Getting There
The most practical gateway for Cremona is Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), roughly 98 miles by road. From BLQ, take the Marconi Express automated shuttle to Bologna Centrale in about 7 minutes, then connect via Trenitalia toward Milan, changing at Milan Rogoredo to reach Cremona Station; the full trip takes around 3 hours 20 minutes. If you prefer to drive, the journey from BLQ to Cremona is about 1 hour 33 minutes via the A21 motorway, which is the most efficient option for match-day flexibility.
Getting Around
Cremona's urban bus network is operated by Arriva Italia, with routes connecting the train station (Stazione FS), the bus hub (Autostazione on Via Dante), and the historic center; there is no metro or tram system. The city is compact and largely flat, so the stadium at Via Persico is around a 20-minute walk from Piazza del Comune, making a car unnecessary for most match-day needs. Ride-sharing apps like Uber are not widely available in Cremona; licensed taxis are found at stands near the train station and Piazza del Comune, with typical city-center fares running roughly €8–€15.
Where to Stay
The area around the historic center and Piazza del Comune is the best base for visiting fans, putting you within easy walking distance of bars, restaurants, and the stadium on Via Persico. Budget hotels and B&Bs in this zone start around €50–€80 per night, with mid-range options in the €90–€140 range. Staying near Cremona Stazione FS is also a solid choice for early departures or those connecting onward to Milan or Brescia. Book early for Serie A home fixtures, as the city has limited hotel stock and demand spikes considerably on match weekends.
Sports Fan Notes
US Cremonese returned to Serie A for the 2025–26 season after promotion via the playoffs, ending a lengthy absence from top-flight football, which means home fixtures carry a genuine sense of occasion for the club's passionate Grigiorossi supporters. The Giovanni Zini stadium (now branded as New Balance Arena) is one of the oldest in Italy, with stands positioned very close to the pitch for an intimate atmosphere that larger Serie A venues cannot replicate. Regional rivalries with clubs from Brescia and Parma add local flavor to the fixture list. Beyond football, Cremona also sits within easy day-trip range of Brescia (home to Brescia Calcio) by regional train, giving sports tourists a multi-city option.
Venues in Cremona
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from BLQ to downtown Cremona?
Take the Marconi Express shuttle from BLQ to Bologna Centrale (7 minutes, €12.80 single as of 2026), then a Trenitalia train toward Milan, changing at Milan Rogoredo for a Cremona-bound regional service. The full journey takes roughly 3 hours 20 minutes and costs approximately €27–€130 depending on ticket class and advance booking. Driving is the fastest option at about 1 hour 33 minutes via the A21 motorway.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Cremona for a sports trip?
Stay in or just off Piazza del Comune in the historic center. It keeps you close to pre-match bars and restaurants along Via Solferino and Via Manzoni, and the stadium at Via Persico is around a 20-minute walk or a short Arriva Italia bus ride. The area around Cremona Stazione FS is a practical alternative if you need easy rail connections to or from Milan.
Which sports teams play in Cremona?
US Cremonese (commonly called La Cremo or the Grigiorossi) is the city's professional football club, currently playing in Serie A after promotion via the 2024–25 playoff final. They play home matches at the New Balance Arena (Stadio Giovanni Zini) on Via Persico, one of the oldest and most atmospheric grounds in Italian football, with a capacity of around 14,834–15,191.
Is Cremona a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, Cremona is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The tournament is held exclusively in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The nearest host city is New York/New Jersey, one of the primary USA venues for the competition.
Sports cities near Cremona
Close enough to pair with a Cremona trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.