Bologna Airport BLQ: Departures and guide

Flying from/to Bologna Airport

Find out the best way to get from Bologna Airport to the city centre by doing some research in advance. Should you take a train, bus or a tram from the airport to and from the city centre? Our guide to Bologna Airport and the facilities mean you can find your way around the terminal upon arriving and plan the rest of your trip—whether its for a short weekend or a little longer.

Travel from Bologna city center to Bologna Airport

Bologna sits in Italy's northern Emilia-Romagna region, and has been a center of trade and livelihood since Etruscan times. Visitors to this stunning historic city can rest assured that getting around the city is easy via public transportation or private cars. All major tourist attractions in the inner city are accessible via the network of buses and trains, from the oldest university in the world, University of Bologna, to the the centuries-old San Petronio Basilica. Bologna Airport, known locally as Bologna Guglielmo Macaroni Airport, sits roughly 3.7 miles  (six kilometers) north of the Bologna city center, and is connected to the city center via the Aerobus and cars, although locals prefer the convenience of public transportation when they catch a flight.

What's the best way to get to Bologna Airport from Bologna city center?

The best way to reach Bologna Airport is on the Aerobus operated by Italian bus company BLQ. It is a special airport bus that departs from one of two central stations in the city: Ospedale Maggiore or Pontelungo. From there, the ride is 22 and 10 minutes respectively. Passengers should get off at the Aeroporto station, right in front of the airport. Travelers coming from the city center itself can reach Ospedale Maggiore and Pontelungo stations via the 13, 81, 91, 38 bus lines, and these rides can be up to 25 minutes long. 

How far is it from Bologna city center to Bologna Airport?

The Aerobus begins departures at 5:30 a.m. and ends at 12:15 a.m. These depart every 11 minutes, all year round. Although the Aerobus journey takes 10 to 22 minutes depending on the station of origin, travelers should keep in mind the travel time required to reach the Ospedale Maggiore and Pontelungo stations via bus. It is recommended travelers leave a minimum of 40 minutes to get from central Bologna to the airport, and up to one and a half hours to be safe. As with all road transit, first-timers to Bologna should be aware that the peak hours can see heavy traffic, and this can affect travel times significantly. 

What facilities are there at Bologna Airport?

Bologna Airport has one terminal and two levels, the ground floor, or Piano Terra, and the first floor, or Primo Piano. There are uncovered and covered long and short stay parking lots for all drivers' needs. Lounges and meeting spaces accommodate those traveling for business, while travelers with families can use fast-track services in lines. The passengers terminal has free WiFi, as well as a number of bars, restaurants, and cafes serving Italian food and beverages. Shopping is also often locally sourced, with fashion boutiques from Italian designers on offer throughout the terminal, and even a pasta store. 

How accessible is the route for those  with limited mobility?

Aerobus buses are equipped with services and assistance for travelers with limited mobility, including wheelchair users. There are some free parking spaces for disabled travelers in both long and short term parking lots. Passengers must arrive one and a half hours before their flight, and book assistance at least 48 hours in advance. There are wheelchairs available, and a separate waiting area on the ground floor for the comfort of passengers with limited mobility. The dedicated service for those with limited mobility, Sala Amica, assists passengers from check-in all the way to boarding.

Local tips: how to travel to Bologna Airport like a local

Locals give themselves time to spare to reach Bologna Airport, and prefer to use public transportation as it is straightforward, convenient and fast. Locals enjoy an Italian meal at the airport before they fly elsewhere. If traveling to visit international friends, they pick up a gift or souvenir from one of the airport's many Italian shops. Travelers taking the Aerobus can leave themselves a little extra time to visit the Certosa di Bologna, which is 10 to 20 minutes away from the Ospedale Maggiore station on foot. It is well worth a trip to visit this stunning cemetery with green areas and unique architecture, popular with tourists and locals alike who come to pay their respects and walk through the surrounding parkland.