How to get to Bologna: options by flight, train, bus, or car

Feeling a sudden craving for tortellini and can’t wait anymore?

No problem at all, let me show you the best ways to get to Bologna by flight, bus, car or train and how to move safely once here.

What is the best way to get to Bologna?

The optimal mode of transportation to Bologna depends largely on your starting point, budget, and personal preferences.

The city is well-connected by air, rail, road, and bus networks, making it accessible from various parts of Italy and Europe.

Bologna is served by the Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), located approximately 6 kilometers northwest of the city center.

This mid-sized international airport efficiently handles a significant number of passengers annually, offering modern facilities and a variety of services.

While not as expansive as major European hubs, Bologna Airport is well-equipped to handle both domestic and international flights, ensuring a comfortable experience for travelers.

The Marconi Express is a monorail that links the airport directly to Bologna Centrale railway station. The journey takes about 7 minutes, providing a swift and eco-friendly transfer to the city center.

In addition to the Marconi Express, travelers can opt for taxis or bus services.
Taxis are readily available outside the terminal, and several bus lines connect the airport to different parts of the city.

Fear of flying?
That’s ok, you can arrive in Bologna by train from Florence, Venice, Milan or Rome in no more than a couple of hours.

Bologna is a junction city between North and South Italy, and its Stazione Centrale train station is a connection through which most lines pass.

With Trenitalia or Italo high-speed trains, you can reach Bologna in very little time from the most important cities but also with night trains from Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris and Vienna.

The train station is located in the city center, close to the best hotels in Bologna and a 15-minute walk to Piazza Maggiore, the main square from where our Bologna food tours start.

Don't forget to use local trains for your day trips.
Modena, Parma, and Ravenna are astonishing small towns less than 1 hour away from Bologna.

And oh well, we have food tours there too :)

For those who prefer the flexibility of driving, Bologna is well-connected by Italy's motorway network.

You can reach Bologna by highway:

• From Milan by A1 coming from North
• From Florence by A1 coming from South
• From Venice and Padua by A13
• From Ancona, Rimini and Ravenna by A14

But there are also cons.

Parking in Bologna can be challenging, especially in the historic center where traffic is restricted. It's advisable to use designated parking areas outside the central zone and utilize public transport or walk to your destination.

My suggestion?

Use the car only to arrive in Bologna and to move outside the city.
Follow my lead to park your can in Bologna for the rest of the time and walk as much as you can.

That's the real way to fall in love with Bologna.

Several bus companies operate services to Bologna from various Italian and European cities.

Companies like FlixBus and Itabus offer routes connecting Bologna to cities such as Milan, Florence, Rome, and Naples. These services are often cost-effective, with modern coaches providing amenities like Wi-Fi and comfortable seating.

Bologna is also accessible via international bus routes from countries like Germany, France, and Austria, making it a viable option for budget-conscious travelers.

The bus station (Autostazione) is conveniently located in the city center, near the train station, facilitating easy access upon arrival.

As of now, Bologna does not have a metro system. However, the city boasts an extensive public transport network, primarily composed of buses operated by TPER.

Plans are underway for the construction of a tramway network to further enhance public transportation within the city.

One more tip

Well now you know all about the best ways to get to Bologna, and you can finally have your tasty dish of tortellini.

There is just one thing left to do: book your food tour because, let’s be clear, in Bologna there is plenty of great food and you don’t want to miss a single bite don’t you?

[Photos courtesy of Ștefan Jurcă @Creative Commons]