Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is located approximately 6 km northwest of Bologna city centre. The journey into the city is straightforward and fast — the dedicated Marconi Express monorail does it in 7 minutes. This guide covers every transport option, current prices, and what to do once you reach Bologna Centrale.
| Option | Journey time | Price (approx) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marconi Express | 7 minutes | €11 one way | Most travellers |
| Aerobus (bus) | 20–30 minutes | €6 one way | Budget travellers |
| Taxi | 15–20 minutes | €15–25 | Late arrivals, heavy luggage |
| Private transfer | 15–20 minutes | Varies by provider | Groups, early/late flights |
| Car rental | — | Varies | Onward travel to countryside |
Marconi Express (Recommended)
The Marconi Express is the dedicated automated monorail linking Bologna Airport directly to Bologna Centrale railway station. It opened in 2022 and is now the standard way most travellers make the journey.
- Journey time: 7 minutes
- Frequency: Every 6–10 minutes
- Operating hours: Approximately 05:30–00:00 daily
- Price: €11 one way; €18 return
- Stations: Bologna Airport → Lazzaretto → Bologna Centrale
- Step-free access: Yes — designed for airport luggage
Tickets can be bought at machines in the airport terminal, at Bologna Centrale, or via the Marconi Express app. The monorail platform is located inside the terminal building — follow signs from the arrivals hall. Once at Bologna Centrale, the historic centre is a 10–15 minute walk or a short bus or taxi ride.
Aerobus (Bus)
The Aerobus BLQ is the public bus service connecting the airport with Bologna city centre and Bologna Centrale. It runs less frequently than the Marconi Express and is slower, but costs significantly less.
- Journey time: 20–30 minutes (traffic dependent)
- Frequency: Every 15–30 minutes
- Price: Around €6 one way
- Final stop: Bologna Centrale / city centre
The bus stop is outside the arrivals hall. Tickets can be bought from machines at the stop or on board. For most travellers the Marconi Express is faster and more convenient, but the bus is a reasonable option if you are travelling light and want to save money.
Taxi
Official taxis are available outside the arrivals hall at a dedicated rank. The fare to Bologna city centre or Bologna Centrale is typically €15–25 depending on traffic and the exact destination. The journey takes 15–20 minutes in normal conditions.
Use only official licensed taxis from the rank — avoid unsolicited offers inside the terminal. The fare is metered; there is a standard airport supplement. Taxis are the most practical option for late-night arrivals or if you have a large amount of luggage.
Private Transfer
Private transfers can be pre-booked and offer a fixed price, a meet-and-greet service in arrivals, and door-to-door convenience. They are particularly useful for groups, families with children, or anyone arriving on an early morning or late-night flight. Several operators serve routes from Bologna Airport to hotels across the city and to destinations further afield in Emilia-Romagna — including Modena, Parma, and the food producer countryside.
Car Rental
All major car rental companies have desks in the arrivals hall. A hire car is useful if you plan to visit food producers, agritourism properties, or Motor Valley sites in the Emilia-Romagna countryside — most of which are not easily reachable by public transport. Note that Bologna city centre has a ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone); if your hotel is inside the ZTL, confirm with them before driving in.
Looking for an authentic food experience?
Join our Foodie's Delight Tour – Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar & cured meats in one unforgettable day.
From Bologna Centrale to the City Centre
Once you reach Bologna Centrale by Marconi Express or bus, the historic centre is straightforward to reach:
- On foot: Around 15 minutes via Via dell’Indipendenza to Piazza Maggiore
- By bus: Several city bus lines run from the station to the centre
- By taxi: Available outside the station; journey takes 5 minutes
Bologna Centrale is also the hub for onward train connections to Modena (35 minutes), Parma (55 minutes), Florence (35 minutes by high-speed), and Milan (65 minutes by high-speed). If you are planning day trips to food producers in the Emilia-Romagna countryside, see our guide on how to plan your trip to Bologna.
Planning a Food Tour from Bologna?
Visit Parmigiano Reggiano dairies, balsamic acetaie, and Prosciutto cellars from Bologna — transport included, small groups, private guides. Most tours depart from Bologna Centrale, a 7-minute monorail ride from the airport.
Book a Food Tour from Bologna →Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Bologna Airport from the city centre?
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is approximately 6 km northwest of Bologna city centre. By the Marconi Express monorail the journey to Bologna Centrale takes 7 minutes. By taxi it takes 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.
What is the Marconi Express?
The Marconi Express is an automated monorail service that links Bologna Airport directly to Bologna Centrale railway station. It opened in 2022 and is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the city. The journey takes 7 minutes, trains run every 6–10 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs around €11.
How much does it cost to get from Bologna Airport to the city centre?
The Marconi Express costs around €11 one way. The Aerobus (public bus) costs around €6. A taxi costs approximately €15–25 depending on traffic and exact destination. Private transfers vary by provider and group size.
Is there a bus from Bologna Airport to the city?
Yes — the Aerobus BLQ connects the airport with Bologna city centre and Bologna Centrale. The journey takes 20–30 minutes and costs around €6. It runs every 15–30 minutes. For most travellers the Marconi Express is faster and more convenient, but the bus is a good budget option.
Can I take a train from Bologna Airport?
Not directly — there is no mainline train station at the airport. However, the Marconi Express monorail connects the airport to Bologna Centrale in 7 minutes, where you can board high-speed and regional trains to Modena, Parma, Florence, Milan, and beyond.
How do I get from Bologna Airport to Modena or Parma?
Take the Marconi Express to Bologna Centrale (7 minutes), then a regional train to Modena (35 minutes, around €4) or Parma (55 minutes, around €8). Both connections are frequent throughout the day. Alternatively, taxis and private transfers serve both cities directly from the airport.
Discover more from Emilia Delizia
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.