If you are using Bolzano car hire and embarking on a driving holiday in the northern part of Italy, also called the South Tyrol, then be prepared for a surprise that German is widely spoken.
Since Bolzano was first settled by Germans, it has been the main language of Bolzano and the university there now teaches in Italian, English and German. The Tyrol, part of the Austrian/Italian Alps is particularly beautiful in early summer with lush alpine meadows and the sound of goat bells tinkling in the distance.
Bolzano Airport Mini Guide
The Airport
Bolzano Airport is a tiny airport in the German speaking north of Italy. Less than 100,000 passengers passed through its doors last year and parking is limited. There are only 50 long term spaces and 20 short term spaces in front of the airport with a further 30 spaces further away. The good thing about parking there is that it is unregulated and free! It’s close to Bolzano city centre which is just as well as transport options are limited.
How to get to the Airport
Only two airlines fly to and from Bolzano, Alitalia fly a domestic route to Olbia in Sardinia whilst Air Alps fly a domestic route to Rome.
Onward Travel from Bolzano Airport
Transport options are very limited at the airport. The local bus routes into Bolzano are the 10A and 10B but the bus stop is 600m away from the terminal so you will have a long walk or have to take a taxi to the bus stop! There is a train station with local and national connections but it is a 20 minute taxi ride away! Taxis from the Radio Taxi Bolzano company can be hired easily from the airport and the journey into the city isn’t over long. Car hire is almost certainly your best bet there and booking online will be essential to ensure there is a car of the correct category ready for you on your arrival. Normally at bigger airports queues build up for the car hire desks but this isn’t so much the case there. The desks are located easily in the small terminal building.
Public Information
There’s an airport information desk in the terminal which is only operational near the times of flights.
Airport Facilities
Facilities are very limited there with no bank or currency exchange as the airport only handles domestic flights, there is only an ATM.
Shopping and eating facilities at Bolzano Airport are virtually non-existent. As the airport only handles domestic flights there is no duty free shop and only a newsagents selling papers, magazines, sweets and drinks exists for passenger entertainment and refreshment.
Those in need of first aid should make themselves known to terminal staff and will be taken to a small first aid post in the terminal.
The airport isn’t yet able to offer Wi-Fi services in the terminal.
Passengers Needing Extra Help
Disabled passengers should note that there are several call points both inside and outside of the terminal for calling assistance and a tactile pathway is available to help locate the main parts of the terminal. Wheelchairs are available free of charge. Whilst assistance is available for disabled travellers but it is recommended that you inform your airline before travelling so that necessary steps can be taken to assist you. The airport conforms to EU law on disability provision.
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