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Bologna Layover Guide (BLQ)

What are you looking for in BLQ?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Bologna Airport (BLQ) is an international airport located in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna. It’s situated about 6 km (3.7 miles) from Bologna’s historic city center. The airport officially opened in 1933. Bologna is one of Italy’s major cultural and economic hubs, known for its prestigious university and vibrant culinary scene. The city offers a rich mix of history, architecture, and gastronomy, making it a compelling destination for both business and leisure travelers.

Can you leave Bologna Airport (BLQ) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes, you may exit BLQ during a layover if your connection allows enough time. To enter Italy, you need a valid Schengen visa unless you hold a passport from a visa-exempt country. Nationals of certain countries require an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) even for short stays. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Piazza Maggiore Immerse yourself in Bologna’s vibrant heart at Piazza Maggiore, surrounded by medieval palaces and bustling cafes. Marvel at Neptune’s Fountain and historic facades. Perfect spot for people watching and espresso. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Aerobus BLQ to Centrale + 5 min walk (~30 min) or taxi (~15 min))
• Two Towers Climb iconic medieval Asinelli Tower for sweeping city panoramas, then admire the leaning Garisenda Tower below. A thrilling ascent up 498 steps offers unique views over terracotta rooftops. Experience history. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Aerobus BLQ to Centrale + 15 min walk or taxi (~15 min))
• Basilica di San Petronio Visit Europe’s fifth-largest church, San Petronio, marveling at its incomplete facade and stunning interior frescoes, astronomical sundial, and gothic nave. A testament to medieval ambition. Don’t miss it. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Aerobus BLQ to Centrale + 5 min walk (~30 min) or taxi (~15 min))
• Quadrilatero Market Wander through the historic Quadrilatero district, sampling local delights like mortadella, fresh pasta, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Colorful stalls and shops offer an authentic taste of Bolognese culinary tradition. A foodie paradise. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Aerobus BLQ + 7 min walk (~35 min) or taxi (~15 min))
• Archiginnasio Library Explore the historic Archiginnasio, once the main University of Bologna building. Admire the ornate Anatomical Theatre, frescoed ceilings, and the Scuole di Arti Librai inscriptions illustrating history. Fascinating venue. Must-see. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Aerobus BLQ to Centrale + bus 25 min or walk 20 min (~60 min) or taxi (~20 min))
• Sanctuary of Madonna di San Luca Stroll under Bologna’s iconic porticoes up to the Sanctuary of Madonna di San Luca, enjoying lush hillside views and panoramic cityscapes. A serene pilgrimage route rich with history and architecture. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Aerobus BLQ + bus + 10 min walk (~60 min) or taxi (~25 min))
• Gelato at Cremeria Funivia Indulge in artisanal gelato at Cremeria Funivia, famed for its texture and inventive flavors. Located near Piazza Maggiore, it’s the perfect sweet stop to refresh and delight your taste buds. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Aerobus BLQ + 10 min walk (~40 min) or taxi (~15 min))
• Tortellini at Osteria dell’Orsa Savor authentic tagliatelle al ragù or traditional tortellini at Osteria dell’Orsa, a cozy, no-frills eatery beloved by locals. Generous portions of classic Bolognese cuisine in a warm atmosphere. Unforgettable flavors. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Aerobus BLQ + 8 min walk (~38 min) or taxi (~12 min))

Things to Do in Bologna Airport (BLQ)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
BLQ’s Marconi Business Lounge on the landside first floor offers leather seating, complimentary snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi and reading materials. Open daily from 05:00 to 21:00, access is via Priority Pass, LoungeKey, DragonPass or by paying at the door. A BLQ Fitness Lounge provides cardio and weight equipment for pre-flight workouts. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Hotel Bologna Airport, located five minutes by shuttle from the terminal, is a four-star property featuring comfortable, soundproof rooms, a 24-hour front desk, an on-site restaurant and free Wi-Fi. FlyOn Hotel and Hotel EMI sit within two kilometers, offering early breakfast and airport shuttle services for travelers resting between flights. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Beyond lounge closures overnight, BLQ offers limited seating for sleepers: metal chairs with armrests in departure halls and wooden benches just outside the terminal entrance. Floors can be used for naps. No dedicated sleep pods exist. Terminal doors lock around midnight, so stays require airport permission or nearby hotel bookings.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: BLQ provides free unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Simply connect to the “BLQ Free Wi-Fi” network and accept terms and conditions. Secure, fast, reliable high-speed access supports browsing, streaming and messaging. No password is required, but connection resets every few hours, requiring re-authentication on the splash page for continued service.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM cards from Vodafone, TIM and WindTre are sold at the Relay newsstand and Vodafone store landside in arrivals. Affordable plans start at around €10 for 5 GB. eSIM options must be purchased online before travel. Mobile coverage is excellent across the terminal and surrounding areas via 4G and 5G networks. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: A taxi rank lies immediately outside the arrivals exit, with 24/7 service managed by COTABO and CAT. Standard fares to the city center are fixed at €25 plus any luggage supplements. Typical journey times average 15 to 20 minutes. Rides can be booked in advance by calling +39 051 4994.

Train: BLQ’s Marconi Express monorail quickly links the terminal directly to Bologna Centrale in approximately 7.5 minutes. Frequent services run every 7.5 minutes from 05:40 until 00:00. Affordable €8 one-way paperless, electronic, contactless tickets are easily available at accessible landside machines or via the official mobile app. (more info)

Bus: TPER’s Aerobus 944 runs between Bologna Centrale and BLQ, operating from 5:20 to midnight with frequent departures approximately every 20 minutes. Fares are €6 one-way; cheap, reliable tickets can be bought on board or at machines. During Marconi Express downtime or events, route 940 supplements service. (more info)

Shuttle: Marconi Express is BLQ’s driverless people-mover smoothly connecting the terminal with Bologna Centrale in about 7.5 minutes. Operating daily from 05:40 to 00:00 at seven-minute intervals, it offers air-conditioned carriages and onboard Wi-Fi with contactless ticketing. Tickets cost €8 one-way. This fast, reliable, safe service is an airport transfer option.

Car rentals: A range of modern major car rental providers—Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt and Maggiore—operate well-marked desks landside at the arrivals level. Reservations are recommended. Rental cars are collected from a designated pick-up parking area adjacent to the terminal, with 24-hour returns and competitive fuel and mileage options available through each company. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: BLQ offers short-term parking (P1, P2) adjacent to the terminal with rates of €2 for 15 minutes, €18 for 24 hours. Long-term parking (P3, P4) starts at €5 per day and includes electric vehicle charging in P1. Meet & Greet and online booking secure discounted rates and spaces in all lots.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

BLQ’s left-luggage service is temporarily suspended. Nearby options include Stasher and Radical Storage outlets in Borgo Panigale and at Bologna Centrale, offering rates from €5 per day with insurance coverage, flexible hours and online booking. No on-site lockers are currently available in terminal landside or airside zones for unattended baggage. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Bologna Airport (BLQ) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks