Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport
Also known as: Bologna Airport, Marconi Airport, BLQ Airport, Aeroporto di Bologna.
Private transfer from BLQSee pricesSee pricesAbout Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is the main airport for Bologna and the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. It handled about 11.1 million passengers in 2025, the first year it passed 11 million.
Ryanair runs the largest network, with flights across Italy, Spain, the UK, Ireland and Eastern Europe. Wizz Air flies to Romania, Poland, Moldova and the Balkans, while ITA Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, British Airways, Turkish Airlines and Emirates connect Bologna with their hubs in Rome, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, London, Istanbul and Dubai. Neos adds holiday routes to Egypt, the Canary Islands and the Greek islands. In 2025 the busiest destinations were Catania, Tirana and Barcelona.
Everything runs through one terminal, with Schengen flights in Area A and non-Schengen flights in Area B. All gates are bus gates, so you board by bus.
The airport sits about 6 km northwest of central Bologna. The Marconi Express monorail reaches Bologna Centrale station in about 7 minutes, and a taxi to the center takes around 15 to 20 minutes. From the airport, travelers head to Bologna's historic center, Modena, Ferrara, Ravenna, Rimini and Florence.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
Aeroporto di Bologna S.p.A.
- Passengers per year
About 11.1 million in 2025
- Runways
One runway, 12/30, 2,800 m
- Main airline
Ryanair, with the largest route network
- Location
About 6 km northwest of Bologna city center
Arrival tips for Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport
If you arrive from outside the Schengen area, you pass passport control before baggage claim. Non-EU travelers are registered in the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), fully operational since 10 April 2026; the planned ETIAS travel authorization is not yet in operation. Flights from Schengen countries arrive without passport checks.
Baggage claim is on the arrivals level, and car rental desks are in the arrivals area near the exit. Once through the doors, signs point to the Marconi Express monorail station for the ride to Bologna Centrale, and the official taxi rank is just outside the arrivals exit. If you booked a driver, they usually wait in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. Only use licensed white taxis from the rank, and ignore anyone offering rides inside the terminal.
Bologna has hot, humid summers and cold, foggy winters. The airport runs on Central European Time (UTC+1, UTC+2 in summer), and Italy uses the euro.
Ground transportation
The Marconi Express monorail is the quickest link to Bologna Centrale station, while a taxi suits travelers with heavy luggage or going straight to a hotel.
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Book a transfer from BLQMarconi Express to Bologna Centrale
The monorail leaves from its station at the terminal and reaches Bologna Centrale in about 7 minutes, with a stop at Lazzaretto. It runs daily from 5:40 to midnight, every 7 to 15 minutes. You still need a walk, bus or taxi from Centrale to most hotels.
Taxi from Bologna airport
The official taxi rank is outside the arrivals exit, served by Bologna's licensed taxi cooperatives. The ride to the city center takes about 15 to 20 minutes, longer at rush hour.
City bus 944
TPER bus 944 links the airport with the western districts of Bologna and Maggiore Hospital, and its last late-night departures continue to Bologna Centrale. It is slower than the monorail but useful late at night.
Buses to other cities
Direct coaches run daily from the airport to Ferrara, Florence, Modena, Ravenna, Rimini and Cervia. Timetables are limited, so check departure times before you fly.
Private transfer
A pre-booked driver meets you in the arrivals hall and takes you straight to your address in Bologna or elsewhere in Emilia-Romagna. It avoids changes between monorail, train and bus, but needs to be arranged in advance.
Terminals
Main Terminal
Handles all domestic and international flights. Schengen departures use Area A and non-Schengen departures, which include passport control, use Area B.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Aegean Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Air France, Air Serbia, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Emirates, Eurowings, Iberia, ITA Airways, KLM, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Neos, Pegasus Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Ryanair, Scandinavian Airlines, Swiss, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Vueling, Wizz Air
Airlines and destinations
Frequently asked questions
How far is Bologna airport from the city center?
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is about 6 km northwest of Bologna's historic center and about 5 km from Bologna Centrale railway station. A taxi to the center usually takes 15 to 20 minutes, and the Marconi Express monorail reaches Bologna Centrale in about 7 minutes, so it is one of the closest major airports to its city in Italy.
Is Bologna airport in the city of Bologna?
Yes. The airport lies within the municipality of Bologna, in the Borgo Panigale area on the northwest edge of the city. It sits close to the A14 motorway and the city ring road, and the Marconi Express monorail connects it directly with the main railway station.
How many terminals does Bologna airport have?
Bologna airport has one passenger terminal. Check-in is on the ground floor and departures with security are on the first floor. Schengen flights use Area A and non-Schengen flights use Area B, where passport control takes place. All gates are bus gates, so passengers are taken to and from the aircraft by bus.
Which airlines fly to Bologna airport?
Ryanair has the largest network at Bologna, followed by Wizz Air for Eastern Europe. Full-service airlines include ITA Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, British Airways, Iberia, Swiss, Austrian, Turkish Airlines and Emirates. Neos flies holiday routes to Egypt, the Canary Islands and Greece. All airlines use the single terminal.
How do I get a taxi at Bologna airport?
Use the official taxi rank outside the arrivals exit, where licensed white taxis from Bologna's taxi cooperatives wait for passengers. The trip to the city center takes about 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Avoid anyone offering rides inside the terminal and take only cars from the marked rank.
How do I get from Bologna airport to the train station?
Take the Marconi Express monorail, which runs from the airport to Bologna Centrale in about 7 minutes with one stop at Lazzaretto. It runs daily from 5:40 to midnight, every 7 to 15 minutes. From Bologna Centrale you can catch high-speed trains to Florence, Milan, Rome and Venice.
Is there a bus from Bologna airport to the city?
Yes. TPER city bus 944 serves the airport and runs through the western districts of Bologna, with its last late-night trips continuing to Bologna Centrale. Bus 54 links the airport with Borgo Panigale. The former Aerobus shuttle was withdrawn in 2020 when the Marconi Express monorail opened.
Can I use Uber at Bologna airport?
Uber in Italy mainly works with licensed taxis and private hire drivers rather than private cars, so availability in Bologna is limited. Most arriving passengers use the official taxi rank, the Marconi Express monorail or a pre-booked driver. Check the app on arrival to see what is offered at the time.
What do I need to enter Italy at Bologna airport?
Travelers on flights from outside the Schengen area pass passport control in Area B. Non-EU travelers are registered in the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), fully operational since 10 April 2026; the planned ETIAS travel authorization is not yet in operation. Passengers from other Schengen countries arrive without passport checks.
How do I get from Bologna airport to Florence?
The quickest option is the Marconi Express to Bologna Centrale and a high-speed train from there to Florence Santa Maria Novella. There is also a direct daily coach from the airport to Florence. Driving takes you south on the A1 motorway across the Apennines, and private transfers are another option for door-to-door travel.
Can I get from Bologna airport to Modena, Ferrara or Rimini?
Yes. Direct coaches run daily from the airport to Modena, Ferrara, Ravenna, Rimini and Cervia, and the Marconi Express connects with regional trains at Bologna Centrale for the same towns. Taxis and pre-booked drivers can also take you directly to hotels across Emilia-Romagna.
What time zone and currency does Bologna use?
Bologna is on Central European Time, UTC+1, and moves to UTC+2 for daylight saving time from late March to late October. Italy uses the euro, and you will find ATMs and currency exchange in the terminal. Summers in Bologna are hot and humid, while winters are cold and often foggy.
Who runs Bologna airport and how busy is it?
Bologna airport is operated by Aeroporto di Bologna S.p.A. It handled about 11.1 million passengers in 2025, up 3.4 percent on 2024 and the first time it passed 11 million. International passengers made up about 8.4 million of the total, and the busiest routes were Catania, Tirana and Barcelona.