Bologna Marconi — Marconi Express + city bus
Bologna Marconi (BLQ) to Bologna — Updated 2026
Bologna Marconi has a unique transport option — the **Marconi Express**, an automated people-mover (somewhere between a tram and a monorail) that connects the airport directly to Bologna Centrale station in just 7 minutes. €11 single, every 7-10 minutes, opened 2020. The express is the fastest option by far. Cheaper alternatives: **BLQ Aerobus** (€6, 25 min, every 11 min) is a coach that follows the same route on the road. **City bus 944** is the budget option at €1.50 but takes 35-50 minutes via multiple stops. For most tourists the Marconi Express is the obvious choice — Bologna's Centrale station puts you in walking distance (15 min) of Piazza Maggiore + most of the historic centre.
Marconi Express + city bus stops
| Station / Stop | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marconi Airport | 0 min | People-mover station outside arrivals |
| Bertalia (intermediate) | ~4 min | Marconi Express stop |
| Bologna Centrale | 7 min | Mainline rail to Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice — historic centre 15-min walk |
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Marconi Express + city bus vs alternatives
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marconi Express | €11 | 7 min | Fastest. People-mover above road. Best for tourists. |
| BLQ Aerobus | €6 | 25 min | Coach. Cheaper, runs every 11 min. |
| City bus 944 | €1.50 | 35-50 min | Cheapest. Multiple stops, slow with luggage. |
| Taxi (white) | €20-€25 | 15-25 min | Flat fare to centre. Faster than bus. |
| Pre-booked transfer | €30-€40 | 15-25 min | Welcome Pickups + Kiwitaxi. |
| Uber | Not in Bologna | — | Uber does not operate. Use taxi or pre-booked. |
FAQ
What is the Marconi Express at Bologna airport?+
A driverless automated people-mover (similar to airport shuttles in Atlanta or Detroit but extending outside the airport) connecting Bologna Marconi airport to Bologna Centrale station via 4-km elevated guideway. Opened 2020. Journey time 7 minutes vs 25 minutes by bus. Premium price (€11) reflects the speed.
Is the Marconi Express worth €11?+
Yes if you value time — 7 minutes vs 25 minutes for the bus is significant. For tight schedules (early morning + late evening departures) the express's reliability eliminates traffic risk. For backpackers or those with ample time, the €6 BLQ Aerobus or €1.50 city bus 944 are reasonable alternatives.
How do I get from Bologna airport to Florence + Venice + Rome?+
Take Marconi Express (7 min) or BLQ Aerobus (25 min) to Bologna Centrale, then Frecciarossa high-speed rail: Florence (35 min, €25-€40), Venice (1h 20min, €30-€50), Rome (2h 5min, €40-€80), Milan (1h, €25-€45). Bologna is Italy's rail hub — fastest connection from any north Italian airport.
Late-night Marconi Express?+
Marconi Express runs roughly 05:40 to 00:00 (last departure from airport). BLQ Aerobus runs slightly later. After midnight: taxi (€20-€25 to centre, 24/7). For very early morning departures: Marconi Express first service is 05:40 — adequate for flights from 07:30 onwards.
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