Bologna airport transfers to the station and old center
Bologna Airport connects directly with Bologna Centrale by Marconi Express, but the station is not the same as the historic center. Choose your transfer around your accommodation and luggage: the rail link suits onward trains, while a taxi reduces walking to a central address. For bus journeys and late arrivals, check current operating information before relying on a particular connection.
The airports
- Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ)
- about 6 km northwest; onward time depends on your address
Every way from the airport to Bologna
| How | Airport | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TrainMarconi Express | BLQ | about seven minutes to Bologna Centrale | Onward trains and accommodation near the station |
| BusLocal bus connections | BLQ | varies with the route, connection and traffic | Light luggage and travelers comparing cheaper routes |
| TaxiOfficial airport taxi | BLQ | allow about 20 to 30 minutes, longer in traffic | Door-to-door travel with luggage |
How each one works
Train: Marconi Express
Follow airport signs for Marconi Express and use the operator's current ticket or payment instructions. The link serves Bologna Centrale, where you can change to onward trains. Add time for the walk through the station and the journey to your accommodation.
Bus: Local bus connections
Check the airport and local transport websites for the current bus routes and boarding stops. A bus journey may require a change before reaching your accommodation. Confirm ticket purchase and validation rules for the service you choose before boarding.
Taxi: Official airport taxi
Follow signs to the official taxi rank outside the terminal. Give the driver your full accommodation address and confirm the fare arrangement and accepted payment method before leaving. Ask your host about vehicle access if you are staying on a restricted central street.
Arriving late or leaving early
Check the Marconi Express operating hours against your expected exit from the terminal, allowing for baggage collection. If the rail link is unavailable, check official night transport information or use the taxi rank. For an early departure, arrange your transfer and confirm collection details beforehand.
Before you land
- Add time beyond the seven-minute rail journey for walking to the airport station, waiting and leaving Bologna Centrale.
- Check whether your accommodation is north or south of Bologna Centrale before choosing a station exit.
- Keep your accommodation's full street address available, especially if arriving after reception has closed.
Bologna airport transfers to the station and old center
Does Marconi Express reach Piazza Maggiore?
No. It reaches Bologna Centrale, from where Piazza Maggiore is roughly a 20-minute walk. With heavy luggage, consider an onward bus or taxi and check the current route.
What is the cheapest airport transfer?
Compare the current local bus options with Marconi Express before traveling. A bus may be cheaper, but check any required change and the total journey time to your address.
Can I use Marconi Express late at night?
Check the operator's current first and last departures before relying on it. Allow time after landing for baggage and walking, and keep an alternative for delays.
Should I take a taxi to a central hotel?
A taxi is convenient with luggage or several travelers sharing the journey. Confirm the fare arrangement before departure and ask your accommodation where a vehicle can stop nearby.