Guglielmo Marconi Airport

Guglielmo Marconi Airport is not merely an air hub, but the main gateway to the famous Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, a land of motors and gastronomy. Named after the great physicist and Nobel laureate born in Bologna, this airport combines Italian style with modern efficiency. Travellers are welcomed here by an atmosphere of comfort and proximity to some of Italy's most beautiful cities, as the historic centre is literally within arm's reach.

Features and Benefits of the Airport

Bologna Airport is renowned for its incredibly convenient location: it is situated just a few kilometres from the city centre. The main highlight of its transport accessibility is the high-speed Marconi Express monorail, which transports passengers from the terminal directly to Bologna Central Railway Station in just 7 minutes. This makes it an ideal transfer point for those planning to travel further across Italy on high-speed trains.

Inside the terminal, passengers will find a wide range of services reflecting the spirit of the region. In the departure area, you can find shops offering legendary local products and boutiques of famous automotive brands, as Bologna is the heart of the Italian "Motor Valley". For a comfortable wait, the Marconi Business Lounge is available, offering a tranquil atmosphere and all necessary amenities for work and relaxation.

If you need to contact the administration of Guglielmo Marconi Airport, please use the following contact details. We have gathered the main communication channels for your convenience.

• Official Website: You will always find the most complete and up-to-date information on the official airport portal: www.bologna-airport.it. The site is available in several languages, including English.
• Information Desk Phone: For immediate information regarding flights, services, and terminal operations, you can call: +39 051 647 9615.
• Airport Address: Via del Triumvirato, 84, 40132 Bologna BO, Italy.
• Email: For most inquiries, the airport suggests using the dedicated contact form available on the official website in the contacts section. This ensures faster processing of your request.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the airport's official pages on popular social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
• Lost & Found: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should first contact your airline's baggage tracing service. Contacts for the airport's Lost & Found service are also available on the website under the "Baggage Assistance" section.
• Customer Service: For general questions and consultations, you can contact the main information desk number.

Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is conveniently located just a few kilometres from the centre of Bologna, allowing tourists to reach the city quickly and easily. There are several transport options to choose from, each suitable for different budgets and preferences.

Marconi Express: The Fastest Route
The most modern and fastest way to get from the airport to Bologna Central Railway Station (Bologna Centrale) is the Marconi Express monorail train. The journey on this futuristic driverless train takes only about 7.5 minutes, as it travels on a dedicated elevated track, bypassing city traffic. Trains run with high frequency from early morning until late at night. It is the ideal choice for those who value time and predictability.

Bus: The Budget Option
For travellers keeping an eye on expenses, the shuttle bus Line 944 (formerly known as Aerobus) serves as an excellent alternative. The trip takes about 20-25 minutes, but the cost is significantly lower than the Marconi Express. The bus travels to the city centre with several stops, including Ospedale Maggiore, making it an attractive and economical option.

Taxi and Private Transfer
For maximum comfort, especially if you are travelling with family or a large amount of luggage, you can take a taxi. The trip from the airport to the city centre will take 15-25 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The cost is usually around 20-30 Euros, to which luggage surcharges or night tariffs may apply. An alternative is a pre-booked transfer, which guarantees a fixed price and a meet-and-greet service by the driver in the terminal.

Car Rental and Parking
If you plan to actively travel around the Emilia-Romagna region and other parts of Italy, renting a car is a great solution. Offices of all major international and local rental companies are located at Bologna Airport. However, it is worth remembering that a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) operates in the historic centre of Bologna, and parking can be difficult and expensive. For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, parking zones are provided — from short-term areas near the terminal to more budget-friendly long-term lots connected to the terminal by shuttles.

Guglielmo Marconi Airport in Bologna has a simple and convenient structure consisting of one main terminal. This significantly simplifies navigation for passengers, as all flights — domestic, Schengen, and international — are handled in one building. You do not have to worry about transfers between terminals; everything is within walking distance.

The terminal building is organised by floors. On the Ground Floor (Piano Terra) is the Arrivals area (Arrivi), where you will find baggage claim belts, customs control, car rental offices, and tourist information desks. On the First Floor (Primo Piano) is the Departures area (Partenze). Airline check-in counters and the main security checkpoint are located here. After passing through security, passengers enter the general boarding gate area.

The departure zone is divided into two parts: for flights to Schengen countries and for all other international destinations where passport control is required. Navigation is intuitive thanks to clear signage in Italian and English. In the departure area, numerous shops are at your service, including Duty-Free, boutiques of Italian brands, as well as various cafes and restaurants where you can comfortably spend time waiting for your flight.

It is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance to complete all formalities. For international flights outside the Schengen area, it is best to arrive 2.5–3 hours before departure, and for domestic and Schengen flights — 1.5–2 hours. During peak seasons, such as summer or holidays, it is worth allowing extra time, as queues for check-in and security may be longer than usual.

The history of the airport in Bologna, bearing the name of the famous inventor and Nobel laureate Guglielmo Marconi, who was born in this city, began in 1931. It was then that the first airfield was opened in the Borgo Panigale district. Initially used for military purposes, its gradual transformation into a civil aviation hub began after the Second World War, laying the foundation for the future major international airport.

A key stage of development occurred in the 1960s, when the growing popularity of charter and scheduled flights created an urgent need for a modern passenger terminal. In the following decades, the airport was constantly modernised: the runway length was increased to accommodate long-haul aircraft, and the navigation system and general infrastructure were improved. This allowed it to take an important place on the air map of northern Italy.

A real breakthrough occurred in the early 2000s with the arrival of low-cost airlines, which caused a sharp increase in passenger traffic. In response to this, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out, completed in 2004. Another major expansion of the terminal took place between 2011 and 2013, during which its areas were significantly increased, and new boarding gates and retail zones were added. These measures helped the airport meet the status of one of the busiest in the country.

Interesting fact: the strategic location of the airport in the very heart of the Italian "Motor Valley", where giants such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Ducati are based, makes it an important centre not only for tourists but also for business aviation and cargo transport. Since 2020, the airport has been connected to Bologna Central Station by the automatic Marconi Express monorail, allowing you to reach the city centre in just 7 minutes, making the journey even more comfortable.

Guglielmo Marconi Airport in Bologna offers passengers a full range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. Regardless of the purpose of your trip, you will find everything you need here — from places to rest and work to shops and restaurants.

For those who are hungry or wish to shop, the terminal features numerous cafes, coffee bars, and restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Italian pasta and coffee, as well as international cuisine. A wide selection of shops includes boutiques of famous brands, souvenir shops, and of course, the Duty-Free zone with perfumes and local delicacies.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for departure. Numerous power outlets and special stations are provided for charging electronic devices. If you are looking for greater comfort, the Marconi Business Lounge is at your service, where you can relax, have a snack, and use business services in a quiet environment.

Financial matters can be easily resolved on-site: the terminal houses bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points. A First Aid point operates around the clock to ensure passenger safety.

The airport is well-equipped for travellers with special needs. Changing rooms and play areas are provided for passengers with children. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with special assistance (it is recommended to book the service in advance through the airline), and the terminal infrastructure is fully adapted for their convenience.

If you have a long layover or an early departure, you can stay at one of the hotels located in the immediate vicinity of the airport. For business travellers, modern conference halls and meeting rooms equipped with everything necessary for meetings and events are available.

Guglielmo Marconi Airport offers passengers a wide selection of establishments where you can have a snack or a full meal before departure. Gastronomic opportunities in Bologna, the culinary capital of Italy, will not disappoint even at the airport. Here you will find options for every taste and budget — from a quick coffee with a croissant to a leisurely dinner with a refreshing drink.

In the public area (Landside), before security control, there are several cafes and coffee bars. This is a convenient option if you have arrived early or are seeing off loved ones. Here you can drink a cup of espresso, eat a sandwich, or enjoy a dessert in a calm atmosphere. Establishments in this zone usually open early in the morning and work until late in the evening.

The majority of restaurants and cafes are located in the departure area (Airside), after passport control. It is here that you can fully experience the gastronomic variety. For those who want to enjoy local cuisine, there are restaurants offering traditional dishes of the Emilia-Romagna region. Be sure to try tagliatelle al ragu (classic Bolognese pasta), lasagna, or the local piadina flatbread with various fillings. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy authentic flavours once more before departure.

For a quick snack, numerous pizzerias and cafes are perfect, where you can order a slice of pizza, a panini, or fresh pastries. The price range varies: from budget-friendly establishments to restaurants with a higher average check. Prices are generally typical for European airports, but finding an affordable option is quite realistic.

Passengers with special dietary needs will also find suitable options. Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, for example, pasta with vegetables or "Margherita" pizza. Finding vegan or gluten-free options may be more specific, but the staff at most establishments are ready to assist with the choice or modification of a dish. It is recommended to check the ingredients with the waiter in advance.

To ensure your journey through Guglielmo Marconi Airport in Bologna goes smoothly and without unnecessary hassle, use these proven tips. Planning is the key to a calm start to your adventure in Italy or your return home.

Arrival Time at the Airport. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before Schengen flights and 3 hours before international flights. During the peak tourist season (summer and public holidays), it is better to add another 30-40 minutes to this time in case of queues.

Check-in and Security Control. The fastest way to save time is to complete online check-in and save the boarding pass on your phone. If you are travelling only with hand luggage, you can go straight to security. When preparing for security control, take your laptop and other large electronics, as well as your bag of liquids, out of your luggage in advance.

Hand Luggage. Remember the standard European rules: all liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 litre. Power banks and electronic cigarettes can only be carried in hand luggage. Sharp objects are, of course, prohibited.

Seat Selection. If you want to enjoy views of the Apennines from above, choose a window seat. If the ability to stretch your legs or stand up freely without disturbing neighbours is more important to you, your choice is an aisle seat. Emergency exit seats offer more space but require the passenger to be ready to assist the crew in an emergency.

Transfer Passengers. If you have a connecting flight in Bologna, check in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. When transferring from a non-Schengen flight to a Schengen one, you will have to pass passport control. Ensure you have enough time between flights — allow at least 1.5-2 hours.

Customs Control. When arriving from countries outside the EU, you will need to pass customs. There are two channels for this: "Green" (if you have nothing to declare) and "Red" (if you have goods subject to declaration). For travellers within the EU, formal customs control is usually absent.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for information. According to EU regulations, for long delays, passengers are entitled to drinks, meals, and in some cases — hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts and boarding passes.