How to get from Bologna to the airport. City of Bologna - useful information for tourists

Where do tourists go first in Italy? I'm sure they will be in the TOP. Bologna, although famous among travelers, still often remains in the second tier. So it was with me. I came to Bologna only on my nth trip to Italy. And in vain!

The main advice I can give to anyone planning to visit Italy is to definitely, definitely include Bologna in your travel plan! And come not for one day, or even for a weekend, but for at least three days! Stay here the longer the better! Bologna is an absolutely fascinating city with medieval architecture, countless cozy streets and, of course, incredibly delicious cuisine (well, you probably knew that without me).

Bologna is the capital of the Italian province, known throughout the world, primarily because of the oldest University of Bologna in Europe, Università degli Studi di Bologna (and it has existed since the 11th century). Therefore, the city is very lively, with a huge number of students.

But the most important thing in Bologna, in my opinion, is the local cuisine. It is recognized as one of the most delicious in all of Italy (and this is not just my opinion, many Italians also think so). In my opinion, Bologna is the perfect combination of architectural, cultural and gastronomic aesthetics.

How to get there

Bologna is connected with other countries and the rest of Italy by excellent infrastructure. From abroad (including from Russia) you can get there by plane. From other parts of Italy and European countries - by train (a large train station is located a 10-minute walk from the city center), by bus or, again, by plane (no one has canceled the well-developed network of European low-cost airlines). It all depends on the starting point. Despite the fact that the Adriatic coast is relatively close to Bologna (about an hour by train), I do not recommend sea transport; ferries practically do not go there now.

By plane

You can get to Bologna by plane quite economically. Of course, it all depends on the specific date, but Alitalia airlines have affordable ticket prices; a ticket from Moscow to Bologna and back will cost 150 EUR (9,500 RUB), but this is not a direct flight, but with a short transfer in Rome (total time the journey takes about 6–7 hours). There are also good offers from Air France and Lufthansa, with transfers in Paris and various cities in Germany, respectively. Their flights usually cost around 180–200 EUR (11,440–12,700 RUB). The length of the transfer can be chosen, usually the travel time is about 8–9 hours. If you would like to fly direct, Alitalia and Aeroflot have them. Their travel time is the same - 3 hours 30 minutes, but they will cost more: 305 EUR (19,400 RUB) and 261 EUR (16,600 RUB), respectively.

There are no direct flights from St. Petersburg, but with a transfer in Amsterdam you can fly with KLM. The minimum travel time is 9–11 hours, and the flight will cost 230 EUR (14,500 RUB). Lufthansa flights with a connection in Munich cost about the same, but it is slightly shorter, the journey takes 7-9 hours.

Ticket prices can be compared.

How to get from the airport to the city center

Bologna is so well-developed in terms of transport links that even Guglielmo Marconi Airport is located just 6 km from the city center and is easily accessible.

You can take a taxi at the airport (look for white cars with a Taxi checkerboard), the journey will cost approximately 15–17 EUR.

You can also get there by Aerobus. An adult one-way ticket costs 6 EUR, the airbus arrives at the Stazione Centrale train station. That is, if you are traveling with at least three of you, taking a taxi to the center of Bologna will be cheaper :). But the Aerobus ticket is valid for another 90 minutes on other routes in the city. This is a way to save money if you are traveling alone or as a couple.

But the station itself is, as I already wrote, within walking distance from the center. I advise you to look in advance on the map where your hotel is located and, accordingly, choose which one will be more profitable and convenient for you to get from the airport. On the map below I showed the route from the station to the very center - Piazza Maggiore.

By train

Bologna is a fairly large railway junction. You can get to it by train quite easily from other cities. Try to buy tickets in advance, if the train is called Regionale, then its price will not change, you can buy it at the station before departure, tickets are always available. And if there is a different type of train (Frecciarossa, Frecciabianca, etc.), it is better to take it in advance, they become more expensive. But if you buy a couple of months in advance, you can find more than economical options:

• moving from Milan will cost about 16.8 EUR (the journey will take about 2 hours),
• from Florence – 9.35 EUR (1.5 hours),
• from Venice – 10 EUR (2 hours),
• from Rome – 20 EUR (2 hours 15 minutes).

You can view the schedule and buy a ticket on the Trenitalia website - this is the main site with all the information on the railway service.

How to get from the station to the city center

The station is located very close to the center, I would say, on its border. Therefore, you can even get there inexpensively by taxi if you don’t want to lug suitcases. Look for white cars on the station square, there are always a lot of them there :).

If you are traveling light, you can take the bus (numbers 30, 37 and 25 directly to the central square) or even walk, it will take about 20 minutes, but this will already be part of the walk through the center of Bologna.

By bus

You can’t get to Bologna from Russia, but if this city is part of your trip to Europe, the most budget-friendly (and at the same time quite comfortable) way is by bus. For example, the company FlixBus. They have a very wide route network, and to Bologna there are buses not only from all parts of Italy, but also from France, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, etc. For example, a ticket from Milan will cost from 7.90 EUR and the journey will take 2–3 hours; from Rome a ticket will cost from 13.90 EUR and the travel time will be 4–6 hours depending on the route. Tickets can be bought online at their website, you don’t need to do this in advance, the price does not change.

As you can see, tickets are much cheaper, but the journey will take longer compared to the train. Despite this price, traveling on such a bus is quite comfortable: they are new and clean, there is free Wi-Fi in the cabin and there is an outlet at each seat.

At the station you can easily distinguish their bright green buses from regular regular buses :).

The bus also arrives at Bologna train station, how to get from it, read above.

By car

From Russia

The route from Russia to Bologna is not short, almost 3,000 km. But if you have already decided to take such a long car trip, there are two main routes that are almost the same in distance.

1. Through Belarus, Poland, the Czech Republic and Austria.
2. Through Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia.

A long border crossing may await you in Brest (you can spend many hours in line), but once you have entered the Schengen zone, there are no borders and you can move freely.

If you are going to travel from Russia in the winter season, do not forget that driving on studded tires is prohibited in Europe, and you may be fined for this.

From Italy

In terms of road connections, Bologna is well developed. There are 3 major highways passing through the city:

• E45, which connects it with (216 km) and Rimini (118 km),
• E35 comes from (104 km),
• A13 from Padua (117 km).

You can also take the E45 from (80 km).

Clue:

Bologna - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Ekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season? When is the best time to go

In general, I can recommend a trip to Bologna almost all year round. The only exception is July and August, when it is very hot in Italy, and many shops, cafes and restaurants may be closed for the holidays (this applies primarily to small establishments). Due to the heat, there are fewer tourists in the city at this time.

But I would say the most preferable months for traveling are March–June and September–October. Although even in winter the temperature usually does not drop below zero, so in December and January the trip will also be quite comfortable. Sometimes it can, of course, rain, but it’s not very cold outside. And in December, on the eve of Christmas, it is also worth going to feel the whole atmosphere of this main Italian holiday.

If we talk about the price of a vacation, then there is no difference between the seasons, so do not think about this criterion when choosing a time to travel, focus better on the weather.

Bologna in summer

As I wrote above, high summer is not the best time of year to visit Bologna, unless you like to walk around the city and sightsee in extreme heat :). If in June (especially the first half) there is still nothing, then in July and August the temperature during the day rarely drops below +30 degrees. In addition, restaurants and shops often go on vacation, which, on average, lasts from two to four weeks. Their owners and employees also need rest.

That’s why I don’t think summer is the best season to travel.

Bologna in autumn

In my opinion, autumn is one of the most pleasant periods to travel to Bologna. In September it is still very warm (about +25 degrees somewhere), in October and November it is also comfortable – +10–20 degrees. In my opinion, this is the ideal temperature for long walks.

Of course, as winter approaches, it may rain more often, and there is a risk of spending all your walks under an umbrella. But since Bologna is usually not cold and there is no strong wind, this is not a problem for me. Check the weather forecast in advance and bring an umbrella and waterproof shoes - and the problem is solved.

Bologna in spring

Spring is the second best time of year to travel to Bologna, in my opinion. From the beginning of March, it is already warm enough and not too hot to make it pleasant to walk around the city and enjoy its beauty (temperatures average from +15 degrees). As June approaches, you will notice more and more students in the city, rushing to university for exams or studying for them in the fresh air.

Bologna in winter

In Bologna it is not very cold in winter, the temperature fluctuates around 0–5 degrees. However, this is not the most pleasant weather for long walks, in my opinion. Therefore, if you are going to Italy in winter, I would advise going in December. So at least you will get to the pre-Christmas period :). And you can drink hot mulled wine at the Christmas market, which opens in the central square of Piazza Maggiore.

Compared to Germany or Switzerland, Italian cities are decorated for the holidays quite modestly, but Bologna is transforming. I would call it “simple and tasteful.” I definitely advise you to look at the city at this time and feel this atmosphere.

Bologna - weather by month

Clue:

Bologna - weather by month

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

The city center in Bologna is large enough that you can walk around it all day long. Therefore, in this case, I would advise living within its boundaries (indicated on the map below), which is where a large number of hotels are concentrated. On average, you can find a good and clean single room for 35 EUR, or a double room for about 50 EUR. But if you prefer to relax in expensive, comfortable hotels, there are also such hotels in Bologna. Even if these are not world-famous networks, they are also very worthy accommodation options. The cost of a double room per night will be approximately 200–300 EUR.

The only thing is that in the center I would not recommend living near the Stazione Centrale train station. As in any city, it is a little dirty, hectic and not very pleasant to walk in the dark.

What are the prices for holidays?

Bologna is a student city. So if you are planning a budget trip, this is the right place. itself is not the cheapest country, but in Bologna you can find a way to save money. It's worth staying in a hostel, of which there are plenty. And their level, I must say, is very good (below is a clear example - this is a camera in Dopa Hostel). A night in a hostel in a room for 6–8 people will cost from 15 EUR.

You can eat inexpensively in pizzerias where there are no tables. Accordingly, you will not need to pay coperto, which in the amount of 1.5–3 EUR per person will always be added to the bill if you eat at a table.

The entire center can be walked on foot and thus almost completely eliminate the cost of transport. And, as I already wrote, the airport is located next to the city, so getting there will be inexpensive.

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Rub

Main attractions. What to see

A walk around Bologna is a real aesthetic pleasure. I love the architecture of this city, probably even more than the Roman one. Almost every building in the city center hides its own history. But in Bologna there is something interesting not only for lovers of architecture and long walks, but also art and, of course, gourmets!

When you walk around the city, pay attention to its distinctive feature - the arcades that run through the entire city center (they say that their length reaches 28 kilometers). This is the calling card of Bologna. Well, a great place to hide from the rain and not interrupt your walk :).

Top 5

It is very difficult to single out just 5 of the most important attractions of Bologna, believe me! In my opinion, this city is one big beautiful attraction! But as an absolute must-see, I would like to point out the following places:

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

In addition to the churches I write about above, in my opinion, the following are worth visiting:

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

In Bologna, in addition to its architectural beauty, there are many more interesting places that are worth visiting. Below I list the most interesting museums:

Parks

Bologna is a fairly green city with a large number of public gardens, small boulevards and parks.

I would not recommend Parco Montagnola, it is located near the train station, there are a lot of immigrants there and it was not very pleasant for me to be there. But if you really want to see this 18th century park, I advise you to do it during daylight hours.

Address: Piazza VIII Agosto.

Tourist streets

I’ll say right away that when I come to the center of Bologna, I close the map and just go wherever my eyes take me, since among its streets, alleys, courtyards and squares it is very difficult for me to choose my favorite ones. But if you are limited in time or want to not miss anything at all, I will describe the main streets below:

• Via dell"Independenza – One of the central and busy streets of Bologna, it runs from the Stazione Centrale train station to the central square Piazza Maggiore. It houses the Cathedral, a number of shops, cafes and restaurants. You can see the famous arcades, which I write about above, and go shopping and have a snack.
• By Via Rizzoli you can walk to the Bologna Towers, and also a good place for shopping (the Apple Store is located on it).
• Via Zamboni leads to the famous University of Bologna, it’s also nice to walk along it, immerse yourself in a real student town :) and, by the way, there are inexpensive cafes where you can eat economically.

I marked these streets in red on the map. I marked many small streets in green, which are also very pleasant to walk along :).

What to see in 1 day

So, if for some reason you only have a day in this wonderful city, this is, of course, very little, but let’s try to come up with the most eventful program:

• 19:00 – I advise you to return to Piazza Maggiore in the dark or at sunset, it is incredibly beautiful.
• 20:00 – the most delicious part of the trip begins :). Romanesque cuisine is excellent, so choose your favorite restaurant (I'll write about a few of my favorites below).

What to see in the area

As always happens in Italy, there is something to see in Italy! And even more so in Emilia Romagna!

(80 km)

Extraordinarily beautiful medieval mosaics, proximity to the Adriatic coast and such delicious Romanesque dishes and seafood.

Getting there is easy: trains leave from Stazione Centrale approximately every hour, the journey takes 1 hour 20 minutes, the ticket costs 7.35 EUR. Since this is not an express train, but just a regular train, you do not need to buy a ticket in advance; you can purchase it at the station before departure.

Ferrara (52 km)

The historical center of Ferrara is under the patronage of UNESCO; there are indeed enough attractions that may interest tourists and Italian lovers (in addition to the same delicious cuisine). You can see medieval cathedrals, palaces and houses, and look into the world's oldest wine bar, Al Brindisi (it was opened back in 1435). Trains also run from Stazione Centrale; travel times vary depending on the train, but usually take 30–50 minutes. Ticket price: 4.35 EUR.

(100 km)

I think comments are completely unnecessary here :). Everyone who comes to Italy dreams of visiting Florence. And the Italians themselves love to go there. Be sure to go to the Uffizi Gallery (keep in mind that you need to buy your ticket online in advance). You will reach Florence in about 30–40 minutes, the ticket will cost 22.9 EUR.

Food. What to try

Italian cuisine is famous all over the world and it is not for nothing that it is considered one of the most delicious. But the heart of Italian cuisine is in Emilia Romagna, as even many Italians admit. Below I will tell you about the most delicious traditional dishes of this province, you should try them even if you are on a diet :). And in general, forget about the diet if you travel to Bologna, the food there is very tasty, but heavy.

• Tagliatelle with minced meat (tagliatelle al ragu) – flat fresh pasta with minced meat and tomato sauce. In Russia this sauce is called bolognese, but in Bologna it is called ragu.

• Tortellini with minced meat or broth (Tortellini in brodo or al ragu) is pasta in the form of small dumplings (without filling inside). If it’s al ragu sauce, it’s still the same tomato sauce with minced meat that I write about above. And in brodo - this is with broth. This is my definite favorite!

***

Lasagna and even ravioli are served with the same sauce!

• Veal a la Bolognese (Cotoletta alla bolognese) – don’t be confused by the word сotoletta in Italian. This is not a cutlet at all, but a whole piece of meat. In this case, veal. The meat is prepared with prosciutto and parmesan;

• Crescentine is a local flatbread unique to this region. They are usually served with a selection of salami and prosciutto, as well as red wine.

All of the above dishes are served in 99% of restaurants in Bologna. So go to any Italian restaurant that says cucina tipica (traditional cuisine) and try whatever you like.

There are restaurants in the city to suit every budget: from inexpensive student ones to gourmet ones.

Budget

With thousands upon thousands of students flocking to Bologna every year, the city is a budget traveler's paradise. But again, you need to know where to go for an inexpensive lunch or dinner. I recommend the following places:

• Pasta fresca Naldi. Address: via del Pratello, 69;
• Mercato di Mezzo. Address: via Clavature, 12;
• Pizza artist. Address: via Marsala, 35/A;
• La Prosciuterria Bologna. Address: via Oberdan 19/a, Angolo via San Simone;
• Ruggine. Address: vicolo Alemagna 2/C laterale via Santo Stefano.

Mid-level

• Salumeria Simoni. Address: via Pescherie Vecchie, 3B – Laboratorio;
• L "Arcimbolgo. Address: via Galliera, 34;
• Sfoglia Rina. Address: vi Castiglione, 5/a;
• Trattoria del Ghiottone. Address: via Andrea Costi, 136/B;
• Trattoria da me. Address: via San Felice, 50.

Expensive

Italians don't often recognize their cuisine as gourmet; they definitely consider it the best, but they don't classify it as haute cuisine. However, in Bologna you can find several delicious restaurants of this level:

• Antica Trattoria del Regno. Address: via del Traghetto 5/3;
• I Carracci Ristorante. Address: via Alessandro Manzoni, 2;
• Acqua Pazza. Address: via Augusto Murri, 168/d;
• La Porta Restaurant. Address: Piazza Vieira de Mello, 4;
• Antica Osteria Romagnola. Address: via Rialto 13.

Holidays

For Italians, every day is a holiday, in my opinion :). Therefore, they have relatively few public holidays (especially compared to Russia). The following can be highlighted as important and interesting.

Christmas

Undoubtedly, holiday number 1 in all of Italy. It is celebrated traditionally; it is not customary to celebrate Christmas with family or friends. Therefore, from lunch on December 24 until 26, everything is closed. On December 25, only Mc" Donalds and kebab eateries will be open in the city, and only tourists and migrants will walk the streets. The only thing this day is suitable for is leisurely walks in silence.

New Year

This is a more fun and not at all a family holiday for Italians. They celebrate it noisily, with friends. And often there are a lot of parties in the city. Therefore, I strongly recommend celebrating the New Year in Italy. Everyone has dinner, opens champagne, and sets off fireworks. But they don’t give gifts; they only do this at Christmas.

Valentine's Day

Italians are quite romantic and approach this holiday quite responsibly. If you want to have a nice time with your significant other, I can highly recommend Bologna. Restaurants and cafes are decorated and offer special menus.

Ferragosto

A holiday in honor of the completion of major agricultural work, which is traditionally celebrated on August 15. To celebrate, restaurants serve seasonal menus featuring freshly sourced produce. Even tastier than you can imagine.

Safety. What to watch out for

I can’t name any special things in Bologna that tourists should be wary of. Well, besides pickpockets in the city center. It’s not very pleasant in the dark in the area near the train station, I haven’t heard of any incidents there, but it’s just not very comfortable. If you arrive in the evening, it is better to take a taxi immediately.

As I wrote above, pay attention to via dell "Independenza and via Rizzoli. The latter has the Coin shopping center - a fairly common chain of clothing stores in Italy. They present both budget brands, but mostly brands with more expensive clothes. Usually there Men's and women's clothing, cosmetics and perfumes, bags and other accessories are presented.

If you want to go shopping, then go straight to via Farini, just look at the map, many designers are represented there in Galleria Cavour.

On the central streets, in galleries, look at the windows, there you can find small local designers who also have very beautiful and high-quality things :). Still it is.

Sales traditionally take place in January and July, the discounts are usually large, from 30% to 70%. Indeed, you can save a lot.

Bars. Where to go

Don't be confused by the Bar signs on establishments; in the case of Italy, this means that they serve coffee and pastries. But some bars offer Aperitivo in the evening - in my opinion, the most popular Italian tradition among tourists. This is a meal between lunch and dinner around 18–19 hours (and dinner, accordingly, starts at 20–21). An aperitif consists of a cocktail or glass of wine and appetizers. It can be either a few bruschettas or olives with chips, or a buffet, in which case the aperitif can easily replace dinner. And it will cost not 20–30 EUR, but 5–10 EUR. But even without an aperitif, you will be offered sliced ​​salami in any Bologna bar simply as an appetizer :).

Establishments usually close at midnight, or even at 11 pm.

I would advise you to go to the following bars:

• La Tana del Bianconiglio. Address: via Castelione 13/B;
• Enoteca al Risanamento. Address: via Zamboni, 57;
• Il Punto. Address: via San Rocco 1/g;
• Enoteca re Crudo. Address: via delle Lame, 59.

In Emilia Romagna, pay attention to establishments with the Enoteca sign, where you can order a glass of delicious wine from this region and even have dinner.

Clubs and nightlife

Thanks to the large number of students in Bologna, there is no shortage of parties and clubs :). In my opinion, this is one of the most fun cities in Italy. Just keep in mind that usually students go dancing on Friday nights, and older people go dancing on Saturdays. So don't be surprised if the dance floor on Friday reminds you of a school disco.

Entrance is often paid, costing about 10 EUR. But sometimes it is free for girls. The fun begins around midnight and continues, as is right, until about 3-4 in the morning. Face control is most often present.

My favorite places:

• Covo Club. Address: viale Zagabria, 1. A place with inky rock music and excellent cocktails;
• Locomotive Club. Address: via Sebastiano Serlio 5/1;
• Hobbyone. Address: via Mascarella, 2;

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

The best gifts from Italy, in my opinion, are divided into 2 types: clothing and food. Above, I already told you where you can go shopping in Bologna, so look for gifts for your loved ones there :).

If we talk about food, it could be a good bottle of wine from the local Enoteca or, for example, fresh tortellini (they are usually sold in the supermarket in the fresh food section or in small shops). And, of course, don’t forget about salami and delicious cheeses. Here choose everything to your taste, fortunately there is plenty to choose from.

How to get around the city

If you will only be walking around the center of Bologna, I would recommend doing it on foot. It’s beautiful and you don’t risk missing anything. In Piazza Maggiore, opposite the Basilica of San Petronia, there is a tourist center where you can get a city map for free. Or download some application with online maps to your phone in advance. And then go on a long journey.

But you can rent a bicycle; rental and parking points are located in different parts of the city. There is a large one at the Stazione Centrale station.

Taxi. What features exist

Uber is not very popular in Italy as it is more expensive than a regular taxi, so you should not rely on this app.

Legal taxis in Italy are easy to recognize: they are white cars with a checkered design, they usually stand in specially designated parking lots, they are equipped with a meter and you can see the tariffs there. It’s not far from the airport to the center of Bologna, so the trip will cost about 15–17 EUR.

It’s not a good idea to hitch a ride on the street; it’s not customary in Italy. And even if someone stops, no one will guarantee your safety.

Buses

You can buy a bus ticket from the driver, from the machine at the bus stop, if there is one, or from the Tabacchina tobacco store. I recommend the last option: the price is the same everywhere (1.5 EUR for a ticket, which is valid for an hour after it is punched), because machines are not available everywhere, and the driver may simply not have them. Therefore, it is better to buy several at once from Tabacchina and simply compost them when entering the bus.

Transport rental

If your trip is limited to Bologna, then I do not advise you to rent a car. In my opinion, this is useless. The center is not that sick, it’s transitional, you just can’t get through it by car.

But if you plan to go to one of the cities I listed above or to other parts of Italy, then a car is a very convenient way to travel (taking into account the prices of Italian trains, renting a car for 4-5 people will be cheaper).

After all, Bologna is a big city, so there are offices of international car rental services there: Hertz, Europcar, Avis, but there are also local ones. I can't say that the conditions and price are very different. If you book a car in advance, you can find fairly reasonable offers (about 100 EUR per day). Personally, I prefer to book with them, since you can rent a car, for example, in Bologna, and return it in Rome or Milan, that is, you don’t need to go back and waste your time and money on gasoline. The latter, by the way, is more expensive than in Russia. A liter costs about 1.4–1.5 EUR.

To rent at any rental place, you will need an international license (this is mandatory, get them in Russia in advance), and a bank card on which the deposit for the car will be frozen.

Price options for various cars can be viewed.

In the center of Bologna, many streets are pedestrian, cars are not allowed in. In Italian this is called zona pedonale, watch the signs carefully because there is a big fine for this car.

An important point when choosing a car in Italy is the narrow streets. Even an average (by Russian standards) car for Italy will be simply huge; it will be difficult to drive in some places and find parking.

Bologna - holidays with children

To be honest, despite the fact that Italians love children, there are not many places in Bologna that could interest them. Of the really worthwhile ones, I can only highlight the museum of zoology, one of the largest in Italy, there is something for children to see, the exhibition is quite large: there are skeletons of dinosaurs, rhinoceroses, and a whale. Admission to it is free, the museum is open from 8.30 to 18.00 on weekdays and from 10.00 to 17.00 on weekends.

Address: Via Selmi, 3.

Halfway between Bologna and Milan. This convenient location makes it possible to quickly reach from other cities in Italy.

How to get to Parma from Moscow

Parma Airport is called "Giuseppe Verdi" and is located just 5 kilometers from the city center. Unfortunately, there are currently no direct flights to this airport.

Cheap flights from Moscow

How to get to Parma from Milan

Parma is well connected by rail to many Italian cities. Therefore, getting from Milan by train will not be difficult, given that trains run approximately every hour, and the train station is located near the historical center of the city.

• By train: The most inexpensive way to get to Parma is by direct, regional train. Its price is 11.10 €, the journey takes 1.5 hours. At speed, the Frecciarossa will be slightly faster than 1:10, and the cost is more expensive - from 16.90 €.
• By car: If you rent a car, you need to use the A1 - E35 motorway. Taking into account all speed restrictions, you will be able to reach your destination in 1:20, the cost of the trip will be approximately 21.00 € (toll on the motorway 8.70 €, fuel 12.30 €). .

How to get to Parma from Bologna

• By train: in this case, there is an inexpensive option, get to Parma on your own by regional train, price 7.35 €, travel time approximately 80 minutes. .
• Not a car: the fastest way is the A1 motorway, using this method you will reach Parma in 70 minutes, the cost of the trip will be 17.00 €, of which 6.80 € for the toll motorway, the estimated cost of gasoline is 10.20 €.

How to get to Parma from Florence

• By train: when getting from Florence, you will need to make one or two transfers in Bologna or Faenza. The price of a ticket with a transfer starts from 15.85 €, the duration of the trip will depend on the type of train (Freccia or regional) and the interval between them. The journey can last from 2 to 4 hours.
• By car: using the A1 highway you can reach your destination in 2 hours, the cost of the trip will be 33.00 €, of which 14.00 € for the toll highway, the estimated cost of gasoline is 19.00 €.

How to get to Parma from Rome

• By train: There are many trains from Rome Central Station in the direction of Parma, but there are no direct ones. Therefore, you will most likely have to change planes in Faenza, Florence or Bologna. Ticket price from 37.00 €.
• By car: There are several ways to get to Parma from Rome by car, but the fastest and cheapest is the A1 motorway, which takes approximately 4 hours. The estimated cost of the trip is 78.00 €, of which 33.20 is for the expressway toll, the remaining 44.80 is for fuel.

whose students bring bustle and fun and enliven its cultural and social life. In addition, Bologna is famous for its towers and long arcades. The historic city center is well preserved and considered one of the largest in Italy - all thanks to a strong conservation and restoration policy that began in the 60s. last century.

It is a city whose origins go back at least to the millennium BC. e. Bologna has always been an important center of culture and art - its artistic and monumental fame is based on a homogeneous array of architectural monuments and works of art (medieval towers, historic houses, churches).

In 2000, Bologna was recognized as the European Capital of Culture, and in 2006 it was awarded recognition by UNESCO as a creative city of music, the first in Italy and the second in Europe after Seville.

How to get to Bologna

By plane

The oldest arcade-portico from the 13th century should be found at the Grassi Palace on the street. Marsala. The longest stretches 3.796 km to the sanctuary of Madonna di San Luca located on a hill.

Bologna's finest hour struck in 1188, when the first university in Europe was founded here. Anyone can enter its main building, the Palazzo Poggi, to admire frescoes and sculpture, look into the library, into the wooden anatomical theater and see the world's largest collection of heraldic coats of arms (more than 7,000) belonging to students and teachers of the university.

Dante, Petrarch, Boccaccio, Copernicus and four popes studied at the University of Bologna, and among the teachers was the future Saint Anthony of Padua.

Like other Italian cities, Bologna has its own heavenly patron - Saint Petronius. The construction of the Basilica of St. Petronius in Piazza Maggiore began 600 years ago. According to the plan of the vain Bolognese, it was supposed to surpass St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome in size. And only the intervention of the pope prevented these plans - the monumental facade of the church remained unfinished.

On the opposite side, the Palazzo Podesta overlooks Piazza Maggiore, where the city government met. It owes its appearance to the architect Rudolfo Fioravanti, a native of Bologna, whose son, Aristotle Fioravanti, is known as the builder of the Assumption Cathedral in the Moscow Kremlin.

Adjacent to Piazza Maggiore is Piazza Neptune with the fountain of the same name. The muscular god of the sea looks half-turned at the palace of King Enzo, built in 1245. The King of Sardinia was imprisoned for 23 long years in this palace, which later began to bear his name. The captive's father, the German Emperor Frederick II, offered a huge ransom for his son, but the proud Bolognese refused the money.

Weather

The climate in Bologna is continental. Winters can be quite cold, with snowfall, sometimes even quite heavy. Summers are usually hot and muggy as a result of high humidity, and can be long and dry. The middle seasons (autumn, spring) are warm and rainy, but short.

Bologna is a large city in Northern Italy, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, known as a city of towers, universities and excellent culinary specialists. But this is today, and in the 6th century BC. on the site of modern Bologna there was an Etruscan settlement called Felsina. Due to the fact that the settlement was located at the intersection of trade routes, its main population were traders and artisans.

A couple of centuries later, Felsina was conquered and then destroyed by the Celtic tribe of the Boii, but at the beginning of the 2nd century BC. The Celts were expelled by the Romans, who founded the colony of Bonnonia on the site of the former Felsina.

There are two versions of the origin of the name of the city: according to one, Bologna got its name from the Celtic word “bona” - “city”, according to the second - the city was named after the Boi tribe, which in Celtic means “shepherds” or “warriors”.

Bologna is one of the largest cities in Italy

During the prosperity of the Roman Empire, it was considered one of the richest cities in the country; during this period, majestic temples, a theater, a stadium, and numerous baths were built.

During the crisis of the empire, Bologna also fell into decline, but in the 5th century, during the time of Bishop Petronius, the city flourished again. During its existence, Bologna was part of the Exarchate of Ravenna, the Kingdom of Lombardy, and the Papal States; in the 18th century it was conquered by the French and included in the Cisalpine Republic, and then returned to the papal throne.

The city and the region joined the United Kingdom of Italy in 1860. Modern Bologna is one of the largest cities in Italy, second only to Bologna in terms of the number and preservation of historical and architectural monuments.

Climate and weather

The climate in Bologna is continental; the maritime influence is not felt here at all. The weather is rainy and damp throughout the year, but the highest rainfall occurs during the cold season. It is quite cold here in winter, although the temperature rarely drops below zero, and in summer it is hot and stuffy due to high humidity.

The most favorable time to travel to Bologna is from April to October, during this period the average temperature is +20+23C, but in July and August it can be quite hot - about +30C.

Piazza Maggiore is a real hub of attractions

How to get there

Getting to Bologna is not difficult - the city has its own Guglielmo Marconi Airport, which receives flights from almost all of Europe. The airport is located very conveniently - just seven kilometers from the city center.

The favorable geographical location of the city has made it one of the most important railway junctions connecting the northern and southern parts of the country, so you can get here by train from any major city in Italy. The fast train takes just over two hours from Bologna, about an hour from there, and about 1.5 hours from there.

The easiest way to buy train tickets to Bologna from other cities in Italy is to do it online through the popular one. To purchase tickets, you only need a bank card and knowledge of travel dates. The service operates in Russian, and ticket prices are the same as at the ticket office at the station.

Hotels in Bologna

There are several hundred hotels and other accommodation options in Bologna. There are elite five-star apartments located in the historical center of the city, and more modest three-star hotels, and budget hostels where students prefer to stay.

Tourists can easily find a hotel to suit every taste and budget; the only caveat is that if the travel dates fall on holidays, then, despite all the apparent variety, it is better to book the hotel long before departure.

By the way, the best selection of hotels in the center of Bologna for every taste and budget can be found at the link below.

What to see in Bologna and its surroundings

The capital of Emilia-Romagna is so interesting that when asked “What to see in Bologna?” It’s difficult to answer definitively. Bologna has magnificent parks and gardens, unique architecture, majestic cathedrals, noteworthy museums, excellent restaurants and shops.

The famous Neptune Fountain in Piazza Maggiore

The main historical attractions of the city are located in the center - the famous Piazza Maggiore, surrounded by majestic buildings: the Basilica of St. Petronio, Palazzo del Podesta, Palazzo Enzo and Palazzo Communale. In Piazza Maggiore there is the famous Fountain of Neptune - a picturesque sculptural composition by the Florentine sculptor Giambologna.

The height of the Asinelli tower is 97 m, Garisenda is half lower

The Leaning Towers - Garisenda and Asinelli, which are one of the main attractions of Bologna, are located near the central square in Piazza della Mercanzia. The height of the tallest tower - Asinelli - is 97 meters; A staircase of 498 steps leads to the observation deck, which offers panoramic views of the city, and, in good weather, of the sea. The Garisenda Tower is much lower - only 48 meters.

Along with the towers, the unique appearance of the city is given by arched galleries, the total length of which is about 40 kilometers. The construction of covered galleries is justified by the special climate of Bologna - the arches are designed to protect residents and guests of the city from the scorching sun in summer and rain in autumn and winter. In the Middle Ages, the roofs of the galleries were wooden, later - stone; only one wooden arch on Maggiori Street has survived to this day.

The year of foundation of the university is considered to be 1088.

Another famous attraction is the university. The University of Bologna is the oldest educational institution in Europe, the year of its foundation is considered to be 1088 - it was then that a law school was opened here, where they studied grammar, rhetoric, logic, and Roman law.

At different times, Francesco Petrarca, Giovanni Boccaccio, Nicolaus Copernicus, and Umberto Eco studied at the University of Bologna. The university building houses a library, as well as an ancient Anatomical Theater.

Religious attractions are also interesting - the monastery of San Stefano, which copies the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, located in Jerusalem, the Basilica of St. Domenico, in the creation of which Nicollo Del Arca, Guido Reni, Michelangelo took part, the church of San Giacomo Maggiore, decorated with paintings and frescoes by famous Italian artists.

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi International Airport or simply Bologna Airport (Aeroporto Guglielmo Marconi di Bologna or Aeroporto di Bologna) is the tenth international airport in Italy in terms of passenger traffic. Bologna Airport is named after engineer and Nobel laureate Guglielmo Marconi.

Bologna Airport is located 9 kilometers from the tourist center of Bologna and Bologna Central Station.

The airport regularly sends and receives flights from many European cities, including direct flights connecting Bologna with Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia, etc. Cheap flights to Bologna...

From Bologna airport to Bologna center and from Bologna center to airport

Bologna Airport has well-developed transport connections to the city center, making it easy to get from the airport to the center or from the center of Bologna to the airport.

Taxi/Transfer

The most convenient and fastest way to get from Bologna airport to the center of Bologna, as well as other cities and resorts in Italy, is by taxi. You can order a taxi/transfer in advance, from home. At any time of the day, at the airport, a driver will be waiting for you with a sign with your name and surname written on it. To order a taxi, just provide your flight details!

Car rental

If you are planning to travel around Italy, then renting a car would be the ideal option. You can choose and order a car in advance; at the appointed time, your car will be waiting for you near the airport. The cost of car rental starts from 21 Euro per day in high season.

Public transport

From public transport: shuttle buses and public city buses.

Airbus shuttle

The regular Aerobus-BLQ shuttle is a fast way to get from Bologna airport to the center of Bologna, as well as from the center of Bologna to the airport.

A shuttle bus connects Bologna airport with the center and train station (Bologna Centrale). Final stops: Bologna airport - Bologna railway station.

Airbus shuttle route and stops map

Shuttle schedule: daily, with regularity every 11 minutes - first trip from the airport at 5:30, last at 00:15; The first trip from the station is at 5:00, the last is at 23:35.

Travel time, approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic jams. The one-way fare is 6 Euros per person, which includes luggage. Children under 1 meter tall are free.

Shuttle tickets can also be used on the municipal public transport TPER of the Bologna urban area within 75 minutes. If the ticket is purchased online, then for use in transport other than Airbus, the electronic ticket must be replaced with a magnetic one, using automatic machines located both at the airport and at the central railway station.

Tickets can be purchased online on the company's official website, as well as at the airport or near the train station, or at TPER ticket offices.

Where to buy a ticket at Bologna airport:

1. In machines located on the ground floor near the exit, near check-in for flights, or in machines located on the street (near the airport building), immediately before the Airbus stop.

2. Tickets can be purchased from sellers in the cigarette department at the Carrefour Express store, located on the ground floor of the airport building. We go to Carrefour and immediately at the counter on the left, where they sell cigarettes, lottery tickets, etc., we buy a ticket.

Where to buy a ticket at the train station:

Near the Bologna train station there is a stop with the sign “Aerobus”, and here, at the stop, there are ticket machines. If problems or questions arise, there are workers at the stop who are always ready to help.

Public city buses

The most inexpensive way to get from Bologna airport to the center or from the center of Bologna to the airport.

From the airport to the center, as well as from the center to the airport, you will have to use this transport with a transfer. There is no direct bus.

The fare will be 1.30 Euro.

Tickets at the airport are sold in the same Carrefour Express store as tickets for the shuttle bus. You can also buy a ticket directly on the bus, from a machine, but tickets on the bus will cost 1.50 Euros and the machine only accepts coins.

The ticket must be validated upon entering the bus and at each subsequent change of route. Travel time is 75 minutes after composting. So you can get to the center on one ticket with a transfer, the main thing is that the time does not exceed 75 minutes.

The airport stop is located to the left of the main airport exit. We get out, turn left and go to the end. There will also be a bus schedule here. We need bus number 54.

Traffic scheme and schedule of buses No. 54 from the airport

Traffic diagram and schedule of bus No. 54 from the Birra stop to the airport

You can get off the 54 bus at four stops. The first from the airport is Birra, the next is Due Ponti, then Acquedotto Triumvirato and Triumvirato. Then the bus turns right, and if we need the center of Bologna, then we turn left.

Having got off at one of four stops, without going anywhere, at the same stop, we wait for the next bus. Buses No. 81 and 91 go to the center. Both buses make several stops in the center, the final stop being Bologna train station. If you need to go to the historical center, it is better to get off at the Marconi stop.

Birra stop when traveling from Bologna airport to the center

Birra stop when traveling from the center of Bologna to the airport

Route diagram of bus No. 81

Route diagram of bus No. 91

From the center of Bologna, taking bus 81 or 91, you should only get off at any of the 4 stops listed above (Birra, Due Ponti, Acquedotto Triumvirato or Triumvirato).

If you don’t have time to wait at the airport for bus number 54, then you can walk to the Birra stop, the distance is about a kilometer.

Tickets for buses 81 and 91 and some other city routes are not sold on the bus (possibly because not all buses are yet equipped with automatic machines). In this case, tickets must be purchased at some cafes, bars and tobacco shops. At the Birra stop (the one towards the airport), tickets are sold at the bar.

If you still plan to use public transport in the center of Bologna for 24 hours, you can buy a 24-hour pass for 5 €. The ticket must be confirmed (punched) at the beginning of the journey and at each subsequent change in the route by inserting the ticket into the validator.

You can check the city bus schedule and ticket prices on the official website of Tper.

Attention! Public transport schedules and fares may vary. Check before your trip.

If you need to spend the night near Bologna airport .