Bologna to Ravenna Cruise Port: Easy DIY Transfers Guide

Aerial View of Ravenna Cruise Port with two ships parked in it

Flying into Bologna and need to sort out your embarkation transfers from Bologna to Ravenna Cruise Port? Ravenna Cruise Port has become as a substitute for Venice for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises since 2022. The closest airport to Ravenna Cruise Port is at Bologna – the Bologna Guglielmo Marconi International Airport (BLQ). Bologna will be an easier and closer airport to use than Venice Marco Polo (VCE) Airport, especially if you’re flying within Europe.

So in this guide, I’ll give you all the cruise transfer options from Bologna Airport or Bologna city centre to Ravenna cruise port, so you can pick the one that works best with your flights and pre-cruise itinerary.

This is Part 2 of my 3-part Bologna to Ravenna cruise embarkation series. Here’s the others:

And if you’re flying into Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), read my VCE –> Ravenna Cruise Port DIY Transfers Guide here. 

This blog post may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission for purchases made at no cost to you.

Bologna to Ravenna Cruise Port: Is a DIY Transfer Easy? 😎😎😎😎 (Straightforward)

Got a cruise departing from Ravenna cruise port? If you’re flying into Bologna airport (BLQ) or staying in Bologna overnight before your embarkation date, then trying to Ravenna cruise port is 😎😎😎😎 straightforward using trains and the (paid) port shuttle. Here’s why:

  • BLQ to Bologna City Centre in minutes: Literally! The Marconi Express gets you from Bologna Airport to Bologna Central Station in seven minutes flat! From there, it’s an easy transfer to a direct regional train to Bologna train station.
  • Good Bologna Bus Network: Getting to Bologna station is straightforward with the good bus network, provided you’re staying relatively close to the city centre. Pay by contactless cards on buses mean no searching for a tobacco shop to buy bus tickets!
  • Ravenna Port Shuttle: As soon as you exit Ravenna station, you’ll be met by uniformed crew for the (paid) port shuttle.

My Experience: I’ve done this transfer from Bologna Airport, using the Marconi Express to get to Bologna Central Station and then a regional train to Ravenna station, which takes an hour. The transfer was smooth and I caught the Royal Caribbean shuttle to port, right outside Ravenna train station.

Tip to Avoid Crowds on Train: If you are embarking on weekends, I would recommend picking as early a train as you can make. The trains will get progressively busier and busier, as the locals use the same train to go to the beaches in Ravenna.

If you then arrive too early in Ravenna for your embarkation time, you can store your luggage near Ravenna train station, then spend time in Ravenna itself and return to Ravenna station later to catch the port shuttle to Ravenna Cruise Port. Read my Ravenna Cruise Port guide for details on what to see in Ravenna.

Ravenna Cruise Port Essentials: What You Need To Know

1. Where is Ravenna Cruise Port?

Ravenna Cruise Port, located in Porto Corsini, is 55 miles (92 km) east of Bologna Marconi International Airport (BLQ). If you have a choice of airports, then BLQ will be easier than flying into Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE).

Ravenna Cruise Port Address: Porto Corsini, 48123 Ravenna, Italy – see this marked in my Ravenna Cruise Port Map below

2. Ravenna Cruise Port Map

  • On Desktop | Laptop? Use buttons on bottom left to zoom in/out. Click on the upper right hand corner to see a bigger version.
  • On Tablet | Mobile? Pinch your screen to zoom in/out and use two fingers to move map around. If you have Google Maps installed on your tablet/mobile, my map will open in your Google Maps app if you click on the upper right hand corner.
  • 👇 If the map is not loading correctly, click here to see directly on Google Maps

3. Ravenna Cruise Port: Useful Tibits

  • Ravenna Cruise Port Schedule: Check here for the latest port schedule
  • Currency: Euros
  • 💶 Cash or 💳 Card in Italy?
    • Card: I had no issues paying with card 95% of the time, from train tickets, local metro/bus tickets to restaurants, convenience stores and museums
    • Cash: Smaller businesses, such as bakeries and street vendors will be cash only, so I would advise to carry some euros in cash
    • Tip: “Bancomat” is the Italian word for ATMs
  • Language: Italian
  • Recommended Transport App:
    • Pre-cruise sightseeing: I would recommend Citymapper for Bologna if you’re doing some pre-cruise sightseeing
    • DIY Transfer: Use RailEurope to check live train times & book tickets; I used Google Maps to navigate around Ravenna
  • eSIM for roaming in Italy: For a great data connection without the huge roaming fees, use an eSim data pack from Airalo. I always recommend having a smartphone with a valid plan when you’re at port touring independently. Get US$3 off your first eSIM data pack from Airalo when you use ROXANN1666 when you sign up or apply it at checkout

Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Ravenna Cruise Port: Transfer Options

You have three options to get from Bologna Marconi Airport to Ravenna Cruise Port. (If you’re staying overnight in Bologna before your cruise, jump to my section on how to travel from Bologna City Centre to Ravenna Cruise Port below).

(a) Cruise Line Transfers

Both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises offer transfers from Bologna Marconi Airport (BLQ) to Ravenna Cruise Port on embarkation day only. I was quote US$40 per person. You’ll need to pre-book the shuttle service online (similar to booking an excursion.)

If your cruise ends in Ravenna as well, both RC & Celebrity offer transfers back to either Bologna Airport (US$40), Bologna train station (US$30) or Ravenna train station (US$12.50).

I would advise pre-booking your return trip if you’re heading back to Bologna Airport or Bologna. If you’re heading to Ravenna train station, then you can also book onboard, when the “disembarkation transfers” form get dropped into your cabin.

(b) Private Car Transfers

  • Approximate travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
  • Approximate private transfer cost: I was quoted around €200 one-way

(c) Train + Port Shuttle Transfers (DIY)

First, read my step-by-step guide on how to get from Bologna Airport to Ravenna station. Then read the section on the Ravenna Port Shuttle, which runs from Ravenna train station to Ravenna Cruise Port.

Bologna Airport to Ravenna Cruise Port by Train

Step 1: Marconi Express to Bologna Centrale

Marconi Express Train at station
Marconi Express trains – image courtesy of Marconi Express
  • Train Station: From Airport Arrivals Hall, follow signs to “Marconi Express“. You’ll walk a few minutes on a pedestrian only bridge to the station. This high-speed monorail-like train connects the airport to Bologna Central station.
  • Frequency: Trains depart every 7 minutes during peak times, and every 15 minutes otherwise. Train runs from 5:40 am to midnight. The journey takes only 7 minutes.
  • Tickets:
    • Contactless Card (Easiest): Pay by contactless Visa/MC, Apple Pay, or Android Pay on your phone or smartwatch. Single tickets cost €12.80. Just tap and get through the ticket gates.
    • Return within 30 days: The system automatically discounts your return ticket to €10.50 (total roundtrip €23.30 – same as from the ticket machine)
    • Family ticket: For 2 adults and up to 3 children, purchase a family ticket from the machine (€25.60 one-way, €48.90 return). You can’t get the family discount using contactless cards.
  • Luggage: There are no dedicated luggage racks on the Marconi Express, but the ride is short.
  • My Experience: There were long queues to buy a ticket, so I skipped the queue by paying with a contactless card and jumped onto the next available train in a few minutes’ time. The “train” is more like a monorail and doesn’t have a lot of seats. It goes quite fast, so find a spot where you’ve got a pole to hang onto! I left my check-in bag in front of me and my hand luggage on top of my check-in bag. It was quite a cool ride!

Step 2: Regional Train to Ravenna

  • Transfer at Bologna Centrale: The Marconi Express arrives in a separate platform to the regional trains at Bologna Centrale. Follow signs to the main departure hall at Bologna Centrale. You can then check the departure boards for next train to Ravenna.
  • Train Frequency: Regional trains between Bologna and Ravenna run hourly, with even more frequent service during peak travel times. Tickets don’t sell out, so there’s no need to pre-book. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • Stations:
    • Depart from Bologna’s main station, “Bologna Centrale.”
    • Arrive at “Ravenna” station – not “Marina di Ravenna.” While Marina di Ravenna station is closer to the cruise terminal, there’s no way to cross the canal, so avoid going to the wrong station!
  • Timetables: Check the latest schedules on RailEurope’s website
  • Tickets: Purchase tickets online or from machines at Bologna Centrale (cards accepted). One-way tickets cost €8. All seats are second class.
  • Luggage: While there’s no dedicated luggage racks on this regional service, I had no issues keeping my larger bags with me. Smaller bags can go underneath your seat. The trains are usually double-deckers.

Step 3: Ravenna Train Station to Ravenna Cruise Port

There are three options to travel from Ravenna Train station to Ravenna Cruise Port:

  • Cruise Line Shuttles (Easiest): Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises offer their own shuttles directly from Ravenna train station. Look for a crew member outside Ravenna train station. They will offer luggage assistance at both the station and cruise terminal. I did not book ahead and the charge was billed to my shipboard account. For summer 2025, you can pre-book the shuttle at US$12.50 one way or US$25 return per person, just like you would pre-book other transfers & excursions.
  • Official Ravenna Tourism Board Shuttle: This shuttle requires pre-booking and makes stops at Ravenna hotels and the train station. While convenient, it is pricier (€20 one-way)
  • Local Bus: (Not recommended) Bus 90 from Bologna will stop at “Port Corsini Via Sirotti” stop, approximately 10 minutes walk to the cruise terminal. Catch it outside Ravenna train station called “Maroncelli Fs Box 1” stop. This service is largely catered to locals visiting the beaches close to Marina di Ravenna. Single tickets from the driver are €2. There is a luggage storage compartment underneath the bus. (The “bus” is a motorcoach!)

Ravenna is one of the rare ports where a cruise line will run a port shuttle on embarkation day and you may be suspicious whether it’s true. Ravenna lacks the tourist infrastructure to cope with so many cruisers arriving and departing to/fro the port. As the port doesn’t run a shuttle and there are insufficient number of taxis in Ravenna town to get cruisers to port, I think RC & Celebrity didn’t have any other option than to offer their own shuttles to/fro Ravenna train station.

I don’t recommend relying solely on local taxis for reaching Ravenna cruise port. During my first visit in 2022 (when Celebrity & RC first started using Ravenna), I learned there were fewer than 10 licensed taxis in the entire town! The situation has improved since then but the sheer number of arriving cruisers makes securing a taxi challenging.

Bologna City Centre to Ravenna Cruise Port by Train

If you’re arriving the day before embarkation day and staying overnight in Bologna City Centre, the easiest way is to take the regional train from Bologna Centrale to Ravenna station and then hop onto the cruise line run shuttle from Ravenna station to Ravenna Cruise Port.

For my cruise, Royal Caribbean did not offer an option for a coach transfer directly from Bologna city centre to Ravenna Cruise Port, so the train + shuttle combo was my only option!

  • Train Frequency: Regional trains between Bologna and Ravenna run hourly, with even more frequent service during peak travel times. Tickets don’t sell out, so there’s no need to pre-book. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • Stations:
    • Depart from Bologna’s main station, “Bologna Centrale.”
    • Arrive at “Ravenna” station – not “Marina di Ravenna.” While Marina di Ravenna station is closer to the cruise terminal, there’s no way to cross the canal, so avoid going to the wrong station!
  • Timetables: Check the latest schedules on RailEurope’s website
  • Tickets: Purchase tickets online or from machines at Bologna Centrale (cards accepted). One-way tickets cost €8. All seats are second class.
  • Luggage: While there’s no dedicated luggage racks on this regional service, I had no issues keeping my larger bags with me. Smaller bags can go underneath your seat. The trains are usually double-deckers.
  • Transfer to Cruise Terminal: Shuttle services as above

Featured Image courtesy of Ravenna Tourismo

When I first visited Ravenna back in 2022, there wasn’t much online information about how to get to Ravenna Cruise Port. Not even Royal Caribbean could give me more details other than a shuttle was running!

So I hope that this guide has provided with sufficient information to plan for a seamless embarkation day at Ravenna Cruise Port, if you’re flying into Bologna. Please do drop me a comment below if you have any questions! Happy cruising!

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  1. I am staying overnight in Bologna with 2 people in wheelchairs. Is it easy to get suitcases and wheelchairs onboard the train?

    • Hi Kelly,

      Thanks for your question. To be completely honest, I’m not properly equipped to answer questions about wheelchair accessibility. My perspective as an able-bodied person means I often miss the real challenges that wheelchair users face.

      However, wheelchair accessibility on Italian trains in general is good. I would recommend contacting the Sala Blu assistance service at Bologna train station before planning any travel though, so they can provide expert support on both sides of the journey. Contact details are on the Bologna Welcome (the official tourism website) accessibility page here – click “useful info and contacts” tab. The wheelchair specifications to be guaranteed accommodation onboard trains can be found on Trenitalia’s accessibility webpage here.

      Also, be sure to let your cruise line know of your travel plans. I don’t think that the motor coaches typically used for transfer from Ravenna train station to Ravenna Cruise Port are wheelchair accessible, so alternative arrangements may need to be made. Have a good cruise!

  2. Hi Zana, thanks for the tips.
    So if I choose option (A) which is $40 one way from BLQ to Ravenna Cruise Port offer by Royal Caribbean compare to option (B) DIY which is eur 12.80( Marconi express) + eur 8(regional train to Ravenna) + $12.5( Ravenna Train station to Ravenna cruise port) = $ 36.17.

    It mean A is way better than B. Just over$3 more.
    Pls correct me if I am wrong . Thanks

    • Hi Samnang, you’re right and that’s why I put that option first on the list! However, as I mention above, Royal Caribbean only runs the BLQ –> Ravenna shuttle on embarkation day itself.

      So for cruisers who fly into BLQ before embarkation date and staying overnight in Ravenna (or Bologna), the DIY option works as a way to travel to Ravenna Cruise Port. Of course, one can travel back to the BLQ airport and catch the Royal Caribbean shuttle on embarkation day but it’s a bit of a hassle. So an option is just to use the regional train and port shuttle combo to get to Ravenna cruise port, as this option is quicker.

  3. Dear Zana, thanks for your tips. I found they are very informative and helpful. We (family of 4) visit Rome for a couple of days before going to our cruise on Jun 7. I already booked train tickets and will arrive to Bologna @3pm on 5th, I’m debating between the 2 options:
    1. Stay in Bologna for 2 nights, then take private transfer to Ravenna port (quoted 220EUR for 4pp)
    2. Stay one night in Bologna and one night to Ravenna, book shuttle to Ravenna port (20EUR each).
    I like option 1 better as it’s less hassle; however, I’m afraid the private transfer will cancel on me and I would be late for the cruise.
    Option 2 is to a more concrete plan to me, but it is a bit hassle with transfer from station to station and then to hotel. Can you advise what option is better? Thanks in advance for your help.

    • Hi Leslie, thanks so much for your kind words! It’s SO nice to know that my posts are helpful! I’m not sure that I can advise which option is better, as it’s really down to your travel styles. Both options sound like a solid plan to me.

      But when I travel, I tend to minimise the number of hotels I stay in, as it seems every time I check-in and check-out, I lose valuable sightseeing time! When I stay in a different hotel every day, I feel like all I’m doing is hopping onto a different train/plane/automobile every day. I actually did stay 2 nights in Bologna myself, so I could experience more of Bologna. Then did a DIY transfer to Ravenna via local trains on embarkation day itself. (On a Sat, the trains are less busy the earlier you go. And then I spent some time in Ravenna itself.)

      As for the potential cancellation by a private transfer operator, well, hiccups in travel can always happen no matter how well we plan! For what it’s worth, the train/shuttle is always a fall-back option. Well done on all this planning! Hope you all have a wonderful cruise!

  4. We are flying into Bologna on Sept 24 and plan to spend 3 nights there. Then head to Ravenna for 2 nights before boarding Celebrity Constellation on Sept 29. Our biggest concern with taking the train is luggage. We are a couple and will have two large (checked) suitcases, two small (carry-on) suitcases and two backpacks. Are there elevators available at ALL stations where needed? We could not manage our luggage on stairs or even escalators for that matter! You mentioned that the regional trains are double-deckers. Does that mean we need to take our luggage up or down stairs on the train?

    Since we are staying in Ravenna for a few nights, do you suggest finding a place near the train station so we can take the shuttle from there on the morning of the cruise?

    Thanks and we really appreciate all of the useful information that you have provided!.

    • Hi Lee, a step-free transfer on the regional train from Bologna to Ravenna is possibly do-able but not guaranteed. Here’s why: (a) Bologna Central Station: I did see lifts but it’s a pretty big station, so I can’t tell you for sure that the train you want will leave from a platform that is serviced by a lift. (b) Ravenna station: It’s a much smaller station and there’s a single tiny lift from the platform to the exit level. The queue was SO LONG that I chose to carry my check-in bag up two flights of stairs instead. Internet wisdom suggests that this single lift seems to be out of order a lot.

      As for the double-decker trains, you’re right. There’s a few steps up and down to get to each of the decks where all the seating are. But you step onto the train at platform level and there’s usually a few fold-down seats if you don’t want steps. But there’s a chance those seats are taken, so you’ll end up having to stand if you don’t want to take steps up or down on the train.

      As for where to stay in Ravenna, it’s a small town, so you’ll find most hotels to be quite centrally located near the station anyway. If you really don’t want to walk with luggage at all, then check out the Ravenna Tourism port shuttle 👆 I mentioned which do pickups from various hotels but it needs to be pre-booked. Hope you’ll enjoy your cruise!

  5. This is our first time in Europe, and we will travel to Ravenna Port with Royal Caribbean in August 2025. We are coming from Canada, and we will arrive on the 7th. Our embarkation day is the 9th.

    We were trying to decide whether to fly into Venice or Bologna, but we are not sure which one is easier and would make sense to stay at. Also, being new to the country, which one is easier to travel to make sure we get to the port on our day. Any thoughts or guidance would be great and appreciated.

    • Hi Kelly, thanks for your question. I just came back to Canada! If you’re planning to do a DIY transfer to Ravenna cruise port, then Bologna is definitely the easier airport to fly into. Bologna is relatively small so it’s easy to find a hotel within walking distance of Bologna station and you can get to Ravenna cruise port in under 90 mins.

      But Venice is always a most loved pre-cruise destination! If it’s your first time in Italy, then maybe you’d like to see it before your cruise. A DIY transfer from Venice IS harder, as it involves a change of train.

      If you decide to head to Venice, then check back on my blog in the next few months! I spent 4 nights in Venice in July 2024 before my cruise and still haven’t had the time to write up my Venice pre-cruise guides. But I’ll definitely be posting more about Venice very soon :-) Have a most wonderful cruise and a most magical first time visit to Italy!

  6. We are flying in to Bologna
    And trying to decide if we should. Split our time between Bologna a d Ravenna. I don’t want to worry about making it to the ship suggestions

    • Hi Sally, Ravenna is a small town and won’t have much to do for more than a few hours. So if you’re flying in the day before embarkation day, then by all means head straight to Ravenna. But if you’re flying in earlier than that, then a stop in Bologna would be fun too. That’s what I did. But it depends on whether you think changing hotels is a hassle. Enjoy your cruise!

      • hi its December and i saw your reply. My husband is a foodie and it looks like a stay in bologna is better than Ravenna. We are flying in the afternoon of May 29,2025 aand thought about splitting time between both cities. What are your thought. My plans seems lke to any hotel and transportation plans. This is our first trip and want to make it as easy as possible. thank you, Sally

        • Hi Sally,

          I just checked the port schedules & presumably you’ll be on Explorer of the Seas leaving Ravenna on 31st May 2025? That gives you roughly the evening of May 29th (after transfer to hotel from airport) and May 30th, as you’ll need to get to Ravenna by morning of May 31st.

          Staying overnight in Bologna on May 29th, spending time in Bologna on May 30th & travel to Ravenna, then staying overnight in Ravenna on May 30th is definitely do-able. Just depends on how busy you want to make your itinerary and whether you’re inclined to change hotels after one night. Decide whether you’re the sort of traveller to feel comfortable doing this, especially as you’ll likely be jet lagged? It’s just a matter of personal preference and travel styles really. Some people want to max out their vacation time while others just want a more relaxed pace.

          If you haven’t already done so, please read my itinerary suggestions to sightsee in Ravenna, either arriving in Ravenna the night before embarkation or on morning of embarkation day. 👇 Scroll down right to the bottom of the post and you’ll see it. Hopefully this gives you an idea on what each option would look like.

          https://diycruiseports.com/diy-port-guides/ravenna-cruise-stop-mosaics

  7. Hi Zana.
    Thanks for all your tips. We’re flying into Bologne in July 2025 and sailing from Ravenna. It’s our first cruise and your post has really helped. When I look up the train frequency from Bologne Centrale it’s not showing any Regional trains at all. Is that normal?

    Thanks Madge

    • Hi Madge, in general, European trains don’t finalise their timetables until about 90 days out. So that’s why you’re not seeing any trains displayed on timetables this far out! In reality, train timetables, especially the regional train route between Bologna and Ravenna don’t change that much. But do make a note to check again closer to your cruise date! Hope you’ll have a most wonderful cruise – I hope to be back in Ravenna myself next summer!

  9. Hi – great info! Just checking that the shuttles to the train station/port are also available when you disembark at Ravenna? Thanks so much!

    • Hi V, a few days before disembarkation, your cruise line will ask you, usually via a form in the stateroom, your disembarkation preferences. If you’d like to take the shuttle back to Ravenna train station, just check yes on the form. The cabin will be charged the shuttle fee. I did that and was provided with the correct disembarkation tags for my luggage. Then my luggage was waiting for me when I disembarked and ready to jump onto the coach to Ravenna train station. Hope this helps!

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