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Imola returned to the Formula 1 family in 2020, rebranded from the previously named San Marino Grand Prix to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. After being out for 14 years, the iconic track is back on the Formula 1 calendar to stay.
We’re here to get you up to speed on what you need to know about travelling to Imola. From the places to visit and food to eat, to exactly how to get there, this guide will tell you all you need to know about travelling to Imola for the race weekend.
If you haven’t already, buy your Imola F1 tickets for the 2024 Grand Prix.
Tragedy struck last year when the 2023 edition was cancelled due to dramatic floods in the Emilia Romagna area.
The races in 2020 and 2021 may have been epic contests, but they took place behind closed doors due to the Covid restrictions. In 2022, crowds were allowed in the circuit as Red Bull took their first 1-2 victory since Malaysia 2016, with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez finishing first and second.
Since then, it has been more of the same in terms of Red Bull domination, but will the 2024 season see the trend start to slip?
Where is the Imola Grand Prix circuit?
Imola is located to around 43km east of Bologna and just over 100km north of Florence. It takes around 45 minutes to drive to Imola from Bologna and around two hours from Florence. It takes around one hour and 15 minutes to drive to Imola from the micro state that gave its name to the Grand Prix for so many years, San Marino.
Where is the nearest airport to the Imola circuit?
The closest airport to Imola is Aeroporto di Bologna (BLQ) which is 38.3 km away. Other nearby airports in order of distance from the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari are: Florence (74.3 km), Pisa (128.3 km) and Venice (136.6 km).
How to get to Imola from the UK
Getting to Imola is easier than some make it out to be. Major European airports that fly to Bologna include Amsterdam, Berlin, Barcelona, London, Manchester and Paris.
From London, flights are operated by British Airways from Heathrow, and budget airlines operate out of Luton, Stansted, Manchester and Edinburgh (seasonal).
From the airport, the circuit is easy to get to, and you can be at the track within 90 minutes of leaving the airport. The Marconi Express train will take you to the Centre of Bologna in seven minutes. At Bologna Centrale, direct trains run to Imola in around 20 minutes.
Once in Imola, the number 2 bus from Imola Stazione will take you to Via Dante in 17 minutes. The circuit is then a 10-minute walk from the bus stop. Alternatively, you can walk through Imola town centre (where you may be staying) to the circuit in half an hour.
How to get from the airport to Imola by coach
If travelling from and to Aeroporto di Bologna on Sunday, you can book a round trip via coach from the airport directly to the track via our main booking page. Head to the Transfers section on the main page to book your coach seat. Please note: this service is only available on Sunday 19th May and there is one transfer each way. The coach will depart promptly from Bologna Airport at 05:15, arriving at Imola at 06:00. The return coach leaves at 17:30 and arrives at the airport at 18:15. Tickets for a round trip cost £25.
How to get to the Imola Grand Prix from outside Europe
If you are flying to the race from outside Europe, your journey may be slightly longer as you will need a connection to Bologna. This could be a flight from one of the European airports serving Bologna, or you could opt for the cheaper and more efficient train. A two-hour service from Rome Termini in the Italian capital will get you to Bologna Centrale for around €60.
There are very few intercontinental flights to Bologna, but flights from countries such as the USA and UAE arrive into Milano Malpensa Airport. Imola can then be reached by car or train.
How to get from Bologna to Imola by train
Trains serving Imola’s Trenitalia Spa train station depart from Bologna Centrale. The station in Imola is a 30-minute walk from the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari. There are no shuttles buses so most people opt to walk, however there are taxis available outside the train station.
The train journey from Bologna to Imola takes just 20 minutes and services leave regularly. Tickets from Bologna to Imola are reasonably priced and can be bought for around €4.30 (around £3.70).
If you have a weekend Grand Prix ticket, it would be worth buying a 3-day pass for €29 (£25) but be aware it isn’t valid for the high-speed services.
The last train to Bologna leaves Imola at 23:00h everyday.
How to get to Imola circuit by car
Hiring a car is a popular option for racegoers heading to the Imola Grand Prix. The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari is easily reachable from Bologna by the E45 toll road. The drive takes around an hour but on race weekend that amount would be expected to increase.
Imola circuit parking
There are many options when it comes to parking for the Imola Grand Prix, but it is worth noting that there are no shuttles linking car parks to the circuit. Therefore, it is a good idea to book a parking space within what you deem a walkable distance.
Below is a map of the car parks in Imola, some of which can be booked here.
What are the best things to do in Imola?
Imola is best-known as the home of the circuit, so its motorsport heritage is a rich one. It has hosted the San Marino Grand Prix (despite being 100km north of San Marino) 26 times, as well as World Superbike, Motorcross and World Touring Car Championship races.
This track has also become something of a motorsport pilgrimage after the race weekend of 1994 where Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger lost their lives. There is also a museum by the racetrack that is dedicated to some of the cars that have raced at the circuit, and includes an exhibition on the Brazilian champion.
Elsewhere in the town, tourists visit Palazzo Tozzoni which was built in the 18th century as a noble residence. It was donated and opened to the public in 1981 as per the will of the Tozzoni family, and has been perfectly preserved ever since.
What is there to do in Bologna?
Nearby Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, so naturally, there is more to get stuck into there. Atop the Colle or Monte della Guardia sits the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca – a church some 300m above the city. If you’re an adventurer and need to stretch your legs, the views at the top are a breathtaking reward for the trek up the hill. Alternatively, you can take a short train for €10 and save your energy for the race.
The Piazza Maggiore is a traditional Italian town square, and a fine place to meet for food or drinks. At the heart of Bologna, it’s the perfect place to chill out and chow down on the world-famous traditional dish of the region, authentic Spaghetti Bolognese.
Emilia Romagna is also home to the Motor Valley, where the world’s biggest motoring brands build their cars. From Ferrari to Maserati, Lamborghini to Ducati, fans can take to the road and explore the factories of the biggest car brands in the world. From Bologna, you can spend a day with Ferrari. Tours will take you to the factory in Maranello, you’ll have lunch in the town, explore the museums and tour the factory of the F1 team – a unique insight into the sport’s most iconic brand.
Where are the best places to eat and drink in Imola?
Of course, pizza and pasta are on the menu for any fans heading to Emilia Romagna – it would be rude not to. But if you’re only in town for a few days, which restaurants should be at the top of your reservation list?
Imola is packed with small trattorias where you can pick up some great food. La Sterlina is rated one of the best, serving up indulgent meats and delicate pasta dishes at great value. If you’re after pizza, Ristorante Pizzeria Donatello specialises in pizzas and seafood, and is a must if you’re in town. For finer dining, San Domenico holds two Michelin stars and has been serving exquisite seafood dishes for over 50 years. A fine place to celebrate if the result goes your way on race day.
Where should I stay on a visit to Imola?
There are lots of affordable hotel options in Imola within walking distance of the circuit. On a normal weekend, you could book a double room in a hotel for approximately £60-70.
However, for a truly unique experience, check out Hotel Rivazza which is based within the circuit grounds. There’s a view of the start-finish straight from behind a grandstand from the front garden, so a great place to keep abreast of all the action. You’ll still need a ticket to access grandstands, general admission zones and amenities on a race weekend, but nothing will get you closer to the action.
Book tickets for the 2024 Imola Grand Prix
Now that you are informed on the logistics and some of the many attractions Imola has to offer, it’s time to book your place at the 2024 Imola Grand Prix. Tickets are already selling fast!