Getting Around Bologna. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation Buses

The TPER bus system covers the entire city and extends into the surrounding metropolitan area. Buses are generally modern, clean, and reliable.

Main hubs for bus routes converge around the Bologna Centrale train station and Piazza Maggiore. Digital route maps are on the TPER website (tper.it) and integrated into popular navigation apps. Look for bus stops marked with "TPER" signs.

Ticketing & Fares

Single Ticket (Biglietto Orario): Valid 75 mins, €1.50.
Carnet (multi-trip): "Carnet 10" includes 10 single tickets for €14.
Day Pass (Biglietto Giornaliero): Valid 24 hours for unlimited rides, €6.
City Pass (Bologna Welcome Card): Includes unlimited public transport for set duration.

Purchase Tickets

At "Tabaccherie" (tobacco shops), newsstands, TPER offices, or via Muver (TPER) app. On-board purchase is more expensive (€2) and not assured.

Operation & Frequency

Buses operate from early morning (~5:30 AM) until late evening/midnight. Main routes run every 5-10 minutes during peak hours. Less frequent on Sundays/holidays.

Accessibility

Newer TPER buses are low-floor with ramps. Cobblestone streets and uneven porticoes pose challenges for mobility issues even when walking.

Efficient Bus Navigation

Ticket Validation

Immediately validate your ticket using the yellow machines near the doors when boarding.
Not validating can result in fines during ticket checks.
This is a very important step for all bus users.

Navigation Tools

Google Maps is reliable for real-time bus routes and schedules.
Moovit or Citymapper are also good for public transport planning.
For destinations within the historic center, walking is often the fastest and most pleasant way to move.

Price Ranges for Common Expenses

Coffee espresso

€1.20-€2

Pizza personal

€8-€15

Pasta Dish

€10-€18

Museum Entry

€8-€15

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis are a convenient alternative to public transport, especially for direct routes, late-night travel, or when carrying heavy luggage. Ride-sharing options are present but operate differently than in some other countries.

Licensed Taxi Services

Licensed taxis are white and have a "TAXI" sign on the roof, with license numbers on the side.
Find taxis at designated stands in Piazza Maggiore, Bologna Centrale train station, and major hotels.
You can call a taxi by phone or use local taxi apps like "TaxiClick Easy" or "it Taxi".
Hailing a taxi on the street is uncommon and often not permitted outside designated stands.

Fares and Ride-Sharing

Taxi fares are metered. A starting fee applies (€3.50-€6), plus €1.10-€1.50 per km.
Airport pickups/drop-offs have a surcharge of about €2.50. Luggage may have a €1 per bag fee.
Cash is always accepted. Many taxis now accept credit/debit cards, confirm with driver.
Uber operates via Uber Black (licensed professional drivers), generally more expensive than traditional taxis. Lyft does not operate.

Safety & Efficiency

Licensed taxis are generally safe and regulated. Always use official taxis or reputable app-based services.
Confirm the meter is on at the start of your journey to avoid surprises.
Dedicated taxi stands are directly outside Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) terminal and at Bologna Centrale train station.

For booking licensed taxis, apps like "TaxiClick Easy" or "it Taxi" are widely used and convenient.
You can book a taxi through these apps, see its estimated arrival time, and sometimes pay directly.
Taxis are good for direct hotel transfers or if you have heavy luggage, making travel easier.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly

Bologna's historic center is very pedestrian-friendly. Streets around Piazza Maggiore are largely pedestrianized.

Porticoes

The extensive network of porticoes creates continuous covered walkways, giving shelter from sun and rain.

Walking Tours

Many guided walking tours are present, covering historical tours, food tours (Quadrilatero market), and university district tours.

Specialized Transportation

Bologna has a few unique transport options for sightseeing and specific destinations.

Tour Buses & Hop-on-Hop-off

Hop-on-hop-off bus services are available, typically departing from Piazza Maggiore.
These buses give an overview of the city's main sights.
They are good for quick orientation or for those with limited mobility.
Check schedules and routes at tourist information points.

San Luca Express

Bologna features the San Luca Express, a tourist land train.
It connects the city center (near the stadium) to the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca, on a hill.
This provides a scenic and easy way to reach the basilica and see panoramic views.
Tickets can be purchased at the departure point.

Walking & Cycling Considerations

Self-Guided Walks

You can do self-guided tours using maps or travel apps to explore at your own pace.

Flexibility for exploration.

Bike Lanes

Bologna has some dedicated bike lanes, especially outside the immediate historic center.

Safer cycling routes available.

ZTL for Bikes

While you can often cycle through a ZTL, parking and prolonged stops may be restricted.

Be aware of specific rules.

General Local Travel Tips

Public Transport Hints

For destinations within the historic center, walking is often the fastest and most pleasant way to move.
Use navigation apps like Google Maps for real-time bus routes and schedules.
Buses generally operate from early morning until late evening or midnight, with varying frequencies.

Taxi & Rental Wisdom

Call a taxi by phone or use local taxi apps like "TaxiClick Easy" or "it Taxi."
If renting a car, be aware of the ZTL rules and parking limitations in the city center.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals are available from specialized local shops.

Important Local Transport Rules

Immediately validate your bus ticket upon boarding. Not validating can result in fines during ticket checks.
Strict enforcement applies in Bologna's city center ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato). Observe signage.
Hailing a taxi on the street is uncommon and often not permitted outside of designated stands.
No significant river transportation exists for tourist access to Bologna.

Parking in the city center is limited and expensive. Blue lines indicate paid parking, white lines are rare free parking.
Yellow lines are reserved for residents only; avoid parking in these areas.
Newer TPER buses are typically low-floor and have ramps, but older ones may not.
Bologna's historic center, with cobblestone streets and uneven porticoes, can pose challenges for those with mobility issues.

Essential Tip for Bologna

Wear comfortable, supportive shoes. You will walk more than you expect in Bologna, and its cobbled streets and long porticoes need good footwear.

Walking is the best way to move around the city's charming historic center.

Getting Around Bologna