Maranello visit in two weeks: Can we do this with public transportation?

We have done the trip to Maranello twice. Once by public transportation and once by rent a car. If I were to do it again, it would be by public transportation. I am sure many will disagree with me, but the traffic and parking were a nightmare. We took the train from Milan to Modena. Then we took a cab to Maranello and stayed at the same Best Western. I even think there is a bus that goes to Maranello from the Modena bus station. From the Best Western, you can walk to the Ferrari factory, the museum and even to the viewing spots of the test track. However, I can't speak to getting around to some of the other places you mention.

 

My wife and I were there last week with a European delivery car and it was easy for us. While we did not look into public transportation there were no issues with using our own car. Allowed us to stop by the fence and watch a little testing on the track which I am not sure how you would do without a car unless you were willing to do some walking.

 

My recollection is that there is a bus stop outside the Lambo factory but it probably only serves Modena & Bologna which might make taking as taxi more sensible to & from Maranello

 

why would you want to? you can get a car with navi for $20-30. i didn't have any problem with traffic or parking anywhere we went. the lambo factory is about 25 minutes away. the pagani factory is close by too. need to call or email them first. by the way, make sure you have some pizza downstairs at the hotel domus. it's awesome.

 

I have always rented a car when visiting the area. Getting from Ferrari to Lambo is theoretically possible by public transportation, but would take quite a bit of time, and be a bit uncertain if you rely on the busses. You wouold need to change busses at least in Modena, and maybe even 2 times or more. The roads in the area are well marked and the routes not at all bad. They are smaller, local roads, however, and can have some truck traffic (this is an industrial area) and traffic lights. The back roads have much less traffic, and the main roads can get a bit choked at times, like moring and afternoon rush hours. Took me about 25-35 minutes to get to Lambo from Ferrari, and that was not pushing it. By having a car, you can also pick and choose where you want to eat in local places. I have never taken a cab in the area so cannnot help you with the availability and rates. One thing I wuld suggest is that when you are in Milan, find a good bookstore or the like and pick up a good detailed road map of the provinces of Modena and Bologna. Ther are some very nice ones published by the Touring Club of Italy which really help in planning routes, and getting back on track once you have made a small wrong turn ! These detailed local maps do not seem to be readily available in the US, and are best found in the region within which you are travelling.

Buon viaggio
Mike

 

Rent a car.

 

We've done the Maranello trip many times - most recently went end of June for 60th Anniversary. We always rent a car whether we arrive in Milan or Bologna. It's the only way to get around and really enjoy the countryside. Driving in Rome is a can be a real treat especially at the roundabouts. . We've also stayed at the Domus . . we always go to the Maranello Cafe in the square by City Hall and the Domus - great way to cap off an evening with espresso. Reservations are highly advised for Montana and Il Cavallino - remembering that dinner usually doesn't begin until 7 or 7:30 pm. There's a couple other really good restaurants in Maranello also, especially La Noche. There's a really good, very reasonably priced pizza place just down from the Galleria and Warm Up. A5 has had a lot of construction taking place, especially into Bologna. If your schedule permits and assuming you will be traveling via automobile, a visit to the Maranello Rosso Museum not far from the gate into San Marino is a definite must. I couldn't imagine doing the trip without the freedom afforded by a rental car! We've never found traffic to be a problem - heck, I went by myself to the Finale Mondiali at Monza last October - picked up a rental car at Malpensa and off to the races at Monza.

Carol

 

Public transportation is viable most everywhere in Italy, however if you do not speak the language it may be a problem at times.
Also not all means of transportation have A/C and in August that may just be the biggest problem....
I was in Maranello at the end of June and I had no problem with parking and / or with traffic anywhere.
However, you will be going in August and 3/4 of the Italian population will be on the move as well, so some traffic congestion is to be expected on the roads, while towns and cities will be pretty much deserted.
I am not sure why you would not want to rent a car, but driving in Italy is not bad at all: the roads are good, Italians cannot be on the phone while driving (!!!) and are not used to eat, drink, shave, apply make-up, read newspapers, etc., etc. while driving either.
A decent car will cost you $ 100.00 /day and diesel fuel is about 1 euro/liter
Good luck !

 

I will be in Italy next month (September 2007) and would like to visit the Ferrari factory in Maranello. How can I arrange this?
Please advise.

Thank you,

Frank Daniels
Ferrari Lover

 

If you are an owner, you can go through the Ferrari Concierge service. Talk to Terra at 866 551 2828. If you aren't an owner I can't help.

 

Factory tour is for owners. VIN number is necessary in making reservations. FoH did our paperwork for our freebie tour a couple years ago.

Carol