Bologna Airport Guide

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ)

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is situated just 9 km west of Bologna's city center. This bustling airport serves close to 10 million passengers annually, making it a key hub in the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy. With over 50 airlines, including British Airways, Emirates, Air France, and Turkish Airlines, Bologna airport offers a wide range of domestic and international routes. Known officially as Guglielmo Marconi Airport, it bears the IATA code BLQ and ICAO code LIPE.

Bologna Airport Amenities

VIP Lounge

Discover the Marconi VIP Lounge at Bologna Airport, which is open every day from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Located on the first floor before security, this lounge provides access to fast-track security for smooth entry to your gate. Enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi, a selection of hot buffet items, beverages, and plush seating. Make your travel day more pleasant with these upscale services. You can contact the VIP lounge by email at marconilounge@bologna-airport.it or by phone 051-6479616. 

Assistance Services

Bologna Airport provides assistance for passengers with special needs. From the moment you enter the airport, staff are available to help with anything you might require. Information desks throughout the terminal can provide specific guidance, and the airport offers dedicated facilities to ensure a seamless experience.

Various Types of Assistance

• Wheelchair Assistance to and from the Aircraft (WCHR): This service is for passengers who can walk independently within the aircraft and navigate stairs. However, they require a wheelchair or other transport means for covering long distances inside the terminal.
• Wheelchair Assistance to and from the Aircraft, Including Stairs (WCHS): Designed for passengers who can walk independently within the aircraft but are unable to handle stairs. They need a wheelchair or alternative transportation for long terminal distances.
• Wheelchair Assistance for Passengers Traveling with Their Own Mobility Aid (WCHC): This caters to non-ambulatory passengers who require the use of a wheelchair. These passengers need assistance from their airport arrival throughout the entire boarding and disembarking process, until they leave the terminal.
• Hearing Assistance (DEAF): This service is available for passengers with partial or complete hearing loss, providing necessary communication assistance both within the terminal and on the plane.
• Vision Assistance (BLIND): Tailored for passengers who are blind or have low vision, this service offers help with way finding and communication in both the terminal and onboard the aircraft.
• Intellectual/Developmental Disability Assistance (DPNA): This service supports passengers with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities, offering the needed assistance in the terminal and during the flight.

Free Wi-Fi

Access free WiFi across Bologna Airport’s terminal building. Select ‘EmiliaRomagnaWiFi’ in your device’s WiFi settings, which will take you to the registration page. Once registered, you can enjoy complimentary internet access throughout your wait.

Bologna Airport Parking

P1 Terminal

If proximity to the terminal is your priority, P1 Terminal is your best bet. Located just steps from the airport building, parking at this lot is extremely convenient.

• First hour: €5
• Daily rate: €17
• Ideal for: Quick drop-offs, pickups, short-term stays

P2 Business

For those who prefer a parking area very close to the terminal but perhaps with a bit more business orientation, P2 Business might be the perfect option. It's less than a minute’s walk from the terminal.

• Hourly rate: €5
• Daily rate: €17
• Ideal for: Business travelers, short-term parking

P3 Comfort

P3 Comfort is known for its popularity among travelers due to its balance of cost and convenience. It's located less than a five-minute walk from the terminal.

• Daily rate:
• First four days: €10
• Day 5 to day 10: €10
• After day 10: €8 per day
• Ideal for: Short to medium-term parking

P4 Long Stay

If you’re planning a longer trip, P4 Long Stay is the most economical option. Located approximately 1.5 km from the terminal, it’s connected to the airport by a 24/7 shuttle service that runs every 20 minutes.

• First two days: €30
• Each additional day: €4
• Ideal for: Medium to long-term parking

Live Departures & Arrivals

Terminal Information

Bologna Airport, also known as Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), features one main terminal designed with clarity and ease of navigation in mind. Spread across two floors, the layout ensures that you can find your way around without any hassle.

Ground Floor Highlights:

• Arrivals Area: Located on the ground floor, facilitating a smooth transition for incoming passengers.
• Baggage Claim: Easily identifiable and efficient, making luggage retrieval quick and straightforward.
• Transportation: Access to taxis, buses, and rental cars is right outside the arrivals hall.

First Floor Highlights:

• Departures Area: Check-in counters and security checks are centralized here for convenience.
• Boarding Gates: Clearly marked and organized to streamline the boarding process.
• Lounges: Comfortable spaces to relax before your flight, offering amenities like Wi-Fi and refreshments.

Facilities and Services

• Shops: From duty-free stores to local boutique shops, you’ll find a variety of shopping options.
• Dining: A range of restaurants and cafes, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs.
• Currency Exchange: Services such as currency exchange and international money transfer are available. ATMs are located in the arrivals hall.
• Information Desks: Available on both floors for any inquiries and assistance.

Transportation Options From and To Bologna Airport

By Train

The Marconi Express Monorail offers a quick trip from Bologna Airport to the city center in just 7 minutes. This service runs frequently, especially during peak hours, when you can catch a train every 7 minutes. The Marconi Express monorail also links the airport to Bologna Centrale train station, enabling easy transfers to places like Parma and Ferrara.

By Bus

Bus Line 944 provides a convenient link between Bologna Airport and the city center, with buses departing approximately every 20 minutes. The total travel time is about 20 minutes, making it a reliable option for airport transfers.

By Taxi

Taxis are available 24/7 at Bologna Airport, typically taking around 20 minutes to reach central Bologna. Traffic conditions may affect travel time and fares. For a smoother ride, consider pre-booking a taxi service like airporttransfer.com.

Car Rental

For those who prefer driving, several car rental companies operate at Bologna Airport, including Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Alamo, Budget, and Europcar. Renting a car can be a flexible way to explore Bologna and surrounding regions, with the drive to the city center taking roughly 20 minutes, traffic permitting.

More Connections from Bologna Airport

The airport in Bologna serves as a bustling hub for numerous airlines, offering passengers a plethora of options for reaching various destinations. If you're heading to Florence or Rimini, direct buses are available for a seamless journey. 

Buses to Rimini

• Shuttle Italy Airport buses provide a direct connection from Bologna Airport to Rimini, including a stop in Cesena.
• The most economical way to purchase tickets is through the company’s website: shuttleitalyairport.it.
• Ticket prices to Rimini are 25 EUR for a one-way trip and 45 EUR for a return trip.
• The journey to Rimini takes about 90 minutes.
• Buses run approximately every 2 hours, and you can check the schedule at: shuttleitalyairport.it/timetables.
• Alternatively, the cheapest route involves traveling via Bologna Centrale station, with one transfer costing 1.50 EUR from the airport. From there, Trenitalia trains to Rimini are priced at 10.80 EUR.
• The bus stop is situated approximately 100 meters to the left as you exit the terminal.

Buses to Florence

• Appennino Shuttle buses offer a direct link from Bologna Airport to Florence.
• For the best ticket prices, purchase directly from the company’s website: appenninoshuttle.it.
  Tickets to Florence cost 20 EUR.
• The travel time to Florence is approximately 95 minutes.
• Buses depart roughly every 2 hours, and you can view the timetable at appenninoshuttle.it.
• Alternatively, the most affordable route involves taking a connection via Bologna Centrale station. The one-way fare from the airport with one change is 1.50 EUR. From Bologna Centrale, Trenitalia trains to Florence start at 9.45 EUR, with fast train options beginning at 14.90 EUR.
• The bus stop is situated roughly 100 meters to the left as you exit the terminal.

Opening Hours Bologna Airport:

• Bologna Airport is open 24 hours a day, year-round.
• Heinemann Duty-Free: opens daily 04:30-12:00.
• Select bars & restaurants: 05:00-09:00.
• Other restaurant & bars: 11:00-23:00.

Lost & Found:

For filing lost baggage reports at the airport in Bologna, you can reach out to GH Bologna by calling +39 051 6479647 or by email at lostfound@bologna-airport.it. Their phone lines are available every day during these hours: 12:00 - 14:00 and 18:30 - 20:30.

If you have already submitted a lost baggage report, you should check your airline's tracking system. If your baggage has arrived in Bologna, you can collect it. Be sure to bring your "PIR - Property Irregularity Report" and the Customs Declaration Form with you.

Assistance for passengers needing to collect their baggage is available at the airport desk every day during these hours: 9:30 - 11:30 and 20:30 - 22:00.

Shopping and Dining at Bologna Airport

Shopping:

Heinemann Duty Free

First Floor - Boarding Area

Open from 4:30AM - 12:00PM

Relay - News stand

First Floor - Boarding Area

Carrefour Express

Ground floor

Ferrari Store

First Floor

Food & Beverages:

Briciole - Bar

First Floor - Open from 6:00-21:00

Vyta Bistrot - Restaurant

First Floor - Boarding Area

Vecchia Malga Pizzeria

Ground floor

Puro Gusto - Snack Bar

Ground floor - Open 24/7