Getting around

By air — the long-haul leg

There's no direct intercontinental service to Parma. For long-haul, you fly into a major European hub and connect on a short hop, or land at one of the bigger Italian airports within reach and take the train in.

Bologna (Guglielmo Marconi)

Parma's real international gateway. About an hour away, reached by train via Bologna Centrale. This is the airport most people should actually use.

Milan airports (Malpensa, Linate, Bergamo)

Also within reach to the north, about an hour or so by train, for wider long-haul and cheap European routes.

Parma (Giuseppe Verdi)

The small local airport, a handful of routes only. Connected to the center by bus line 6 in about 15 minutes. Handy when a route happens to fit, but not the main way in.

By train

Parma sits squarely on the main Milan–Bologna high-speed line, so much of the north is within easy reach (times below).

On foot

The historic center is small and flat, and the train station is only about a 10-minute walk from the heart of the old town. Most central daily life happens on foot.

Buses (TEP)

Parma’s local bus network, run by TEP, covers the city and the residential districts. No metro or tram — the city is compact enough not to need one. A single ride is €2.00, valid 80 minutes (TEP, 2026).

By bicycle

Parma is flat and compact, and cycling is woven into daily life here. Bike lanes, easy distances, and a relaxed pace make two wheels often the quickest and most pleasant way across town.

Intercity buses (FlixBus and Itabus)

A budget alternative to the train for reaching other cities, with low fares and a wide network. On the well-served Via Emilia rail corridor the train is usually faster and more central, so most people take it — but the coach is a fair option on a tight budget or for routes the train serves awkwardly. Check routes and fares on FlixBus ›