How do you get to Bologna?
Getting There7.9/10Easier to reach than about 75% of cities
- Main airport
- Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ)
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: marconiexpress.it, tastebologna.net
Good to know
Good to Know
- Marconi Express is fastest and most convenient airport option (7 min); includes 75-minute urban bus transfer in price
- Bologna Centrale is a major rail hub with frequent high-speed connections; allow extra time to navigate the complex layout, especially if using underground AV (high-speed) platforms
- Strike days (often Fridays) affect buses and trains; check TPER website 24 hours ahead. Marconi Express typically maintains peak-hour service (6–9 AM, 6–9 PM) even during strikes
- Regional trains to nearby cities (Modena, Ferrara, Ravenna) are cheap (€4–8), frequent, and reliable—ideal for same-day returns
- Walking covers most of central Bologna; a single bus ticket is €2.30 if needed. Bike-sharing (€2–2.30 per 30 min) popular among locals
- Taxis cannot be flagged on street—use official stands (Piazza Maggiore, Bologna Centrale, airport) or book via app. Meter starts when driver is dispatched, not when you board
- All major transport accepts contactless payment; no need to carry cash for buses or taxis
- Day trips to Modena (20 min), Florence (35 min high-speed), or Ravenna (60 min) are easy from Bologna Centrale without needing to book far ahead for regional trains
Airport
- Name
- Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ)
- Distance From City Center Km
- 6
- Night Transport Note
- Marconi Express stops at midnight; after midnight use taxi (€25–30) or Marconi Night bus (Line 944) for a few overnight runs
Airport To City Ground Transport
Marconi Express monorail
- Details
- Fastest option; connects to Bologna Centrale; includes 75 minutes of urban bus travel; accessible, luggage-friendly; contactless payment available
- Frequency
- Up to 8 departures per hour during peak times; 5:40 AM to midnight daily
- Price Return
- €23
- Price Single
- €13
- Duration Minutes
- 7
Bus (Marconi Express 944/949)
- Details
- Most budget-friendly; 944 goes to Bologna Centrale; 949 goes direct to Piazza Malpighi in city center; electric shuttle
- Frequency
- Runs 4:00 AM to 2:00 AM
- Price Single
- €9.80
- Duration Minutes
- 15
Taxi
- Details
- Fixed rate from airport to city center (€11 minimum); 15–30 minutes depending on traffic; credit card accepted; queues possible during peak hours
- Frequency
- Available 24/7
- Duration Minutes
- 15
- Price Approximate
- €20
Train Station
- Name
- Bologna Centrale
- Platforms
- 24
- Daily Trains
- Approximately 800 trains; ~160,000 passengers per day
- Station Facilities
- Luggage storage, ticket offices (6:00 AM–9:00 PM), shops, restaurants, accessible facilities, Sala Blu disability assistance
- International Connections
- Direct trains to Austria, Germany, France; connections to Switzerland and Slovenia
Major Connections
Florence
- Train Type
- High-speed (Frecciarossa)
- Journey Time Minutes
- 35
Milan
- Train Type
- High-speed (Frecciarossa)
- Journey Time Minutes
- 60
Rome
- Train Type
- High-speed (Frecciarossa)
- Journey Time Minutes
- 120
Venice
- Train Type
- High-speed
- Journey Time Minutes
- 90
Modena
- Train Type
- Regional
- Journey Time Minutes
- 20
Parma
- Train Type
- Regional/High-speed
- Journey Time Minutes
- 55
Ferrara
- Train Type
- Regional
- Journey Time Minutes
- 40
Ravenna
- Train Type
- Regional
- Journey Time Minutes
- 60
Day Trips By Train
Modena
- Highlights
- UNESCO Romanesque cathedral, Mercato Albinelli market, traditional balsamic vinegar, Ferrari Museum
- Train Type
- Regional
- Journey Time Minutes
- 20
Parma
- Highlights
- Parmigiano Reggiano cheese dairies, Prosciutto di Parma, Cathedral with Correggio frescoes, Teatro Regio opera house
- Train Type
- Regional/High-speed
- Journey Time Minutes
- 55
Ferrara
- Highlights
- Flat, bike-friendly, medieval castle with moat, historic center
- Train Type
- Regional
- Journey Time Minutes
- 40
Ravenna
- Highlights
- UNESCO Byzantine mosaics, beach nearby in summer, ancient early-Christian monuments
- Train Type
- Regional
- Journey Time Minutes
- 60
Rimini
- Highlights
- Beach, seaside promenade, family-friendly attractions
- Train Type
- Regional
- Journey Time Minutes
- 60
Florence
- Highlights
- Uffizi Gallery, Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Renaissance art and architecture
- Train Type
- High-speed (Frecciarossa)
- Journey Time Minutes
- 35
Reggio Emilia
- Highlights
- Parmigiano Reggiano heartland, quieter alternative to Modena/Parma
- Train Type
- Regional
- Journey Time Minutes
- 30
Mantua
- Highlights
- Renaissance palaces, historic architecture, less crowded than major cities
- Train Type
- Regional
- Journey Time Minutes
- 90
Ground Transport Within City
Bus
- Coverage
- Extensive network across city and surrounding areas
- Day pass
- €9.00
- Operator
- TPER (Transporto Passeggeri Emilia-Romagna)
- Single Ticket
- €2.30
- Payment Methods
- Tap-and-go contactless, ticket machines, mobile apps (Muver/Roger)
- Ticket Validity
- 75 minutes per single ticket (including transfers)
- Hours Of Operation
- Approximately 6:00 AM–11:00 PM (varies by line); N-lines operate weekends/holidays
Taxi
- Per Km
- €1.25
- Base Fare Day
- €3.40
- Base Fare Night
- €6.10
- Note
- Meter-based; cannot flag on street; use taxi stands or book via phone/app (Uber, Btaxi, itTaxi); no hail services
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this getting there & away research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Bologna
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.