Travelling to Bologna

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Travelling to Bologna ~

Getting There

Bologna has its own international airport, with direct connections to many European cities. There are also great options if you’d like to explore other parts of Italy before the wedding.

Fly Direct to Bologna

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is the most straightforward option, with nonstrop flights from major European hubs and connecting flights from the US.

Fly into Milan + Train

Milan’s Malpensa (MXP) or Linate (LIN) airports have abundant international flights, including nonstops from the US. From Milano Centrale station, high-speed Trenitalia Frecciarossa or Italo trains reach Bologna in just about 1 hour. A great option if you’d like to spend time in Milan or the Lakes first.

Fly into Rome + Train

Rome Fiumicino (FCO) is one of the best-connected airports in Europe. High-speed trains from Roma Termini to Bologna take about 2 hours. Perfect if you want to visit Rome, Umbria, or southern Italy beforehand.

💡 Tip: Book trains on trenitalia.com or italotreno.it — fares are much cheaper when purchased in advance. The earlier you book, the better the price..

Transportation

Getting to the City Center

From Bologna Centrale Station

The main train station is at the northern edge of the Centro Storico — just a 15–20 minute walk to Piazza Maggiore, or a quick 10-minute taxi or bus ride.

From Bologna Airport (BLQ)

Taxis to the city center take roughly 15–20 minutes and cost around €20–25. Alternatives include the Marconi Express, a monorail connecting the airport to Bologna Centrale train station in about 10 minutes, and the BLQ Aerobus, a bus service that will get you to the train station in about 25 minutes.

Getting Around the City

Walking

The Centro Storico is very walkable — most things are within 10–15 minutes on foot, and Bologna’s famous porticoes will keep you sheltered in any weather. But when you want a little extra speed, there are plenty of options.

Bike Sharing

Bologna has an excellent bike-sharing system called RideMovi (formerly Mobike), with thousands of regular bikes and pedal-assist e-bikes available across the city 24 hours a day. Download the RideMovi app (ridemovi.com), scan a QR code on any bike, and go. The e-bikes are particularly great and make covering longer distances effortless.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available but cannot be hailed on the street in Italy — you’ll need to call ahead, use an app, or find a taxi stand (there are stands at the train station and near Piazza Maggiore). The two main taxi companies in Bologna are:

Cotabo — +39 051 372727 — also available via the TaxiClick app (cotabo.it)

CAT — +39 051 4590 (taxibologna.it)

💡 Tip: If you’re staying at a hotel, the front desk will happily call a taxi for you. All taxis in Bologna accept credit and debit cards.

Where to Stay

CENTRO STORICO

We strongly recommend staying in Bologna’s Centro Storico, the historic city center. It’s compact, walkable, and endlessly charming, with great restaurants, bars, and activities all within a short stroll. The neighborhoods around Piazza Maggiore, the University Quarter, Piazza Santo Stefano, and the streets near the Two Towers are all ideal bases.

Staying outside the Centro Storico is fine too - many hotels nearby are well connected - but being in or very near the historic center will make your stay that much easier and more enjoyable.

You will not need a car at any point during the weekend. The Centro Storico is a limited traffic zone (ZTL) where personal vehicles are restricted, and everything you’ll need - from the Friday welcome party at Camera con Vista to the best restaurants and sights in the city - is reachable on foot.

For the wedding on Saturday, shuttle buses will transport guests to and from Palazzo Albergati, so you’re completely covered.

HOTELS

Bologna has lovely hotels at every price point in the Centro Storico, from boutique properties to well-known brands. Search on Booking.com or Hotels.com for options in the city center.

We recommend Hotel Brun, Hotel Turing, & Art Hotel Orologio.

APARTMENTS & VACATION RENTALS

For longer stays, families, or groups, you may want to consider renting an apartment. Check Airbnb and VRBO for apartments in the Centro Storico. Many are set in beautifully restored historic buildings with charming courtyards and rooftop views.

💡 Tip: When searching, look for accommodations within the “Centro Storico” or labeled as “central Bologna.” Book sooner rather than later - availability can go quickly.