A detailed guide on how to get from G. Marconi Airport to Bologna in Italy – train, taxi, buses, prices, timetables, where to get on and other useful tips.
Guglielmo Marconi Airport in Bologna
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), also known as Aeroporto di Bologna, is a smaller international airport located just 6 km from the centre of Bologna.
It is an important air hub in northern Italy and a key gateway to the Emilia-Romagna region. Thanks to its strategic location near industrial and tourist centres such as Modena, Parma and Ferrara, the airport serves millions of passengers every year.
Which airlines fly to Bologna airport?
Guglielmo Marconi Airport in Bologna is popular with many airlines, including low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and Wizz Air. From Prague you can use direct flights with Ryanair in the season from April.
How many terminals does G. Marconi Airport have in Bologna?
Airport G. Marconi’s consists of only one terminal. The airport is small and during peak times there can be queues at the security checkpoint. It is open 24 hours, but you can get past security up to 3 hours before your scheduled flight. If you arrive early, there are a couple of shops and a café where you can wait.
The disadvantage of Bologna airport is its limited capacity at the gates. Each gate has only a few seats, so people stand and sit almost everywhere. In summer, the air is heavy and hot. The airport is currently undergoing partial reconstruction, so perhaps the situation will improve in the future.
What services does Bologna Airport provide?
The airport offers all the necessary services, including refreshments and duty-free shops. Compared to other airports in Europe, however, the offer is much smaller. You’ll find rather smaller snack bars where you can go for a panini or wine, and the duty-free offer is also more limited. For more information, see the official G. Marconi Airport website.
Where to stay near G. Marconi Airport in Bologna?
FlyOn Hotel is located just minutes from the airport and also offers free scheduled airport connections directly from the hotel. If you are leaving early in the morning or arriving late in the evening, this is a great option to get to a nice hotel with complete facilities (restaurant, rooms with private bathroom, good price) within a few minutes.
How to get from G. Marconi airport to the centre of Bologna?
Marconi Express
The Marconi Express is a modern, sustainable monorail that connects the airport with Bologna Centrale Station. It’s easy to get here – from arrivals, follow the green Marconi Express signs, which will take you to 1st floor to the turnstiles.
There are machines at the turnstiles where you can buy a ticket for the Marconi Express. The second option is even simpler – use your contactless card, which you simply insert into the reader at the turnstile. Do the same when you arrive at the station to open the turnstiles. You can also buy your ticket online.
☞ Read: Detailed itinerary for 2 days in Bologna including a map.
The journey time of the Marconi Express is only 7 minutes. In addition, it runs every 7-15 minutes from 5:40 am to midnight. The downside is the price – €12.80 for a one-way ride, €23.30 for a return ticket. There is also a family rate.
Taxi
Taxis are another popular option to get from the airport to the centre of Bologna. The taxi stand is located directly in front of the arrivals hall.
The taxi ride is a bit longer than the Marconi Express – it takes about 20 minutes to get to Bologna Centrale Station, but on the other hand the taxi will take you exactly where you need to go. The advantage of the taxi is its price – at Bologna Centrale station you will pay around 18 €, i.e. if you’re travelling with at least two people, a taxi is more worthwhile than the Marconi Express.
Buses
Another option is airport bus no. 944which runs from 05:00-00:45. The bus operates all day with a frequency of every 20 minutes.
The bus stops right in front of the airport hall on your left (behind the taxi rank) and takes you to the Maggiore Hospital (early morning and night times run as far as Bologna Centrale – see the timetable link a little above). The journey time is 22 minutes.
The ticket costs €4 and you can also use it for connecting buses in Bologna to get to your hotel. The validity period is 75 minutes from the first marking. If you change trains, you must re-tag your ticket each time.
You can buy your ticket online, at Tper ticket offices, ticket machines at the airport, authorised Tper-branded outlets or on the Roger app.
☞ Read: The most beautiful places in Bologna.
Car rental in Bologna
Are you planning to rent a car locally? It’s very simple.
At Rentalcars.com you fill in the necessary details and present your ID card upon collection. The price also includes insurance and free cancellation. You can pick up your car at the airport.
When choosing a car, I recommend choosing smaller cars. Many of the streets and roads in Italy are very narrow and winding, so you might have trouble getting around with a larger car.
How to get from Bologna Airport to Florence?
Letite Bologna is not in Tuscany, but it is very well connected to Florence. The most convenient way to get from the airport is by direct Appenino Shuttle bus. The trip takes 1 h 25 min and costs 20 €.
Buses stop just outside the main terminal – about 50 metres to the left in a small square. In Florence, they are building right next to the Fortezza da Basso, in Piazzale Montelungo.
I recommend to order tickets in advance so you can go straight to the bus on the spot. Simply print out your reservation, download it to your mobile phone or copy the number and show it when you board the bus. If you miss your chosen connection, you can take the next connection. Tickets cost €25 when purchased from the driver.
Bologna Centrale
Bologna Centrale is the main train station in Bologna. From here you can easily reach Florence, Venice or Rome. In addition to major Italian cities, the station serves as an important link for regional trains.
Hotels near Bologna Centrale:
- The Social Hub: Modern hotel with pool, gym and restaurant just a short walk from the station and the centre
- Combo Bologna: Cheap but clean accommodation a short walk from the station, suitable for singles, couples and families
Hotels in Bologna 😴
How to get from G. Marconi Airport to Bologna – map
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map on how to get from G. Marconi Airport. The map below shows the map from Marconi Airport to the centre of Bologna. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I mention in the article. If you want to save the map, mark it with an star. It will then be saved to your Google Maps and can be retrieved at any time on your mobile phone or computer. For a larger version of the map, click on the icon in the top right corner.
This was our guide to Bologna airport and how to get to the centre. Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!
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More information about Italy
BOLOGNA: We’ve put together a detailed itinerary of how to enjoy 2 days in Bologna (including a map). Or get inspired by tips on sights and attractions to visit in Bologna.
NORTHERN ITALY: Here is the itinerary and route map for 2 days in Venice. See the most beautiful places to visit in Verona. Or enjoy a wonderful holiday at Lago di Garda.
TUSCANY: Florence is just half an hour from Bologna – here are the most beautiful places in Florence. Are you planning to explore the whole of Tuscany? We’ve put together our tips on things to do in Tuscany, including a map.
ITALY: Get inspired by the most beautiful places in Italy.
Read even more tips on travelling in Italy.
Frequently asked questions about G Airport. Marconi airport in Bologna
Airport G. Marconi is just 6 km northwest of the centre of Bologna.
There are 3 basic options – the Marconi Express monorail for €12.80 one way, a taxi for about €18 to Bologna Centrale station and the airport bus for €4. Allow 7-20 minutes depending on the option you choose. For details on individual shipments, see the article.
Bologna Airport has only one terminal. Queues can form at security checkpoints during peak hours. The various departure gates are close together and there are not many seats, which sometimes causes crowding and confusion.
