Bologna Transport Guide 2026: Airport to City, Trains & Buses
Bologna is one of the easiest cities in Italy to navigate. The airport is practically in the city, the train station connects you to everywhere, and the historic center is walkable.
However, mistakes can still be made (like driving into the ZTL zone!). If you are driving, choosing the right hotel is crucial to avoid fines. Check my guide on Where to Stay in Bologna for hotels that can register your license plate.
Here is your complete logistical guide to arriving in Bologna, getting to your hotel, and using public transport like a local.
Budgeting for your trip? See the current 2026 ticket prices for buses, the Monorail, and taxis in our Bologna Trip Cost Calculator.
Arriving at Bologna Airport (BLQ)
Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is small, efficient, and only 6km (4 miles) from the city center. You have three main options to get to town.
1. The Marconi Express (The Monorail)
- Best For: Speed.
- Time: 7 minutes.
- Cost: ~€11 one-way / ~€20 return.
- How it works: It is a futuristic monorail that runs directly from the Airport Terminal to Bologna Centrale (Train Station). You cannot miss the signs.
- Payment: You can simply tap your contactless credit card at the gate (“Pay & Go”). No paper ticket needed.
2. Taxi
- Best For: Families or heavy luggage.
- Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on traffic).
- Cost: Fixed fare approx €20-25 + luggage fees.
- Tip: Italian taxis generally cannot be hailed on the street. You must go to the official taxi rank outside Arrivals.
3. Private Transfer (The Stress-Free Option)
- Best For: Peace of mind.
- How it works: A driver meets you at Arrivals with a sign. No waiting in the taxi line.
- Cost: Slightly more than a taxi, but fixed price.
Book in Advance: If you are arriving late at night, I recommend pre-booking a transfer so you aren’t left stranded. Book here your Bologna Airport Private Transfer!
Bologna Centrale Train Station
Bologna is the railway heart of Italy. The station is huge and split into two parts:
- Surface (Piazzale Ovest/Est): For Regional trains (slow trains to Modena, Parma, Ferrara).
- Underground (Alta Velocità – AV): For High-Speed trains (Florence, Rome, Milan, Venice). Note: These platforms are deep underground. Allow 10 minutes to walk down to them.
Buying Tickets: Do not wait in line at the machines. Use the Omio or Trainline app to buy tickets on your phone.
- Regional Trains: Fixed price. Buy 5 minutes before. Remember to “validate” if you have a paper ticket!
- High Speed (Frecciarossa/Italo): Price increases closer to the date. Book these weeks in advance to save money.
Getting Around the City: Buses & Walking
The Walking Rule
Bologna is built for walking. If you are staying in the Centro Storico (inside the ring road), you will rarely need a bus. The porticoes protect you from rain and sun. Once you are in the center, you can put the bus map away. My 48-Hour Bologna Itinerary is almost entirely walkable.
Taking the Bus (TPER)
- Tickets: You can pay on board with a contactless credit card (look for the green validator).
- Cost: €1.50 – €2.00.
- Google Maps: Works perfectly for bus routes in Bologna.
The Driving Warning (ZTL)
I cannot stress this enough: Do not drive into the city center. Bologna has a strict ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato). It is active every day from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- If you cross the camera boundary without a permit, you get a fine.
- Parking: Street parking is expensive and color-coded (Blue = Paid, White = Residents only).
- Advice: Park at a large garage outside the center (like Parcheggio Piazza VIII Agosto) or ask your hotel to register your plate.
Luggage Storage
If you have a few hours before your train/flight and don’t want to drag bags over cobblestones:
- Kipoint: Official storage inside the station (Platform 7). Reliable but often has a long line.
- Bounce / LuggageHero: Apps that let you store bags at local shops/hotels. Usually cheaper and faster.
