How to Get to Bologna. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airport & Flight Options

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is the main airport. It is a compact airport just a few kilometers from the city center.

Connections and Carriers

BLQ is a base for low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet, with many direct connections to major European cities.
Major European airlines like Lufthansa, Air France, and British Airways also operate flights.
Few direct intercontinental flights arrive at BLQ. Most long-haul travelers connect via major European hubs (Rome, Milan, Frankfurt, Paris).

Airport Transfers

Several options for transferring from BLQ to Bologna Centrale train station or the city center.

Options and Costs

Marconi Express (People Mover): Fastest (7 mins) direct connection to Bologna Centrale. One-way €11, round-trip €20.
Taxi: About 15-20 minutes to city center, costing approximately €15-€25. Good for direct hotel transfers.
Bus: Local bus line 944 connects to specific city parts, but Marconi Express is more efficient for train station.

Save on Flights

Consider Dollar Flight Club for deals or Skyscanner for comparisons on airfare.

Price Fluctuations

Flight prices fluctuate throughout the year, with highest prices during peak summer months and holidays.

Airport Facilities

BLQ offers duty-free shopping, restaurants, car rental services, ATMs, currency exchange, and free Wi-Fi.

Land Transportation: Train & Bus

Train Connections

Bologna Centrale is a major railway hub connecting high-speed and regional services.
High-speed trains (Trenitalia, Italo) link Bologna to Florence (35-40 min), Milan (1h 10min), Rome (2h 10min), Venice (1h 30min).
Regional trains connect to smaller towns in Emilia-Romagna (Modena, Parma, Ferrara).
For high-speed, booking in advance gains the best prices. Regional tickets usually do not need advance booking.

Bus Services

Italy's extensive rail network means fewer long-distance bus options compared to trains for major city connections.
Companies like FlixBus and MarinoBus offer routes to various Italian and European cities.
These can be a budget-friendly alternative for certain routes.
Long-distance buses are often slower than high-speed trains.

Car Rental & Driving

Requirements

You must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license (held for at least 1 year), and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is non-EU/EEA. A major credit card is needed for the security deposit.

ZTL Limited Traffic Zone

Bologna's historic center has a Restricted Traffic Zone. Non-residents can only enter with special permits or during specific hours. Fines for unauthorized entry are high and automatically issued by cameras. Hotels may help with permits.

Parking & Roads

Parking in the city center is limited and expensive. Consider park-and-ride options outside the ZTL. Italian highways are generally well-maintained. Always confirm with your accommodation if you plan to drive into the center. Check DiscoverCars.com for rental deals.

Departure Information

Airport Departure

No specific exit fees or taxes are typically on passengers departing from Italian airports. These charges are usually in your airfare price.

Recommended Timing

International Flights (outside Schengen): Arrive at BLQ 2-3 hours before departure.
Within Schengen Area: 1.5-2 hours is usually enough.
Always check your airline's specific recommendations.

Train Departure

Bologna Centrale is a major hub with numerous shops, restaurants, luggage storage facilities, and waiting areas.

Boarding and Validation

High-speed trains: Arrive 15-30 minutes before departure to find your platform.
Regional trains: 10-15 minutes is usually enough.
Validate regional train tickets at green/yellow machines near platforms before boarding. Not validating can result in fines.

Documents Ready

Keep your passport, boarding pass, and any needed documents easily accessible at checkpoints.

Luggage Check-in

Allow ample time for luggage check-in, especially during peak travel periods.

Last-Minute Shopping

Airport and station facilities have various shops for souvenirs and dining options.

Border Crossing San Marino

Entry to San Marino

The Republic of San Marino is an independent microstate surrounded by Italy. It has an open border with Italy.

Information

No passport control usually happens when entering San Marino from Italy, but carry your passport for identification.
No entry fees.
The easiest way to reach San Marino is usually by bus from Rimini, easily accessible by train from Bologna.

Driving Laws & Conditions

Familiarize yourself with Italian driving laws and conditions if you plan to rent a car.

Road Rules and Regulations

Italy drives on the right-hand side of the road.
Speed limits: Urban 50 km/h; secondary 90 km/h; main 110 km/h; motorways 130 km/h.
Dipped headlights are mandatory outside urban areas at all times, even during the day.

Rental Options for Getting Around

Car Rentals

Major international companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar) operate at BLQ airport and in the city.

Motorcycle & Scooter

Available from specialized local rental shops. Popular for navigating the region.

Bicycle Rentals

RideMovi (dockless bike-sharing) and local shops offer daily or weekly rentals including electric bikes.

Travel Planning Tip

For high-speed trains, booking in advance gains the best prices, especially for popular routes and during peak times.

How to Get to Bologna