Bologna Airport Transfers: What You Actually Need to Know

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is northwest of Bologna city center. The Marconi Express monorail connects the airport to Bologna Centrale station in 7 minutes for EUR 12.80 one-way (EUR 23.30 return), with up to 8 rides per hour between about 05:40 and midnight. Taxis are metered, with a EUR 12.80 minimum departure charge from the airport. For most travelers the Marconi Express is the quickest way to the center. If you have heavy luggage, a group, or are heading somewhere other than the center, a taxi or pre-booked transfer may suit you better.

BLQ has a single terminal. After landing, you go through passport control if you arrive from outside the Schengen area, then to baggage claim and the arrivals hall, where you will find car rental desks. Baggage waiting times vary, so allow some margin if you plan to catch the last monorail of the evening.

For current terminal services such as Wi-Fi, shops and baby facilities, check the airport website.

Marconi Express (monorail): The automated monorail connects the airport directly to Bologna Centrale railway station. The ride takes 7 minutes, with up to 8 rides per hour. A ticket costs EUR 12.80 one-way or EUR 23.30 return; a family ticket (up to 2 adults and 3 children aged 5-16) is EUR 25.60 one-way or EUR 48.90 return, and children up to 4 years old travel free with an adult holding a valid ticket (Marconi Express and airport website). Tickets can be bought online, and contactless cards or devices can be used under the Pay&Go option. Service runs from 05:40 to midnight. From Centrale, many central hotels are within walking distance, or you can take a local bus or taxi for the last leg.

Taxis: Licensed taxis wait at the airport rank. There is no flat airport-to-center fare. The meter runs 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). Supplements: EUR 0.60 per suitcase, EUR 2.20 holiday supplement (06:00-22:00), EUR 3.15 night supplement (22:00-06:00) and EUR 1.15 per person from the fifth passenger; airport and motorway tolls are paid by the passenger. Taxis can take you directly to your accommodation, which is the main advantage over the monorail. The tariff is revised from time to time, so confirm the current one before you travel.

Pre-booked private transfer: A pre-booked transfer has a fixed price quoted at booking (see the live From price on this page); if meet-and-greet is included in your booking, the driver meets you at arrivals. It is useful for groups, families with lots of luggage, or destinations outside Bologna such as Modena, Ferrara or the hills. Confirm meeting point and flight-delay handling at booking.

Buses: The airport is served by TPER city buses: line 54 (to Villaggio Speranza) and line Q (30-minute frequency, urban fare EUR 2.30), which runs to Ospedale Maggiore by day and to the railway station on early-morning and late-night runs. Marconi Express tickets can also be used on line Q. Check TPER for current timetables and fares.

Rental cars: Rental desks are available at the airport. Bologna is at the crossroads of Italian motorways. Driving in the ZTL (limited traffic zone) of the historic center requires care, as entering without authorization can be fined.

Ride-hailing: Availability of ride-hailing apps in Bologna varies, so do not rely on them as your only plan; the official taxi rank is the dependable fallback.

Here is what the published fares and tariffs give from BLQ:

• Marconi Express to Centrale: EUR 12.80 one-way, EUR 23.30 return
• Line Q bus: EUR 2.30 (urban fare)
• Taxi to city center: metered, starting from the EUR 12.80 minimum departure charge that applies to any run from the airport
• Pre-booked transfer: fixed price quoted at booking (see the live From price on this page)

Taxi supplements under the municipal tariff: EUR 0.60 per suitcase, EUR 2.20 holiday supplement (06:00-22:00), EUR 3.15 night supplement (22:00-06:00) and EUR 1.15 per person from the fifth passenger; airport and motorway tolls are paid by the passenger. The tariff is revised, so check the current one before you travel.

The Marconi Express runs until midnight. If your flight lands after that, your options are a taxi, line Q night runs to the railway station, or a pre-booked transfer. Taxis are available at the airport rank, though availability late at night can vary.

Check your airline and the airport website for late arrival schedules.

A pre-booked transfer fixes the price and arrangements in advance; confirm the meeting point at booking.

The Marconi Express has luggage space, but with strollers, multiple bags and children it needs some maneuvering. You also need to manage the last leg from Centrale to your accommodation. Children up to 4 years old travel free with an adult with a valid ticket, and the family ticket covers up to 2 adults and 3 children aged 5-16.

For families, a taxi directly to the accommodation is often simpler, though it costs more than the monorail. If you need a child seat, request one when pre-booking a transfer, and confirm child seat availability with any taxi operator in advance.

Taxis line up at the airport taxi rank outside arrivals. Follow the signs.

For a pre-booked transfer, the meeting point is given in your booking confirmation.

The Marconi Express station is linked to the terminal; follow the signs.

Take the Marconi Express if: you are heading to Bologna Centrale or the city center, traveling light, and want a quick, fixed-fare option.

Take a taxi if: you want door-to-door service, have luggage, are traveling with children, or your accommodation is not near Centrale.

Book a private transfer if: you want a child seat arranged in advance, are heading outside Bologna (Modena, Ferrara, Imola), are traveling as a group, or arrive after midnight.

If the Marconi Express is not running (midnight to about 05:40), use a taxi, the line Q night runs to the railway station, or a pre-booked transfer.