Bologna Transportation Tips by sue_stone Top 5 Page for this destination

Getting to Bologna

I have now visited Bologna three times. The first time we arrived by train. The station is centrally located, and is only a short bus ride from the main square, Piazza Maggiore. There is more information on train travel in the next tip.

The second time we flew into Bologna from London. We flew with British Airways, and the flight arrived at Bologna's main airport called Marconi International Airport. Marconi is located only 6km northwest of the city centre. To get into town from the airport you can catch the Bologna Aerobus, which departs every 15 minutes, and the journey takes about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can catch a taxi (which is what we did - didn't want to waste a minute of sight seeing time!). There is a large taxi rank at the front of the airport and a trip into the centre of town costs around 12-15 euro.

There is also a smaller airport called Forli, which is around an hours drive from Bologna. Some of the budget airlines (eg. Ryanair) fly into here.

One our third visit to Bologna we drove in, and dropped off our hire car. Bologna is a pretty big place and some of the signposting off the motorway is confusing. We ended up exiting too early and having a scenic drive through the outskirts of Bologna, having no idea where we were. Somehow, either by fluke, or due to my superior 'navigation skills' we managed to find the car rental place with only one small argument ; )

Mode: TO

Type: Airplane

Website: http://www.bologna-airport.it www.forli-airport.it

Train travel in Italy Train Review

I have now been to Italy several times and have travelled around this fabulous country by train most of the time.

Once you get the hang of it, train travel in Italy is easy. It is also a great way to see the beautiful countryside on the way to your next destination.

I have travelled a couple of times using a rail pass, but the last couple of visits have just purchased tickets for each individual trip as we went.

That said, we often have purchased tickets a day or two in advance - particularly if the particular train requires a seat reservation, or if it is a busy time of year.

Purchasing a little in advance also means that you don't miss the train you want to catch due to a huuuuuge queue for tickets....

You could try buying your tickets from the automatic ticket machines at the stations - we have found them quick and easy to use.

Also, I have travelled both first and second class, and didn't really find much difference - travel second class and you can use the extra money to buy more wine/food etc

Just remember with all tickets that you need to validate them in the small yellow ticket machines before you board your train.

Mode: TO,AROUND

Type: Train

Website: http://www.trenitalia.it