HOW TO REACH MACERATA

Delegates travelling from outside Italy have a choice of airports. The information provided here is largely practical, aimed to make your journey as straightforward as possible.

Links marked with * direct to an external website. These websites are in no way sponsored by or sponsoring SOCIN 2025.

BY AIR

FLYING TO A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

(international and intercontinental carriers)

Due to its position near the Adriatic coast, the best international airport to choose from is Bologna (BLQ). From Bologna airport, you take the Marconi monorail to the main train station (Bologna Centrale), from where you can take any southbound Intercity (IC) train. Southbound trains have as their final destination: Ancona, Pescara, Bari, Lecce, Taranto, and Brindisi. You will have to change the train at Civitanova Marche: before you buy your ticket, please make sure that your train does in fact stop there.
The fastest (and most expensive) trains – Freccia Rossa – do not stop at Civitanova Marche. You can take these trains as far as Ancona and then change to a ‘Regionale’ train direct to Macerata (some of these proceed to Fabriano as their final destination).

Rome Fiumicino (FCO) is an alternative international airport. Public transport from this airport to Macerata normally requires that you take a train or a shuttle bus to the centre of Rome (Roma Termini train station stop; the bus station is just around the corner). From Roma Termini, you can get to Macerata either by train (‘Regionale’ services only, sometimes necessitating a change of train at Fabriano) or by bus (Flixbus).
There is also a limited Flixbus service connecting Rome Fiumicino airport to Macerata. The bus station in Macerata is located in Via Piero e Lorenzo Cioci, near the Giardini Diaz.
Be aware that the journey across Italy is longer than it looks on a map because you have to pass through the Appennine mountains.

FLYING TO A PROVINCIAL AIRPORT

(some international carriers; low-cost carriers)

The closest provincial airport is Umbria International Airport (AOI) in Perugia, mainly served by Ryanair. You can check carriers and destinations here*. From Perugia airport, take the Contram coach to Macerata Piediripa (a stop outside the city, at the bottom of the hill) then change and take another bus (Contram or the orange Macerata cita ATM bus) or a taxi to Macerata itself.

Ancona International Airport (AOI) is equally close, and logistically easier than Perugia. Lufthansa flies here from Munich; other flights are mainly operated by Ryanair, AeroItalia, and Wizz!. This airport is undergoing an expansion at this moment – you can check carriers and destinations here*. From Ancona airport, take a shuttle or a taxi to Ancona Centrale railway station and take a direct ‘Regionale’ train to Macerata (or any train to Civitanova Marche then a Regionale to Macerata).

An alternative provicial airport on the East coast is the Aeroporto internazionale d’Abruzzo (PSR) in Pescara. This is a little further away than Ancona but logistically easy. ITA Airways flies here from Milan Linate; other flights are mainly operated by Ryanair and Wizz!. You can check carriers and destinations here*. From Pescara airport, take the shuttle bus or a taxi to the central train station (Pescara Centrale) then a northbound Intercity (IC) or ‘Regionale’ train to Civitanova Marche (northbound trains have as their final destinations: Ancona, Bologna, Milan). Change at Civitanova Marche for a ‘Regionale’ service to Macerata / Fabriano.

Rome Ciampino (CIA) is one of the largest provincial airports and serves most European destinations. As it is with Rome Fiumicino, public transport from this airport to Macerata normally requires that you take a train or a shuttle bus to Roma Termini (train station stop; the bus station is just around the corner). From Roma Termini, you can get to Macerata either by train (‘Regionale’ services only, sometimes necessitating a change of train at Fabriano) or by bus (Flixbus).
There is also a limited Flixbus service connecting Rome Ciampino airport to Macerata. The bus station in Macerata is located in Via Piero e Lorenzo Cioci, near the Giardini Diaz.

Useful links

  • Train information can be found on the Trenitalia* Website
  • You can also consult train timetables and buy tickets using the Trainline* app
  • Bus services from Rome can be found on the Flixbus* Website
  • The Contram website is here*. Contram also has an app* (only available in Italian) which allows you to make in-app purchases. You will be expected to load your suitcase into the luggage bays and retrieve it yourself

GREEN TRAVEL

  • You can find comprehensive information on train travel and connections on The Man in Seat 61* website
  • You can book cross-Europe train travel here*

General indications

TRAIN

From most Western European points of origin, your train journey will take you first to Milan (Milano Centrale station), where you will have to change to get to Bologna (Bologna Centrale station), which is the major station interchange for southbound travel.

If travelling from Central or Eastern Europe, e.g. via Vienna, you will arrive first in Venice (Venezia Mestre) where you may have to change trains before proceeding to Bologna (Bologna Centrale station).

Take any southbound train from Bologna heading down the Adriatic side of Italy (i.e., passing Forlì, Cesena, Rimini, Riccione, Ancona).
If you take the fast train (Freccia Rossa), you may change to Ancona. From here you can either take a slow (Regionale) train directly to Macerata, or take an InterCity to Civitanova Marche, then change to the Regionale train for the last leg of your journey to Macerata.
If you take an InterCity from Bologna you will go as far as Civitanova Marche, where you then change to the Regionale service to Macerata.

BUS

There is also a Contram bus service from Civitanova Marche to Macerata which integrates the transport network, particularly at off-peak times. The bus stop is a one-minute walk from Civitanova Marche train station. You can buy a ticket at the newsagent in the station – ask for a “Biglietto Contram tariffa 5” which is a pink cardboard ticket that you have to validate when getting on the bus. You will know that you are nearly in Macerata (approx 40 minutes) when you start going up a rather steep hill; you will pass by the Education department (on your left) then the cemetery; when the road levels out again you will be on Corso Cairoli and will see in front of you the city gate (Porta Picena) and the iconic Sferisterio on its right.
If you plan to take the bus, feel free to contact us for more detailed information about where to get off, depending on where you have booked accommodation.

CYCLE ROUTE

  1. From Ancona to Macerata (approximately 35-40 km)

Ancona, located on the coast, is relatively close to Macerata. For a cycling route, follow these steps:

  • Departing from Ancona: follow the SS16 (Strada Statale Adriatica) in a south-easterly direction.
  • After leaving the city, you can take side roads through the hills until you reach the SS78, which leads to Macerata.
  • The route is scenic, but you will have to climb some hills, so be prepared for some challenging stretches.
  1. From Bologna to Macerata (approximately 200 km)

The route from Bologna to Macerata is a bit longer and requires more careful planning, as the distance is about 200 km. Here is a possible itinerary:

  • Departing from Bologna: follow the SS9 in a southerly direction, passing through towns such as Imola and Faenza.
  • Continue along the provincial and regional roads towards Cesena, Fano and then Urbino.
  • From Urbino, continue through the Marche hills towards Macerata.
  • This route passes through several hilly areas, so make sure you are ready for climbs and challenging stretches.
  1. From Rome to Macerata (approximately 200-220 km)

The route from Rome is similar to the one from Bologna, but a little longer:

  • Departing from Rome: take the SS4 Via Salaria or the provincial roads to Rieti and continue to Ascoli Piceno.
  • From Ascoli Piceno, continue towards Macerata through the hills, possibly passing through Camerino.
  • Again, be prepared for hilly stretches with several climbs.
  1. From Florence to Macerata (approximately 190-210 km)

If you leave from Florence, the route is more complex but still practicable:

  • Departing from Florence: take the SS67 towards Borgo San Lorenzo and continue towards Cesena.
  • From Cesena, continue along the SS3 Flaminia, crossing hilly areas.
  • Follow the secondary roads to enter the Marche region and continue towards Macerata.

General tips for all routes:

  • Secondary roads: Secondary or provincial roads are generally safer for cyclists than main roads.
  • Hilly routes: Macerata is situated on a hill, so be prepared for climbs. An electric bike can be a good support.
  • Stops: Plan to stop in small towns along the way to rest and refuel.
  • Weather: Check the weather forecast, as the area can vary in conditions.
  • Google Maps or Komoot: Show alternative routes using secondary roads or cycle paths.

BY CAR

A14 motorway (Ancona North) going to Pescara, exit Civitanova Marche-Macerata, and take the SS77 to Macerata.

Coming from the Adriatic coast: take the A14 motorway (Bologna-Taranto). Take the Civitanova Marche-Macerata exit; at the roundabout, follow signs for Macerata-Tolentino and take the SS77 to Macerata. Exit the SS 7 at Macerata Sud-Corridonia.

Coming from the Tyrrhenian coast (west coast): the shortest route is a mountain. Cross the Apennines at Passo di Colfiorito, then carefully follow the signs for Macerata-Civitanova Marche and take the SS77 at Macerata. Exit at Macerata Ovest-Sforzacosta and turn right at the fork.

Take the A24 motorway through L’Aquila and join the A14 motorway on the Adriatic coast to Teramo.

RENT A CAR

Rather than navigate the public transport network you may opt to rent a car. The motorway network is generally well-maintained and all motorways incur a toll charge. You may wish to install an app such as Ecomotori* on your phone to help you locate filling stations, especially for cars running with methane or LPG. Please see the information on the Venue page for more information on where to park your car in Macerata.