Your Ravenna Day Trip in 2025

Make your visit seamless with these practical tips.

• Book Your Ticket Online: This is our number one tip. Purchase the “biglietto unico” from the official Ravenna Mosaici website a week or two in advance. It saves time in line and is essential for securing your timed entry to the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.
• Cover Up: A strict dress code is enforced at all religious sites. Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered. A light scarf or shawl is perfect for this and easy to carry.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Ravenna is wonderfully walkable, and its historic center is largely pedestrianized. You’ll be on your feet for hours, so comfortable footwear is non-negotiable.
• Look Up! It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget. The true magic of Ravenna is almost always on the ceilings and high up on the apse walls.
• Consider Binoculars: The details in the mosaics are astonishingly fine. A small pair of travel binoculars can reveal tiny figures, subtle color gradations, and expressions you’d otherwise miss.
• Check Opening Hours: Always double-check the opening times on the official website before your trip, especially if you are traveling in the low season (November-February), as hours can be shorter.

Estimated Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Here is a sample budget to help you plan your day trip expenses for 2025.

Expense	Low End	High End	Notes
Return Train Ticket	€17.40	€17.40	Standard Regionale train cost.
Mosaics Combo Ticket	€12.50	€14.50	Includes online pre-sale fee & Galla Placidia supplement.
Lunch	€10	€30	A quick piadina vs. a relaxed sit-down meal with wine.
Coffee/Gelato/Snacks	€5	€10	An essential part of any day in Italy!
TOTAL	~€45	~€72	Excludes souvenirs and entry to extra sites.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much is a train ticket from Bologna to Ravenna?

A one-way ticket on the direct Regionale train typically costs around €8.70. A round trip will therefore be approximately €17.40. We advise checking the official Trenitalia website for the most accurate 2025 pricing before you travel.

Is Ravenna worth visiting for a day?

Absolutely. Ravenna is one of the world’s most unique art and history destinations. Its main UNESCO sites are concentrated in a compact, walkable area, making it perfectly suited for a day trip. You can comfortably experience the highlights and get a true sense of the city’s incredible past in a single day.

How much is a taxi from Bologna to Ravenna?

A taxi is not a practical option as it is extremely expensive. The one-way fare will likely be between €150 and €200, or possibly more. The train is just as fast, significantly more affordable, and much better for the environment.

How long is the transfer from Bologna to Ravenna cruise port?

The drive from Bologna (either the city or the airport, BLQ) to the Ravenna cruise port at Porto Corsini takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes, depending heavily on traffic. For this journey, a pre-booked private transfer or a dedicated shuttle service is the most reliable option.

TL;DR: Your Perfect Bologna to Ravenna Day Trip

Pressed for time? Here’s the ultra-quick guide:

• How to Go: Take the 1h 15m Regionale train (~€9 one-way). It’s cheap, fast, and easy.
• What to Buy: Book the “biglietto unico” (cumulative ticket) online in advance to see the top 5 mosaic sites and secure your spot for the Galla Placidia Mausoleum.
• Must-Sees: Do not miss the Basilica di San Vitale (for the Emperor/Empress portraits) and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (for the starry sky ceiling).
• What to Wear: Comfortable shoes and clothes that cover shoulders/knees.
• What to Eat: A fresh piadina for lunch.