Ravenna Airport

Ravenna Airport Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide to Ravenna Historical Sites

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction to Ravenna Airport and Its Role

Ravenna Airport, officially known as La Spreta Airport (IATA: RAN, ICAO: LIDR), is a small regional airport located just outside the city of Ravenna in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. While its facilities are modest compared to Italy’s major international hubs, Ravenna Airport plays a significant role in supporting general aviation, private flights, flight training, and occasional charter operations. As the city is world-famous for its UNESCO World Heritage mosaics and monuments, the airport provides essential connectivity for private flyers, business travelers, and aviation enthusiasts.

Although Ravenna Airport is not a commercial passenger terminal, it is a convenient point of entry for those traveling by private plane or charter, especially for visitors seeking easy access to Ravenna’s historical treasures such as the Basilica di San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Most tourists, however, use larger airports in Bologna or Rimini for scheduled flights due to broader transport links and flight options.

This guide provides comprehensive information on Ravenna Airport operations, ticketing, transportation, accessibility, and advice for visiting the city’s celebrated historical sites. For up-to-date flight schedules and airport services, consult authoritative resources like Airport Info Live and the Visit Ravenna tourism website.

Ravenna Airport Overview and Operations
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Airport Facilities and Accessibility
Nearby Historical Attractions
Travel Tips and Transport Options
Common Misconceptions
Closest Airports to Ravenna: Summary Table
Visiting Ravenna’s Historical Sites: Hours, Tickets, and Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
References

Ravenna Airport Overview and Operations

Established in the mid-20th century, Ravenna Airport was designed to meet local aviation needs with a focus on general aviation, flight training, and limited charter services. Unlike larger airports, its infrastructure is intentionally simple and geared towards private and small-scale flights. Over the decades, the airport has adapted to changes in regional aviation, supporting flight schools and serving as a base for aerial work, emergency medical flights, and community events (Wikipedia; Airport History).

Current Status

As of July 2025, there are no scheduled commercial or international flights operating from Ravenna Airport. Instead, it primarily caters to:

Private pilots and general aviation
Flight training schools
Charter flights (pre-arranged only)
Occasional aerial work and emergency services

For real-time information on airport operations and general aviation activity, check Airport Info Live.

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Airport Visiting Hours

Ravenna Airport operates daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. These hours are set to accommodate typical general aviation schedules and flight training operations. If you are planning to visit for aviation-related activities, events, or meetings, it is advisable to contact the airport administration or your flight operator in advance.

Tickets and Flight Booking

There are no commercial airline ticketing services at Ravenna Airport. Tickets for private or charter flights must be arranged directly with flight operators or aviation schools. For scheduled flights to Ravenna, travelers should use nearby major airports such as Bologna Guglielmo Marconi (BLQ) or Rimini Federico Fellini (RMI), and book tickets through standard airline and travel platforms (Prokerala).

Airport Facilities and Accessibility

Despite its compact size, Ravenna Airport provides essential amenities:

Parking: Free or low-cost parking near the terminal for private vehicles.
Ground Transportation: Taxi services and private transfers can be arranged, but no direct public bus or train service connects the airport with Ravenna city center (Savoring Italy).
Accessibility: The airport is equipped for travelers with disabilities, including wheelchair access and assistance upon request.
Nearby Accommodation: Several hotels and B&Bs are located within a short drive of the airport.

If you require specific assistance (e.g., for reduced mobility), notify your flight operator or transfer provider in advance.

Nearby Historical Attractions

Ravenna is celebrated for its early Christian and Byzantine monuments, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Key attractions include:

Basilica di San Vitale: Renowned for its vibrant mosaics.
Mausoleum of Galla Placidia: A jewel of Western mosaic art.
Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo: Famous for its biblical mosaics.
Dante’s Tomb and Museum: Honoring Italy’s greatest poet.

These sites are located in or near Ravenna’s city center, easily accessible by car or public transport from the main train station or from nearby airports.

Travel Tips and Transport Options

Airports Near Ravenna

While Ravenna Airport is the closest by geography, it is not suitable for scheduled flights. Instead, use one of the following airports for most travel needs:

Airport Name	Code	Distance to Ravenna	Travel Time (Car)	Main Features
Forlì Airport	FRL	26.5 km	~34 min	Closest, limited regional flights
Federico Fellini (Rimini) Airport	RMI	60–70 km	~1 hr	Regional, seasonal international
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport	BLQ	73.7–83.2 km	~1 hr	Major international, best for long-haul
Orio al Serio (Bergamo) Airport	BGY	241.1–317.4 km	~3 hr 20 min	Major low-cost, farthest
Venice Marco Polo Airport	VCE	~150 km	1.5–2 hr	Major international, not direct

(Closest Airport to Ravenna; Cruise Ship Mania)

Getting to Ravenna

By Car: All major airports offer car rental services. The road network is efficient; Bologna and Rimini are about an hour away by car.
By Train: From Bologna and Rimini, direct trains reach Ravenna’s central station in 1–1.5 hours (Visit Ravenna).
By Bus/Transfer: Private transfers and taxis are available and advisable for groups or travelers with luggage.
Cruise Port Transfers: Ravenna’s cruise terminal (Porto Corsini) is 15 km from the city center; shuttle services are available (Visit Ravenna).

Local Transportation

Ravenna’s city center is compact and walkable. Urban buses, bike rentals, and taxis make it easy to reach historical sites from hotels and transit hubs.

Common Misconceptions

Ravenna Airport is a major international gateway: False. It does not have scheduled commercial flights and is not suited to international arrivals (EmergentOne).
It is the best airport for cruise passengers: False. Cruise lines recommend Bologna or Rimini airports for easier transfers to the port (CruiseNonStop).
Public transport connects the airport to the city: False. Only private vehicles, taxis, or pre-arranged transfers are available.
You can book regular flights from Ravenna Airport: False. Only private, charter, or flight school operations are available.

Closest Airports to Ravenna: Summary Table

Aspect	Reality	Common Misconception
Type of Airport	General aviation, no scheduled flights	Major commercial/international airport
Main Users	Private pilots, flight schools, aerial work	Airline passengers, cruise tourists
Facilities	Basic, no shops/restaurants	Full-service airport
Closest Major Airports	Bologna (BLQ), Rimini (RMI), Forlì (FRL)	Ravenna Airport as the main gateway
Transport to City	Car, taxi, transfer only	Direct public transport

Visiting Ravenna’s Historical Sites: Hours, Tickets, Arrival Tips

Ravenna’s monuments are among the most celebrated in Europe. Here’s how to plan your visit:

Key Sites and Hours

Basilica di San Vitale: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, €5 entry.
Mausoleum of Galla Placidia: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM, €3 entry; combined tickets available.
Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, €4 entry.
Dante’s Tomb and Museum: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM, €3 entry.

Hours may vary seasonally. Last entry is generally one hour before closing.

Tickets

Combined passes: Available for multiple monuments at a reduced price.
Guided tours: Highly recommended for deeper insights; book online or at the tourist office (Visit Ravenna).

Accessibility

Most sites are accessible, with some limitations in historic buildings. Advance notice is recommended if you need assistance.

Transportation

From Airports: Car rental, taxi, or train from Bologna/Rimini is the best approach.
Within City: Walk, bike, or use urban buses for moving between monuments.

Accommodation

Options include city-center hotels, B&Bs, and seaside resorts. Book early during festival seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I buy airline tickets at Ravenna Airport?
A: No, only private or charter flights can be arranged directly with operators.

Q: What are Ravenna Airport’s visiting hours?
A: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

Q: Which airport should I use for visiting Ravenna?
A: Bologna (BLQ) is best for international flights; Forlì (FRL) is closest but has limited service.

Q: How do I get from the airport to Ravenna?
A: By car, taxi, or train (from Bologna or Rimini).

Q: Are Ravenna’s monuments accessible for those with reduced mobility?
A: Most are, but check in advance for specific access details.

Q: Can I visit Ravenna’s monuments with a combined ticket?
A: Yes, combined tickets are available for major attractions.

Final Recommendations

For the best experience:

Use major airports for scheduled flights to Ravenna.
Plan transfers and accommodation ahead, especially in peak seasons.
Take advantage of combined monument tickets and guided tours.
Download the Audiala app and explore Visit Ravenna’s website for event updates, maps, and virtual tours.