Bologna Airport to city center: quickest travel options (2026)

You landed at Marconi Airport in Bologna and you can't wait to devour a dish of tagliatelle, am I right? 
Let's see the different options to get to Bologna city center. 
Train, bus or taxi, which would be best?

You have many ways to get to the Bologna city center from Marconi airport.
You can choose the Marconi Express train shuttle, use Bologna public transport, or opt for a taxi.

Let’s explore each option, including their costs and travel times, to help you decide which one suits you best.

If you're in a rush or need to catch a connecting train at the station, the fastest way to get from Bologna airport to the city is the Marconi Express.

• Speed: It takes only 7 minutes to reach Bologna Centrale.
• Frequency: The service is active 365 days a year, from 5:40 AM to midnight, with up to 8 departures per hour in each direction during peak times.
• Pricing (2026): A single ticket costs €12.80, while a return is €23.30 (valid for 30 days).
• Integration: Your ticket includes 75 minutes of travel on all Tper urban buses, allowing you to reach your final destination in the city center without paying extra.

How to pay: you can skip the ticket machines and pay directly at the gates with your contactless card (Pay&Go) or smartphone. It's the ultimate "land and go" experience.

💡 Local tip: if your accommodation is near Piazza Maggiore or Via Ugo Bassi, check the Marconi Express 949 bus. It's a direct electric shuttle from the airport to Piazza Malpighi for €9.80. It’s often more convenient than taking the train to the station and then walking or taking a taxi.

Info

Info and time schedule: 
marconiexpress.it

Tickets
One way: 12,80€
Return: 23,3€
Free for kids until 4 years old.

That's how it works in a video:

You have 2 options:

1. Bus number 944 (Navetta Aeroporto): this bus operates from 4:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., and it takes about 15 minutes to arrive at Bologna Centrale train station.
2. Marconi Express 949: if you want to arrive directly in the heart of the city (Piazza Malpighi) without changing at the train station, look for the 949 electric bus. It costs €9.80 (cheaper than the train), and it's a direct shuttle. 
   It's the best option if your hotel is near Piazza Maggiore.
   The line runs from 5.40 a.m. (first run from Piazza Malpighi) to midnight (last run at 11.53 p.m. from the airport), with a frequency of one run every 66 minutes. 

Buses go most of the time on fast lanes, but in the case of traffic, they can be slower.

At the moment, the bus is the cheapest option.

You can pay cashless in the bus, or buy the tickets at the tobacconist at the airport.

I'd choose this option if: I'm not in a rush and I'd like to travel on a budget (or save money to spend on food).

Info

Info and time schedule: 
tper.it/navettaaeroporto

Tickets
One way: 4€

The last option to arrive at the Bologna city center is by taxi.

You can get a taxi from the airport on the ground floor, just outside the door of the landing area.

The cost of a taxi from the airport to a central location in Bologna is about 20/30€. Taxis in Italy must accept payment with a credit or debit card.

Depending on where you need to go and the traffic, it takes 15 to 30 minutes.

A taxi can be your best option if your hotel in Bologna is far from the train station, you have huge bags to carry, or you're in a large group.

In Bologna, you can use Uber, but Italian regulation requires a license, so you will pay the same price as a taxi or a car rental service with a driver.

I'd choose this option if: I need to go far from the train station, I have an early flight, or I'm with other 3/4 people.

Info

These are the taxi companies in Bologna:

- Cotabo Taxi
Tel. +39 051 372727

- taxibologna.it
Tel. +39 051 4590

Or the car services with a chauffeur:

- Cosepuri
Tel. +39 051 519090

- Saca
Tel. +39 051 6349444

You can also book a rental car if you're in a hurry.

Can I pay with a credit card?

Absolutely. 
Bologna is very "contactless-friendly." You can use your card or phone for the Marconi Express (Pay&Go), on the 944 bus, and in every taxi. 
You don't need to look for an ATM at the airport unless you really want some emergency cash.

What if there is a strike (sciopero)?

Strikes are part of the Italian experience, I'm sorry. 
They usually happen on Fridays and affect buses and trains. If a strike is announced, the Marconi Express often guarantees service during peak hours (6:00-9:00 and 18:00-21:00), but expect long lines for taxis. Always check the Tper official website a day before you travel.

Arriving after midnight?

The Marconi Express stops at midnight. 
If your flight is late, your options are a taxi (around €25-30) or the "Marconi Night" bus (Line 944), which runs a few times during the night. If you are more than two people, just take a taxi: it's faster and the price difference is minimal.

Photo credits: Eikon, MarconiExpressi, Andrea, Choo_Choo_train