Roberta Aguirre
Bologna Airport, Italy, is a convenient place to stay for travellers with early morning flights. The airport is open 24 hours, and there are several options for accommodation within the airport, including an airport hotel with a shuttle bus service to the terminal. The airport also offers free WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, and various upscale fashion stores and gourmet eateries. Travellers can also choose to stay in the city centre and take a taxi or the Aerobus to the airport, although it is recommended to leave extra time for potential traffic. For those who wish to stay at the airport overnight, it is important to take precautions for safety and security, such as staying near other travellers or close to security.
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What You'll Learn
Safety precautions and risks of sleeping in the airport
Sleeping in any airport comes with a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It is important to take safety precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are some tips for staying safe and reducing risks when sleeping in Bologna Airport, Italy.
Safety Precautions
- Know the airport policies: Check if overnight stays are allowed at the airport. Some airports close at night, so it is important to find out beforehand.
- Choose the right spot: Look for designated sleeping areas or quiet zones within the airport. Opt for locations with minimal foot traffic to avoid disturbances, but remain within well-populated areas for safety.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Always keep your luggage close to you if it is not stored in a secure locker. Use your bags as pillows if possible, and consider using a luggage lock.
- Ask for advice: You can ask security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Stay with other travellers: If you are travelling alone, stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help deter potential thieves.
- Hide your valuables: Do not leave your valuables out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft.
- Set alarms: Set multiple alarms to avoid missing your flight. Consider setting an alarm to go off every 90 minutes so you can check your surroundings and ensure your belongings are safe.
Risks
- Noise: Airports can be noisy places, with aircraft noise disturbing sleep quality. This can be mitigated with earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.
- Discomfort: The pre-security area at Bologna Airport has uncomfortable metal benches. To combat this, you can bring your own travel pillow, blanket, and eye mask.
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Transport options to and from the airport
There are several transport options for getting to and from Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, locally known as Bologna Guglielmo Macaroni Airport, to the city centre. The airport is roughly 3.7 miles (6 kilometres) north of Bologna city centre.
Train
The Marconi Express train shuttle is the fastest way to get to the airport from Bologna Stazione Centrale train station, taking only 7 minutes. The train station is 6 kilometres from the airport, and the Marconi Express departs from the departures level (landside) of the airport. The train runs every 7 minutes and costs €12.80 for a single ticket or €23.30 for a return. Discounts are available for large families and groups.
Bus
The Aerobus, operated by Italian bus company BLQ, is a special airport bus that departs from one of two central stations in the city: Ospedale Maggiore or Pontelungo. The ride takes 10 or 22 minutes, respectively, and passengers should get off at the Aeroporto station, which is right in front of the airport. The Aerobus is equipped with services and assistance for travellers with limited mobility, including wheelchair users. Tickets can be purchased at the tobacconist inside the airport.
Several other buses connect Bologna Airport to nearby cities:
- Ferrara Al Volo offers regular service to/from Ferrara (travel time 1 hour)
- Appennino Shuttle provides ten daily direct departures to/from Florence (travel time 90 minutes)
- SACA offers service to/from Modena (travel time 50 minutes)
- Shuttle Italy Airport provides service to/from Prato (travel time 2 hours)
Taxi
Taxis are available 24 hours a day in the ground transportation area of the airport. All taxis are metered, and reservations are not required. A taxi from the airport to a central location in Bologna costs about €20-30 and takes 15-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Two taxi companies operate at Bologna Airport: Taxi Cat Bologna and Cotabo Taxi.
Car
Car rental desks are located on the ground floor of the terminal, near the baggage claim area and the Tourist Information Desk. On-site car rental agencies include Autovia, Avis/Budget/Maggiore, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt Rent a Car, among others.
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Airport facilities and amenities
Bologna Airport, also known as Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, is located roughly 3.7 miles (6 kilometres) north of Bologna's city centre. The airport is served by several airlines and offers various facilities and amenities for travellers.
The airport has one terminal with two levels: the ground floor, called Piano Terra, and the first floor, called Primo Piano. The terminal features a modern design with 24 departure gates, upscale fashion stores, and gourmet eateries. Bologna Airport provides free Wi-Fi access to passengers, allowing them to stay connected during their time in the airport. Additionally, mobile charging points are available for those who need to charge their devices.
For travellers seeking accommodation near the airport, there is a Sheraton hotel nearby that provides a shuttle service to and from the terminal. This hotel, known for its posh yet inexpensive accommodations, can be a convenient option for early morning or late-night flights. Taxis are also readily available at the airport, providing 24-hour transportation to and from the city centre.
The airport offers a range of dining options, including bars, restaurants, and cafes serving Italian cuisine and beverages. Lounges and meeting spaces cater to business travellers, while fast-track services are available for families travelling with children. Bologna Airport also has a Tourist Information Desk, car rental services, and parking facilities. However, it is recommended to arrive at the car park early as parking is subject to availability.
When travelling to and from the airport, the Aerobus, operated by the Italian bus company BLQ, is a popular choice. It offers convenient connections between the airport and two central stations in the city: Ospedale Maggiore and Pontelungo. The Aerobus operates from 5:30 a.m. to 12:15 a.m., with departures every 11 minutes throughout the year.
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Nearby hotels and accommodation
Bologna Airport, officially Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, is located roughly 3.7 miles (6 kilometres) north of Bologna's city centre. While it is possible to spend the night at the airport, there are several nearby hotels and accommodation options that travellers can consider for a more comfortable stay.
One option is the Flyon Hotel, which is located near the airport and offers a shuttle bus service to and from the terminal. The hotel is described as "very posh, yet very inexpensive" by a traveller. For those who prefer to stay in the city centre, there are various Airbnb options available, such as accommodations close to Santa Maria dei Servi. From there, travellers can easily take a taxi or the Aerobus to the airport.
The Aerobus is a convenient and affordable way to travel between Bologna Airport and the city centre. It is operated by the Italian bus company BLQ and departs from two central stations: Ospedale Maggiore or Pontelungo. The ride takes approximately 10 to 22 minutes, depending on the station of origin. Travellers can also take bus lines 13, 81, 91, or 38 to reach these stations from the city centre. Taxis are another option, with two taxi companies operating at Bologna Airport: Taxi Cat Bologna and Cotabo Taxi.
For those looking for a more unique experience, Couchsurfing is also mentioned as a possibility in Bologna. This could be a great way to connect with locals and find budget-friendly accommodation in the city.
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Check-in times and procedures
Check-in Times:
- It is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance, typically within the times indicated by your airline.
- For international flights, Bologna Airport recommends arriving at least three hours before your scheduled flight time. This allows for check-in, which often closes around 60 minutes before departure, as well as security screening and other necessary checks.
- During peak travel hours, such as early morning and late afternoon, consider arriving slightly earlier than three hours to account for busier check-in counters and security lines.
- If you are travelling on a local or domestic flight, two hours before departure may be sufficient. However, it is always a good idea to check with your airline or the airport website for specific recommendations.
Check-in Procedures:
- If you haven't checked in online, proceed to the check-in area on the ground floor, to the left of the main entrance.
- At the check-in desk of your airline or flight, present your flight booking confirmation, identity document, and any hold baggage. You will receive your boarding pass, which allows you to board the aircraft.
- If you have printed your boarding pass online and are an Extra EU passenger, you must still go to the check-in desk for identity document verification.
- For faster security access, Bologna Airport offers a Fast Track service. Additionally, Italian citizens and EU residents may be eligible to use automated e-gates, expediting the process.
- Keep an eye on gate assignments as they may change unexpectedly. Boarding usually begins 30 to 45 minutes before departure.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can stay overnight at Bologna Airport. The airport is open 24 hours, and there are 24-hour food options available. However, it is important to note that sleeping in any airport can be risky, especially when travelling alone. It is recommended to take precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables.
Here are some safety tips for staying overnight at Bologna Airport:
- Identify where the security office is located and try to stay near video cameras.
- Ask security personnel for advice on the safest places to sleep.
- If you're travelling alone, stay near other travellers or close to security.
- Hide your valuables and don't leave them out in plain view.
Yes, there are hotels near Bologna Airport. One option is the Flyon Hotel, which used to be a Sheraton. It is described as "very posh, yet very inexpensive" and offers a shuttle bus service to the terminal.
The best way to get to Bologna Airport from the city centre is by taking the Aerobus, a special airport bus operated by the Italian bus company BLQ. It departs from one of two central stations: Ospedale Maggiore or Pontelungo, with ride times of 22 and 10 minutes respectively. It is recommended to leave a minimum of 40 minutes to get from central Bologna to the airport.
