Travelling To Bologna

Visitors destined for Bologna can choose from a variety of options for getting here, with arriving by air being the most popular means for those coming from abroad. Built along the via Emilia, which was originally a major ancient Roman thoroughfare, Bologna boasts a road network that is extensive and well developed, making driving here by private or hire car a good option and also providing good conditions for coach services coming from European cities. Bologna’s international airport is a busy facility that provides connections with domestic cities as well as with significant EU and international destinations.

By car

Bologna is linked to the rest of Italy by a remarkable network of motorways known as autostrades. The north-south A1 connects the city with Milan, Florence and Rome; the A3 runs to Venice and Padua; and the A14 is the main artery between the city and the Adriatic coast, Ravenna and Rimini. All the autostrades are toll roads, and the speed limit is 130kph for cars with large engines and 110kph for smaller cars as well as all vehicles when conditions are wet.

By rail

The Bologna Station, or Bologna Centrale, is located at Piazza Medaglie d'Oro, north of the city centre, and is a major hub and transit point along the national rail network, with fairly reliable and punctual service across all lines. The national Eurostar line connects with Milan, Florence, Rome and Naples, while the Eurocity line links to more than 40 European destinations including Paris and Brussels. The Trenitalia state railway service offers cheaper fares, with five classes of trains categorised by speed and the number of stops.

By bus

A coach is available from London’s Victoria Station for the 24-hour journey to Bologna, terminating at the coach station in Piazza Settembre, near the train station, north of the city centre. Bus services also connect to Milan and Ancona in the south, and regional Pullman buses run to Ferrara and Modena.

By air

Bologna is directly connected with numerous major cities in Europe including frequent daily flights with certain destinations through the convenient Bologna Guglielmo Marconi International Airport. The airport lies six kilometres northwest of the city. The recently renovated airport has all major facilities such as moneychangers, a bank, post office, ATMs, car hire desks and two VIP lounges. The Aerobus shuttles connect the airport with the city centre, running every 20 minutes, with a 20-minute journey time.

Bologna Airport

The Guglielmo Marconi International Airport is comprised of two terminals, with all arrivals coming into Terminal A. Travellers heading to other parts of Italy and European destinations leave from Terminal A, and intercontinental departures take off from Terminal B. ATMs are situated throughout the terminals and travellers in need of more complex banking needs can check the full-service bank in Terminal A, on the first floor. Terminal A also houses a post office.

Both terminals have information desks located in the Departures area, and the lost property office is in Terminal A on the ground floor. The terminal is well-equipped to accommodate disabled passengers and travellers with small children. All women’s restrooms have baby-changing facilities and the airport has 14 toilets designed to be disabled-friendly. Help-phones situated near the information and check-in desks are meant to ensure assistance for mothers and disabled persons. Also, the airport contains a children’s play area in Terminal A, on the second floor. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi International Airport also contains numerous restaurants, cafés and snack bars as well as retail, souvenir and duty-free shopping outlets.

Bologna airport transportation

Travel options to Bologna’s city centre as well as to the train station is limited to taxis, buses and hire cars. The airport taxi rank is located outside the Arrivals area of the terminal building and is served by registered metered taxis The Aerobus departs every 20 minutes and shuttles passengers to the city centre and the train station. Fares can be paid on the bus. Cars are available for hire from desks within the terminal, although to ensure you secure a vehicle, it is wise to book in advance.