How to Get to Parma, Italy: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
It’s something of a hidden gem but a big player in Italian culinary heritage, if you don’t know how to get to Parma, this is your one-stop guide ! 🇮🇹
Parma, Italy, known for its rich history, delectable cuisine, and beautiful architecture, is a must-visit destination for any traveler. Are you ready for a taste of Emilia Romagna? Whether you’re coming from Milan, Rome, or Bologna, there are several transportation options to get you to Parma. In this guide, we’re exploring the various modes of transportation from these major Italian cities and even on how to arrive from airlines from the US, Australia and New Zealand, the UK, and Germany!
How to Get to Parma When Traveling from Milan
Train:
The most convenient way to reach Parma from Milan is by train. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, and you can enjoy scenic views of the Italian countryside along the way. Trains depart from Milan’s central station, Milano Centrale. You can check the train schedules and book tickets in English on the official Italian rail service website, Trenitalia.
The cost of a train ticket from Milan to Parma starts at around $8.11. There are various service levels available on the Frecciarossa trains operated by Trenitalia, such as Premium, Standard, Executive, and Business, each offering different amenities. Facilities on these trains include free WiFi, power sockets, space for luggage, and more. Naturally, the ticket prices may vary depending on the class and services chosen. For detailed information and ticket booking, you can visit websites like Rail Europe, Trainline, or Rome2rio.
Car:
If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car in Milan and take the A1 motorway south towards Parma. The journey typically takes around 2 hours.
How to Get to Parma When Traveling from Rome
Train:
Trains from Rome to Parma are comfortable and efficient, and it’s a great way to soak up the Italian scenery between these two cities. The journey takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, and you’ll travel through picturesque Italian landscapes. Trains depart from Roma Termini station. Check train schedules and book tickets in English on Trenitalia’s website (you’ll find that this is a pretty handy resource when in Italy). Train ticket prices from Rome to Parma start from around €18.90 and can vary up to €100, depending on the booking time, train type, and class.
Flights:
If you’re looking for a faster option, you can also consider taking a flight from Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Parma Airport (PMF). This option is more time-efficient but may be more expensive… time is money after all 🥲
How to Get to Parma When Traveling from Bologna
Train:
Bologna to Parma is a short train ride that takes around 1 hour. Trains are frequent and comfortable. Bologna Centrale is the main train station in Bologna. Check train schedules and book tickets on Trenitalia’s website. Train ticket prices from Rome to Parma start from around €18.90 and can vary up to €100, again, depending on the booking time, train type, and class.
Bus:
There are also bus services available from Bologna to Parma, which might be a cost-effective option. There are several options available with different bus companies, including Itabus, MarinoBus, Autolinee Federico, and Infobus. The prices for these services start from around $8.23 and can go up depending on the company and the type of service you choose. The average duration of the journey is about 1 hour and 20 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 88 km (55 miles).
There are multiple daily departures, with the first bus leaving as early as 1:00 AM and the last departure around 6:30 PM. The frequency of the buses and their amenities can vary, so it’s advisable to check the schedules and book your ticket in advance for the best deal and to ensure availability.
Note about trains: The trenitalia website typically only has schedules and prices for trains between 90-120 days before the travel date.
International Flights
For international travelers looking to reach Parma, there are several major airlines that connect to nearby international airports:
From the United States:
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- Alitalia (Italian airline with code-sharing agreements)
From Australia and New Zealand:
- Qantas
- Emirates
- Qatar Airways
- Etihad Airways
From the United Kingdom:
- British Airways
- Ryanair
- Alitalia
From Germany:
- Lufthansa
- Ryanair
- Alitalia
To get to Parma from these international airports, you can consider connecting flights to major Italian cities like Milan, Rome, or Bologna, and then use the aforementioned transportation options to reach Parma.
Parma awaits with its charming streets, historic sites, and, of course, the famous Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma. With multiple transportation options and international flight connections, getting to Parma is easier than ever. Enjoy your journey to this picturesque Italian city!
If you’re a first-time visitor or looking to go deeper into the culinary and cultural offerings of Parma, make sure to book a culinary vacation in Parma. Let’s Eat Parma offers excursions and cooking lessons that are bespoke for lovers of food and going beyond the surface of visiting Italian cities and their culture. You’ll learn from an Italian chef and explore parmesan cheese making and much more. Check out the 2024 dates and 2025 dates along with the vacation highlights to make sure you don’t miss out on all that Parma has to offer.
