Ducati.
It’s a name that dominates the high-performance motorcycle market, but you’d be surprised to learn why Ducati was founded and what they originally made.
Located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, a trip to the Ducati factory museum in Bologna is easy (and faster) by train.
Image Credit and Location: Ducati Museum, Bologna, Italy
Discover Ducati in Bologna
Your guide on how to visit the Ducati factory in Bologna by train and what else to do while you’re in the Emilia-Romagna region.
Is Ducati Italian?
Ducati is as Italian as pizza. These iconic motorcycles are inspired and engineered in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, a place known for “fast cars and slow food”. Lamborghini and Ferrari also hail from these parts.
Who owns Ducati?
Ducati was established in Italy as its own company. Today, it’s owned by the Volkswagen Group which is controlled by Audi. Ducati is cool on its own; but in the Volkswagen Group, it’s part of the same family as Bentley, Lamborghini, and Porsche.
Image Credit: Ducati Museum. Image Location: Bologna, Italy
Where is Ducati from?
Ducati originated in Bologna, Italy in 1926 — but the Società Scientifica Radio Brevetti Ducati
company did not dabble in motorcycles. Ducati used to make Manens capacitor radios and likely would have continued down that road had their factory not been destroyed during World War II. This motorcycle manufacturing icon was born from the rubble of 1944.
Where is Ducati made?
Ducati’s motorcycles are primarily made in Bologna, though the company also has a manufacturing plant in Thailand.
Where is the Ducati factory in Italy?
The Ducati factory is in the Italian city of Bologna, in the area known as Borgo Panigale. Although you won’t get lost going to Bologna Centrale train station, Bologna Borgo Panigale train station is just a mile away on foot from the Ducati factory. From Roma Termini train station, you’ll reach Bologna Centrale in two hours; from there, hop on a five-minute train to Bologna Borgo Panigale train station.
Is there more than one motorcycle museum in Italy?
If you’re visiting Italy for speed, you’re in luck. There’s more than one motorcycle museum in Italy and plenty of other museums dedicated to fast cars. You can plan a speedy trip through Italy alone with these museums on your radar:
- Marco Simoncelli Museum in Coriano
- National Motorcycle Museum in Rimini
- Scortichino Motorcycle Museum in Scortichino di Bondeno
- Maranello Ferrari Museum in Maranello
- Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena
- Lamborghini Automobile Museum in Sant’Agata Bolognese
- Ferruccio Lamborghini Museum in Funo di Argelato
- Horacio Pagani Museum in San Cesario sul Panaro
- Dallara Academy in Rizzone
Image Credit: Getty Images, Burton0215. Image Location: Bologna, Italy
Visiting Ducati in Bologna
Motorcycles aren’t the only reason to visit Bologna.
Where to stay in Bologna near the Ducati factory museum
🛌 JR Hotels Amadeus Bologna is about as close to the Ducati Museum as you can get without sleeping in the parking lot. This four-star, straightforward hotel has suites with king beds and an on-site restaurant.
🛎️ Hotel del Borgo is nearly as close to the Ducati Museum as JR Hotels Amadeus Bologna is, but one less star means a cheaper rate. Fewer rooms that don’t skimp on the charm make Hotel del Borgo feel pleasantly hospitable.
🏨 Villa Aretusi is farther from the Ducati Museum but worth it if you’re looking for a refined stay. This four-star hotel was once an artist’s residence. Now a romantic getaway, its gourmet restaurant is as delicately managed as its private gardens.
How to refuel when in Bologna
☕ Vintage Cafe offers the morning perk-up needed before spending a day in the Ducati Factory across the street.
🍕 Pizzeria La Stella comes in clutch for a quick lunch before shopping at the Ducati Factory Store.
🥗 Il Randagio is a sit-down spot. We recommend making a reservation, so you try the cotoletta alla bolognese without a wait.
🍦 La Baracca is a small ice cream shop beloved by generations of sweet tooths. It’s the best way to end your Ducati day.
Image Credit: Ducati Museum. Image Location: Bologna, Italy
What to do in Bologna Italy if you’re a gearhead
🛣️ The Ducati Riding Experience is the ultimate way to spend your time in Bologna. There are five courses designed for different experience levels. Imagine renting a motorcycle suit, hopping on a Ducati, and tearing through the racetrack with your own personal photographer.
🏍️ The Museum of Industrial Heritage provides a huge context to Bologna’s ingenuity that led to Ducati’s creation. In the museum, you’ll find original Ducati Manens capacitors, as well as the FBM Gabbiano motorcycle.
🚄 Take the train to other motorcycle and car museums around Italy. Within an hour you can explore the history of Ferrari in Modena or tour the Lamborghini factory in Sant'Agata Bolognese.
You can use the Trainline app to get around Italy with ease, but we won’t take it personally if you rent a Ducati and race your way around the Emilia-Romagna region on your own timetable.
Header Image Credit and Location: Ducati Museum, Bologna, Italy