How to get from the airport to Bologna

If you’re planning a trip to Bologna, you might be wondering how to get from the airport to the city center and the train station. This guide breaks down the best transportation options available, comparing taxis, trains, and buses, along with their prices, schedules, and the pros and cons of each method. Whether you're looking for the fastest route or the most economical option, this article will help clarify how to get from the airport to Bologna.

Here are all the options to reach the center of Bologna from the airport:

Taxi: The Most Comfortable Option

Taking a taxi is undeniably the most comfortable choice, especially if you're traveling with luggage or in a group. However, it's also the most expensive option. The cost from Bologna Airport to the city center typically falls within the following range:

• Weekdays: €18-20 plus a €0.50 surcharge for each piece of luggage.

If you're traveling with others, sharing the fare can make this option more economical. Taxis are readily available outside the terminal, ensuring a hassle-free start to your journey. For instance, a taxi from BLQ airport to Bologna Centrale is a straightforward and comfortable choice.

Marconi Express: The Fastest Way to Travel

Previously, there was a bus service called Aerobus connecting Bologna city center with the airport. However, in late 2020, it was replaced by the Marconi Express, an automatic elevated electric train that significantly reduces travel time. You can reach the city in just 7 minutes!

The Marconi Express stops at Bologna Centrale Station and has an intermediate stop at Lazzaretto. The service runs daily from 05:40 to 00:00, with trains departing every 7 to 15 minutes. The ticket prices are:

• One-way ticket: €11
• Round-trip ticket: €20

Although it’s not the cheapest option, its speed and convenience make it a popular choice. Tickets can be purchased online through the official website, at automatic ticket machines, or at the Bologna Welcome information desks in the airport. When considering your travel plans, remember that the Marconi Express is the best way to travel from BLQ airport to Bologna train station.

Buses: The Budget-Friendly Option

If you're looking to save some money and don’t mind a little extra travel time, the bus is the way to go. To reach the city center, you can take the bus 944, which connects Bologna Airport to the Ospedale Maggiore stop. This bus operates daily from 05:30 to 23:50, with a frequency of every 20 minutes.

Once you arrive at Ospedale Maggiore, you can transfer to other urban buses that lead directly to the city center. The bus stop is located just outside the main airport entrance to the left, past the taxi stand. The ticket price for this urban line is a mere:

• Ticket price: €4

You can purchase tickets through the TPER website, the Roger app, at ticket vending machines in the airport, or at TPER ticket offices and authorized shops. This ticket allows you to use the bus network in the metropolitan area of Bologna for 75 minutes from the time of validation.

How to Reach Bologna from the Airport: Additional Connections

Bologna Airport also serves as a transit hub for buses heading to nearby cities. Here are some options:

• Florence: The Appennino Shuttle offers direct services for €20, taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes with multiple departures throughout the day.
• Ferrara: Buses operated by Ferrara Bus&Fly connect the airport to Ferrara in approximately 50 minutes at a cost of €17.
• Modena: You can book with Saca, which provides a 45-minute service for €15.

Additionally, consider checking train schedules on the Trenitalia website, especially if you prefer taking a train from Bologna Centrale to your final destination. When searching, remember to enter “Bologna Centrale”. This will also provide you with options for traveling from BLQ to Bologna Centrale.

What If You Arrive at Night and Depart Early Morning by Train?

If you're arriving in Bologna around midnight and have a train to catch to Florence at 05:30, you can spend the intervening hours in the waiting area of the station, which generally remains open. However, the ambiance during late-night hours may not be the most welcoming.

For more information, check here.

Do you now have a clear understanding of how to get to Bologna from the airport? Make sure to take advantage of your time there to explore all the attractions and activities available in Bologna 🙂

As you plan your travel, it's essential to consider all the transportation options available to ensure a smooth transition from the airport to the city. Below is a helpful video that provides additional insights into the best ways to navigate from Bologna Airport to the city center:

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