Mantua lies in the heart of the Po Valley, between Verona, Modena, Cremona and Lake Garda. It isn’t on the high-speed rail lines, but it has one direct Frecciarossa a day to Bologna, Florence and Rome, and it is easy to reach by train, by car and by plane from the nearby airports.
Once you arrive, the city is best explored on foot: the historic centre is compact and largely pedestrianised. If you arrive with luggage and can’t check in yet, or have already left your hotel, Mantova Locker is at Via Solferino e San Martino 4, just a short walk from the station.
At a glance: practical guide · station 15 min from the centre · travellers
Getting here and getting around
1. By train
The station has direct connections with Verona, Modena, Cremona and Milan; from Verona and Modena you can continue on the high-speed lines. There is also one direct Frecciarossa a day to Bologna, Florence and Rome, leaving in the morning and returning in the evening: check times and operating days. From the station to Piazza delle Erbe it’s about 13 minutes on foot along Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Corso Umberto I.
2. By car
Mantua is on the Brenner motorway (A22), with the Mantova Nord and Mantova Sud exits. Much of the historic centre is a limited traffic zone (ZTL): leave your car in the car parks on the edge of the centre or at your hotel, and check the ZTL rules before driving in.
3. By plane
The nearest airport is Verona Villafranca, about 32 km away by road. From there, take the shuttle bus to Verona Porta Nuova station and then the train to Mantua, or hire a car. Other options are Bologna and the Milan and Bergamo airports, which are further away.
4. By bike
Cyclists arrive from Lake Garda along the Peschiera–Mantua cycle path, about 45 km and almost entirely flat, or along the cycle routes beside the Po.
5. Getting around town
The main sights are all within two kilometres: Palazzo Ducale is about 16 minutes from the station, Palazzo Te about 20. For longer distances there are city buses, taxis and bike hire.
Visit Mantua luggage-free
Leave your suitcases, backpacks and bags at Mantova Locker and travel light: we are at Via Solferino e San Martino 4, just a short walk from the railway station, open 24 hours a day. Find out how it works, our prices and where to find us.
Practical tips
- Check regional train times: some routes have fewer services in the evening and on public holidays.
- If you’re driving, don’t enter the centre without checking the ZTL: fines are sent to your home address.
- Arriving before check-in or leaving after check-out? Leave your suitcases in storage and explore the city travelling light.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Mantua by train?
With regional trains from Verona, Modena, Cremona and Milan; Verona and Modena connect with the high-speed lines. There is also one direct Frecciarossa a day to and from Rome, via Florence and Bologna.
How far is Mantua station from the centre?
Piazza delle Erbe is about 13 minutes on foot, Piazza Sordello and Palazzo Ducale about 16.
What is the nearest airport to Mantua?
Verona Villafranca, about 32 km away by road. Bologna, Bergamo and Milan are further away.
Where can I leave my luggage at Mantua station?
At Mantova Locker, Via Solferino e San Martino 4, just a short walk from the railway station.
More Mantua itineraries
- Mantua in one day: a walking itinerary through the Gonzaga masterpieces
- A weekend in Mantua: what to see in two days of art, theatre and lakes
- Mantua in half a day: what to see between trains
- Mantua on the water: lakes, boat trips on the Mincio and lotus flowers
- Mantua by bike: the lakes loop and the Mantua–Peschiera cycle path
- Mantua for food lovers: an itinerary of pumpkin tortelli, risotto and sbrisolona
- Palazzo Ducale and the Camera degli Sposi in Mantua: a visitor’s guide
- Palazzo Te in Mantua: what to see in Giulio Romano’s villa
- Sabbioneta from Mantua: a day trip to the Gonzaga ideal city
- Mantua with kids: things to do among castles, boats and nature
- Mantua for free: what to see without spending a penny
- Around Mantua: 6 villages and places for a day trip
- Mantua in 3 days: a complete itinerary of the city, the lakes and Sabbioneta
- When to visit Mantua: the best time, season by season
- Mantua by night: sunset over the lakes, aperitivo in the piazza and theatres
- Musical Mantua: Teatro Bibiena, Mozart, Monteverdi and Rigoletto
- Mantua in the rain: museums, palaces and arcades for an indoor day
- What to see in Mantua
