How to get to Bologna

When planning a trip to Bologna, you are choosing a journey to the gastronomic capital of Italy and the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region. This ancient city, with its rich history and famous university, is a major transport hub, making it easy to reach Bologna by both air and land. Thanks to its developed infrastructure, travellers can easily arrive here by plane, high-speed train, or car from anywhere in Europe.

The fastest way to reach the city is to fly into the international Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), which welcomes millions of passengers annually and is excellently connected to the city centre. This aviation hub services numerous flights from major European capitals, making air travel a convenient and simple option for tourists.

If direct tickets are unavailable, you can consider alternative options: landing in neighbouring cities such as Reggio Emilia, Forlì, or Florence. The distance from these locations ranges from 60 to 80 kilometres, allowing you to quickly reach your final destination using the region's extensive transport network.

Rail transport is the pride of the region, and the main station, Bologna Centrale, is considered one of the country's most strategic hubs. Both regional commuter trains and high-speed trains connecting the north and south of the peninsula arrive here, so a journey by rail often proves even more comfortable than flying.

Thanks to a convenient schedule, you can easily get here from neighbouring cities: the journey from Reggio Emilia or Forlì will take very little time. The route from Florence is also very popular, with trains running with enviable regularity, allowing you to enjoy the picturesque views of the Italian landscapes from your window.

Bus services remain a budget-friendly and reliable way to reach your destination, especially if you are travelling with substantial luggage. For example, a trip from Forlì will take just about 1.1 hours, covering a distance of 68 km along the region's scenic roads.

Routes from Reggio Emilia and tourist-favourite Florence are also popular: in both cases, the travel time is approximately 1.3 hours. Modern intercity buses are usually equipped with air conditioning and comfortable seats, making a journey of 80–95 km quite pleasant.

Travelling by car offers the freedom of movement and the opportunity to enjoy the landscapes of Emilia-Romagna at your own pace. The fastest route is from Reggio Emilia: covering the 70 km distance can take just 0.9 hours if there is no traffic on the motorway.

The road from Forlì will take slightly over an hour (1.1 h), while the drive from Florence will require about 1.6 hours to cover 120 km, part of which passes through picturesque hills. Please note that travel on Italian motorways often involves tolls, and the cost of taxis on intercity routes can be quite high.

To ensure your stay in this wonderful Italian city is as comfortable as possible and leaves only pleasant memories, we have prepared several important recommendations. Considering local specifics, these tips will help you avoid common mistakes and feel at home on the city streets.

1. Clothing and Footwear. The city is famous for its endless porticoes (covered walkways) which protect from rain and sun, but you will be walking a lot. Be sure to bring comfortable flat shoes, as cobblestones are everywhere. The dress code is generally smart casual, but for dinner at a restaurant, it is better to choose something elegant and modest.
2. Transport. The historical centre is quite compact and is best explored on foot. For trips to outlying districts, use TPER buses; it is better to buy tickets in advance at tobacco shops (Tabacchi) or via the app, as they are more expensive when purchased from the driver.
3. Finances. The currency is the Euro (EUR). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it is always worth having some cash for small purchases (coffee, souvenirs) or at markets. Tipping is not mandatory but is welcomed (rounding up the bill).
4. Local Etiquette. Upon entering a shop or café, it is customary to greet people (Buongiorno during the day, Buonasera in the evening). In restaurants, the bill often includes "coperto" (a service charge for setting the table); this is standard practice in Italy.
5. Health and Safety. The city is generally safe, but one should be more attentive in the station area and student quarters late at night. Pharmacies are marked with a green cross, and many operate on a duty roster. The single emergency number is 112.
6. What to Avoid. Do not attempt to drive into the historical centre without a special permit—you risk receiving a hefty fine for entering the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone). Cameras record license plates automatically.
7. Culinary Nuance. Never ask for "Spaghetti Bolognese"—such a dish does not exist here. The traditional dish is called Tagliatelle al Ragù (tagliatelle with meat sauce), and locals are very proud of their authentic recipe.

By following these simple rules, you will be able to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of "The Learned, The Fat, and The Red" (La Dotta, La Grassa, La Rossa)—which is how locals affectionately call their city. Enjoy the hospitality and the delicious cuisine!