Bologna has a municipal taxi tariff and the Marconi Express monorail, which shapes the taxi-vs-transfer decision.
When a taxi is the right call
For individual travelers and couples, a taxi from the airport rank is straightforward. The ride is metered on the Bologna municipal tariff - a EUR 12.80 minimum departure charge from the airport (it includes 6 km travelled above 20 km/h), then EUR 1.45 per km in the urban area, plus EUR 0.49 per minute when the taxi is stopped or below 20 km/h (Comune di Bologna, tariffs in force since 1 January 2025) - and takes you to your door. Tariffs are set by the Comune, so you do not need to negotiate.
When a pre-booked transfer makes sense
Groups: a larger vehicle can be arranged in advance for the whole group; the price is fixed at booking (see the live From price on this page).
Child seats: request the seat when booking and confirm child age and weight. Do not assume a taxi at the rank will have one; ask the taxi operator beforehand.
Destinations outside Bologna: for Modena, Ferrara, Imola or the Emilia-Romagna countryside, a fixed price avoids metered-fare surprises on longer rides (outside the urban area the Comune tariff is EUR 1.75 per km).
Late arrivals: a pre-booked transfer is arranged in advance; confirm the meeting point and delay handling at booking.
Heavy luggage: if you have oversized bags, a pre-booked vehicle can be sized to suit.
The Marconi Express alternative
The monorail takes 7 minutes to Centrale at EUR 12.80 one-way, but you still need to cover the last leg to your accommodation.
Comparison summary
| Option | Price | Time | Door-to-door |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marconi Express | EUR 12.80 | 7 min + last leg | No |
| Taxi | Metered, from the EUR 12.80 airport minimum | Depends on traffic | Yes |
| Pre-booked transfer | Fixed price quoted at booking (see live From price) | Depends on traffic | Yes |
Fixed-price private transfer
BLQ Bologna City Center
From€72for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €91 per vehicle, about €23 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Other destinations
The Marconi Express fare is the operator's published price; the taxi figure is the Comune di Bologna tariff minimum, not a quote - luggage, traffic time and night/holiday supplements are added on top.
Sources (checked 2026-10-17)
- Marconi Express fares, journey time, frequency, hours, night bus Q, children: https://www.marconiexpress.it/en/
- Comune di Bologna taxi tariffs in force from 1 January 2025: https://www.comune.bologna.it/servizi-informazioni/tariffe-servizio-taxi
When a private transfer from BLQ is the right choice
- You want the price settled before you land: fixed, confirmed in writing, no meter, no night or luggage surcharge at the kerb.
- Three or more people: a 4-seat car to Bologna City Center is from €91, about €23 per person, usually level with or below separate public-transport tickets once you count the walk, the wait and the last mile with bags.
- Flight delays: the driver follows your flight number; 60 minutes of waiting are included, and you can cancel free up to 24 hours before pickup.
BLQ → Bologna City Center from €72Fixed price, flight tracked, free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup.