Traveleriences
Scenic Experiences·Emilia-Romagna · Maranello & Modena

Drive a Ferrari near Modena

Hear the symphonic roar of a high-revving V8 or V12 engine in Italy's famed Motor Valley, exploring the Museo Ferrari in Maranello and testing legendary supercar engineering along the sweeping hills of Modena.

Track this experience:
Prancing horse emblem on a Rosso Corsa red Ferrari engine in Maranello
Prancing horse emblem on a Rosso Corsa red Ferrari engine in MaranelloPhoto: Traveleriences Editorial

At a glance

Best season

April to October (dry road conditions and clear hill driving); museum open year-round

Best time

Morning museum tour followed by midday test drive and a traditional balsamic vinegar lunch

Duration

Half-day (3 to 4 hours) or full-day supercar discovery in Motor Valley

Activity type

Supercar museum exploration & guided road test driving · Guided driving experience

Difficulty

Easy (museum visit) to Moderate (road test drive with professional co-pilot instructor)

Booking requirement

Advance booking recommended

The sacred temple of Italian mechanical passion

In the flat, fertile plains of Emilia-Romagna between Modena and Bologna lies Italy's 'Motor Valley' (Terra dei Motori)—the dense concentration of automotive brilliance that spawned Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Ducati. When Enzo Ferrari moved his Scuderia racing headquarters to Maranello in 1943, he created an enduring legend fueled by relentless competitive ambition and sculptural design.

Visiting Maranello is a pilgrimage where the whole town pulses to the beat of Rosso Corsa. In the Museo Ferrari, you walk among Formula 1 championship machinery driven by Fangio, Lauda, and Schumacher. Stepping behind the wheel of a contemporary mid-engine supercar on the winding apennine foothill roads offers an adrenaline-charged lesson in mechanical art.

What to expect in Maranello

1

The Museo Ferrari journey

Explore the Hall of Victories, admiring world championship trophies, iconic classic 250 GTO prototypes, and interactive F1 telemetry simulators.

2

The Factory shuttle circuit

Take the official guided shuttle bus through the Ferrari factory grounds (Viale Enzo Ferrari) and beside the private Fiorano test track.

3

The road test drive experience

Meet an accredited driving instructor, receive a briefing on paddle-shift dual-clutch transmissions, and feel the launch acceleration on public foothill roads.

Plan your experience

When to go

Spring and autumn offer ideal dry asphalt conditions and comfortable temperatures for road driving. The museums operate daily year-round (except Christmas and New Year).

Getting there

High-speed trains connect Milan and Florence to Bologna Centrale in 35–40 minutes, with local regional trains continuing to Modena (20 minutes). A dedicated 'Ferrari Bus' shuttle connects Modena station with both the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena and the Museo Ferrari in Maranello.

Booking & permits

Museum entry tickets and factory shuttle tours require advance reservation via the official Ferrari Museums website. Test drives with local operators should be booked 1–2 weeks ahead.

What to bring

  • Valid driver's license (international driving permit required for non-EU citizens for driving experiences)
  • Comfortable flat-soled driving shoes (narrow sneakers are best for sports car pedals)

Before you go

  • Consider the combined passport ticket covering both Museo Ferrari in Maranello and the Museo Enzo Ferrari (MEF) in Modena city centre
  • Combine your visit with an authentic lunch featuring Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena

Official information

Always verify permits, seasonal weather conditions and access directly with public authorities:

Musei Ferrari (Official Maranello & Modena Museums)Official

Official ticket booking, F1 simulator reservations, and panoramic factory shuttle information.

Visit portal
Motor Valley Emilia-Romagna (Official Automotive Tourism)Official

Official guide to circuits, classic collections, and automotive factory visits across Emilia-Romagna.

Visit portal

Ways to experience it

Self-guided

Tour the Museo Ferrari at your own pace before dining at Ristorante Cavallino, Enzo Ferrari's historic canteen redesigned by Massimo Bottura.

Guided

Book a professional test drive on the road or track with a certified co-pilot instructor, with onboard telemetry and video recording.

Certified providers & operators

Pushstart Maranello

Supercar road test drives & track experiences

Licensed test drive operator located directly in front of the Museo Ferrari entrance

Motorsport Maranello

Professional GT & F1 simulator sessions & road test drives

Certified driving instructors offering foothill road circuits and dynamic simulator training