Bologna Airport Mini Guide
Bologna is one of Italy’s undiscovered gems. Whilst many tourists head to
Rome and
Florence, the Italians flock to the delights of Bologna. It has the west’s oldest university, beautiful architecture throughout the old town with brick buildings and terracotta roofs, its own ‘leaning towers’ and a thriving social scene. Add to this the delicious food, typical of the region, including the world famous ‘Bolognese sauce’ and the stunning scenery of the Po Valley and Apennine Mountains outside the city and there’s little more you could ask for.
Best way to get to Bologna Airport?
Bologna Airport is only minutes away from the city centre and receives flights from all over Europe. From the
UK you can travel in style with BA or go for the cheaper option with both easyJet and Ryanair having flights to Bologna.
What is Bologna Airport like?
It’s quite busy, receiving nearly six million passengers a year. It’s a large airport with lots of facilities for arriving and departing passengers. The runway was improved some years back allowing it to receive large intercontinental flights. New routes are being added each season including ones to reduce crowding on the busier routes such as to
London Heathrow. Queues form quickly at the car hire desks and it's a sound idea to book your car hire in advance to avoid potential disappointment.
Arrivals at Bologna Airport
It’s a short journey from the plane to passport control and baggage reclaim. Once through that, head along the corridor that takes you out into the arrivals hall. Immediately ahead of you is the tourist information desk and here, as well as helping with accommodation, things to see and onward transport they can help with general airport needs.
If you’re using public transport, turn almost back on yourself to exit the airport where you’ll find taxis and the airport buses. If you’re collecting a pre-booked hire car, the company desks are right next to the tourist information desk. It’s a simple route into the city and you’ll be there within ten minutes of collecting your car. If you need money, there’s a Travelex bureau de change on your right as you enter the arrivals hall and ATMs near the doors.
Departures from Bologna Airport
You’ll be spoilt for choice of things to do. Check in for departures is on the first floor and once your bags are taken care of it’s time to shop. There is a wide selection of shops, the majority of them being designer fashion shops or rather strangely, designer car and bike shops. Ferrari has a store there and so does Ducati, so for the first time, the men will also want to look around the shops.
After the exertion of spending your euros it will be time for some food and drink. Again, there’s a large selection; from light snacks such as sandwiches, through freshly prepared pizza to a la carte dining in Bollicino. After your meal you can go up a floor and watch the planes take off and land from the viewing gallery where there’s also a bar for refreshments. If you need assistance at the airport, make sure you tell your airline well in advance so they can help.
Bologna Airport is only a couple of miles from the beautiful and historic city of Bologna, home of the original Spaghetti Bolognese! Don’t just explore the city though. In a hire car, you’ll have the chance to travel further afield, driving the Po Valley or seeking out the stunning views in the Apennine Mountains.
The superb food there is accompanied by the region’s great wine so plan your day carefully and wind down at the end of it with a delicious local meal and a heady vintage wine.
Click for full list of pick-up locations in Italy.