Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) sits about 6 km north-west of the city centre. For years the main link was a bus; since 2023, a dedicated Marconi Express automated rail has changed the picture entirely, connecting the airport to Bologna Centrale station in just twelve minutes. Here is how all the options compare.
Marconi Express: the new fast link
The Marconi Express is a fully automated people-mover rail system that runs non-stop between the airport terminal and Bologna Centrale, the city's main rail station. Journey time is about 12 minutes, and trains run every few minutes throughout the day, from the early hours until late evening.
The station inside the airport is directly linked to the arrivals hall via a covered walkway, and Bologna Centrale is one of Italy's most important rail hubs — from there, high-speed Frecciarossa and Frecciabianca trains reach Florence in about 35 minutes, Rome in roughly two hours, and Milan in just over an hour. For travellers with onward connections, the Marconi Express makes those connections very tight to plan.
Tickets are bought at machines in the airport station or via the app. The fare is reasonable — significantly less than a taxi. There is no compulsory reservation: simply buy a ticket and board. The cars are modern, comfortable and accessible, with space for luggage.
The Marconi Express runs until around midnight on most days, but check the exact last departure before a late-night arrival — a gap between the last train and your landing time means the Aerobus or a taxi will be the only options.
Aerobus: the legacy bus option
Before the Marconi Express opened, the Aerobus was the standard airport connection. It now plays a secondary role but still runs from the airport to the city, with stops in the centre and at Bologna Centrale. Journey time is 30–35 minutes in normal traffic, longer if there are roadworks or congestion on the approach to the city. Fares are competitive and the service runs throughout the day. It is most useful for late-night arrivals when the Marconi Express has finished, or for travellers whose hotel is on the bus route rather than near Centrale.
Taxi and ride-hailing
Taxis depart from the official rank outside the arrivals exit. Bologna's taxis are metered with airport and night supplements applicable. Journey time to the city centre is typically 20–30 minutes in normal traffic. For a group of three or four sharing the cost, a taxi can compete with the Marconi Express on a per-person basis, particularly if your hotel is not near Centrale. Official taxis are white.
Uber is available in Bologna, as are local alternatives. Check the apps for current pricing and availability.
Hire car
Hire car desks are in the arrivals hall. Bologna makes a good base for exploring Emilia-Romagna — the Po Valley, Parma, Modena, Ferrara and Ravenna are all within comfortable day-trip distance — so a car can be worthwhile if your itinerary extends beyond the city. Driving into Bologna's historic centre is restricted by a ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) during the day; non-resident vehicles cannot enter without a permit, and cameras enforce the rule automatically. If you drive into the city, park at a peripheral car park and continue on foot or by bus.
Getting around Bologna
Bologna's historic centre is compact and largely flat, making it one of Italy's most pleasant cities to navigate on foot. The famous portici — covered arcaded walkways stretching for kilometres — mean you can walk much of the city sheltered from rain or summer heat. City buses run by TPER connect the outer neighbourhoods. Taxis are plentiful for longer journeys. Cycling is popular, and there are hire schemes in the city.
For day trips, Bologna Centrale is an excellent hub. Florence is under 40 minutes on the high-speed train, making it a realistic excursion. See our guide to travelling Italy by train for ideas on building a wider Italian itinerary from Bologna.
Which option should you choose?
The Marconi Express is the clear first choice for nearly all travellers: it is faster, more reliable and easier to use than the bus, takes you directly to the main rail hub, and costs less than a taxi. Use the Aerobus only if the Marconi Express is not running or your hotel is on the bus route. A taxi earns its place for groups or when you have an address far from Centrale. Hire a car only if you need one for excursions outside the city, and plan your arrival time to avoid the ZTL.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Marconi Express take from Bologna Airport to the city?
About 12 minutes non-stop to Bologna Centrale, with trains running every few minutes throughout the day. It is the quickest and most reliable connection available.
Does the Marconi Express run 24 hours?
No. Services begin in the early hours and run until around midnight. Late-night arrivals after the last departure should use the Aerobus or a taxi.
What is the ZTL in Bologna and does it affect me?
The ZTL is a restricted traffic zone covering Bologna's historic centre. Non-resident vehicles cannot enter during restricted hours (typically daytime and early evening on weekdays), and cameras automatically issue fines to unregistered plates. If you are hiring a car, park outside the ZTL and continue on foot or bus.
Can I get a train to Florence from Bologna Airport?
Yes — take the Marconi Express to Bologna Centrale (12 minutes), then a Frecciarossa or Italo high-speed train to Florence (about 35 minutes). The whole journey from airport to Florence is around 50–60 minutes.
Sources and further reading:
- Marconi Express timetables and tickets: Marconi Express (marconiexpress.it).
- Aerobus: TPER (tper.it).
- High-speed rail from Bologna: Trenitalia (trenitalia.com) and Italo (italotreno.it).
- ZTL information: Comune di Bologna.