Bologna Airport to City Center: What It Actually Costs

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is 6 km from the city center. You have several transport options, and the price range is relatively tight.

Marconi Express monorail

EUR 12.80 one-way, EUR 23.30 return (Marconi Express published fares). The ride takes 7 minutes to Bologna Centrale station. This is the best value option for solo travelers and couples heading to the center. From Centrale, most historic center hotels are a 10-15 minute walk. If you need to continue by bus or taxi from Centrale, budget a little more for that leg.

Buses

There is no longer an airport bus to Bologna Centrale. The BLQ Aerobus was withdrawn on 18 November 2020, when the Marconi Express opened. TPER city buses serve the airport — line 54, and the Q shuttle to Ospedale Maggiore, which reaches Bologna Centrale only on its earliest and latest runs. Check TPER for current routes and fares.

Taxi

Metered, on the Bologna municipal tariff: a EUR 12.80 minimum departure charge applies to any run starting at the airport and covers the first 6 km travelled above 20 km/h, then EUR 1.45 per km in the urban area, plus EUR 0.49 per minute whenever the car is stopped or below 20 km/h (Comune di Bologna, tariffs in force since 1 January 2025). Supplements: EUR 0.60 per suitcase, EUR 2.20 on Sundays and holidays, EUR 3.15 at night (22:00-06:00). The airport toll is paid by the passenger. The centre is about 6 km out, so a daytime run sits close to the minimum once luggage is counted, and rises with traffic.

The advantage over the monorail is door-to-door service. If your hotel is near Piazza Maggiore, Via Indipendenza, or the university area, a taxi drops you right there.

Pre-booked transfer

EUR 35-60 for a sedan to central Bologna. More expensive, but useful for groups (split the cost), families with heavy luggage, or when you want a driver waiting with your name at arrivals. A minivan for larger groups runs EUR 50-80.

Beyond Bologna

If you are heading out of the city:

• Modena: EUR 80-130 by transfer, or Marconi Express (EUR 12.80) + a regional train from Centrale
• Ferrara: EUR 100-160 by transfer, or Marconi Express (EUR 12.80) + a regional train from Centrale
• Imola: EUR 70-110 by transfer
• Florence: EUR 200-300 by transfer, or Marconi Express (EUR 12.80) + a high-speed train from Centrale

Rail fares vary by train and how far ahead you book — check Trenitalia or Italo for the current price. The train option via Centrale is consistently cheaper for destinations with good rail connections.

Which is cheapest

For one person to the center: Marconi Express (EUR 12.80), then a metered taxi (from the EUR 12.80 airport minimum, plus luggage and traffic time), then a transfer (EUR 35-60).

For two people sharing a taxi: the taxi becomes competitive with two Marconi Express tickets and delivers you to your hotel door.

For four people: a taxi is the best value per person and the most convenient — note the tariff adds EUR 1.15 per person from the fifth passenger.