Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana Station. Source: Kupi.com AI
Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana Station is not merely a transport hub, but a true architectural masterpiece of the modern era, created by the renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. Located on the Milan-Bologna high-speed line, this station serves as the main gateway to the Emilia-Romagna region for travellers who value speed and comfort. The pristine white undulating structure made of steel and glass, resembling sails, makes it one of the most recognisable stations in Italy.
It is important for passengers to know that the station is located approximately 4 kilometres from the historic city centre. This is a specialised station for high-speed trains (Frecciarossa and Italo), so there are no regional commuter trains here — the city's central station is used for those. Navigating inside is very simple: the building is a single linear structure, where escalators and elevators lead to the upper level to the platforms.
City
Reggio Emilia
Country
Italy
Type
Railway station
Contact Information
If you need to contact station representatives or clarify information before your trip, please use the following contacts:
Official Website: It is recommended to use the carrier websites (Trenitalia or Italo Treno) or the RFI (Rete Ferroviaria Italiana) portal to check the schedule.
Address: Via Città del Tricolore, 42124 Reggio Emilia RE, Italy.
Opening Hours: The station is open daily from early morning (around 05:30) until the arrival of the last train (around 00:30).
Information Desk: Available through the call centres of major carriers or at information kiosks at the station (operating hours may vary).
Accessibility: The station is equipped for passengers with reduced mobility; assistance services (Sala Blu) are recommended to be booked in advance via the RFI website.
Luggage Storage: Currently, automatic luggage lockers at the station may be absent or operating with restrictions; it is recommended to verify the availability of this service directly before your visit.
How to Get There
You can reach Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana station in several ways, however, it is worth remembering that it is located away from the city centre.
Public Transport: The most budget-friendly option is local buses (Line 5 or M), which connect the central station (Stazione FS) and the historic centre with the AV station. The trip takes about 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. Special "Italobus" shuttles also operate for Italo train passengers.
Taxi and Car: A taxi ride from the city centre will take about 10–15 minutes and will cost on average 15–25 Euro. Large parking zones (P1, P2, P3) are provided for motorists, located right at the entrance, though finding a free space during peak hours can be challenging.
On Foot: Walking from the centre is not recommended, as the distance is about 4 km, and the route passes through transport interchanges that are not always convenient for pedestrians.
Services and Amenities
Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana station offers a modern set of services befitting the status of a high-speed hub. The station space is organised to ensure maximum comfort during waiting times.
In the main hall, there are ticket counters and numerous self-service machines (biglietteria automatica) for purchasing tickets for Trenitalia and Italo trains. Exclusive lounges (Freccia Club and Lounge Italo Club) are available for business class passengers and loyalty card holders. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the area (registration required). Travellers also have access to clean restrooms, ATMs, and mobile device charging zones. For citizens with reduced mobility, there are elevators leading to the platforms and tactile navigation.
Dining Options
Gastronomic opportunities at Reggio Emilia AV station are oriented towards transit passengers. There are no fine dining restaurants here, but you will not go hungry.
Inside the station, there is a café where you can drink excellent Italian espresso, eat a fresh croissant, or order a panini (sandwich) for the road. This is an ideal option for a quick snack. The average bill for coffee and pastries will be around 5–7 Euro. If you have plenty of time before your train and want a full lunch, it is better to do so in the city before leaving for the station, as the choice of establishments in the immediate vicinity of the station (within walking distance) is limited.
Station History
The history of Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana station is inextricably linked to the modernisation of Italy's transport system in the 21st century. It was inaugurated on June 8, 2013, and became the only intermediate stop on the high-speed line between Milan and Bologna.
The building project was designed by the world-famous architect Santiago Calatrava as part of a larger urban planning project, which also includes the famous bridges over the A1 motorway. The station's structure, consisting of 457 steel portals creating a sinusoidal wave effect, symbolises movement and speed. Since opening, the station has become not only an important transport hub connecting the north and centre of the country but also a new architectural icon of the region.
Passenger Tips
When planning a trip through Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana, consider a few useful tips:
Arrival: It is recommended to arrive at the station 20–30 minutes before the train departs. The station is large, and although navigation is intuitive, getting up to the platforms may take time.
Climate: The platforms are elevated and partially open. In winter, it can be windy and cool there, so dress warmly if you plan to wait for the train upstairs for a long time.
Tickets: For high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo), the ticket is usually tied to a specific seat and train; there is no need to validate it if it is electronic. Just keep the QR code handy.
Attentiveness: Trains stop here for only a couple of minutes. Be ready to board in advance and listen carefully to announcements to know the carriage number and its location on the platform.
