How to get to Bologna Centrale Train Station

Travel from Bologna city centre to Bologna Centrale

Bologna is the lively, historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. As one of Italy's major economic and cultural cities, it features galleries of great historical interest, arches, and beautiful monuments. Bologna is an amazing blend of new and old, providing every aspect of what gives Italy its unique charm. With an easy-to-navigate metro system, it’s easier to get around the city as most parts are accessible.

Still, the city has a fantastic train station, Bologna Centrale, which lies on the northern edge of the city centre, strategically located to offer connections throughout the country and other cities in the region. The terminal has 24 platforms, with about 800 trains passing through the terminal per day. At the end of the Milan to Bologna high-speed line, the station features high-speed trains connecting to major cities, including Florence, Rome, Milan, and Genoa. If you’re coming from Florence, you’ll arrive in Bologna in less than 35min, but those commuting from Rome can get here in about 2h. From just outside the train station Bologna Centrale, you can conveniently take buses into the heart of the city. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is just 3.7 miles (6 km).

How far is it from Bologna city centre to Bologna Centrale train station?

Train station Bologna Centrale is located about 0.8 miles (1.5 km) from the city centre of Bologna. The terminal is at Piazza Medaglie d’Oro, at the northern edge of the city centre, approximately a 20/25min walk to Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s main square. Those arriving via high-speed rail will likely get off at the Alta Velocità-AV tracks, from where you can follow signs to the main exit at Piazza Medaglie d’Oro. The station is served by several buses that travel into the city centre as they stop right outside the terminal. The taxi stand is also right in front as you exit from the main hall. The station’s strategic location at the intersection of the main north-south and east-west routes makes it a major transportation hub in Italy.

What is the best way to get to Bologna Centrale train station from Bologna city centre?

You can get to train station Bologna Centrale from Bologna city centre via public transportation, including buses, metros, and taxis. However, if you’re coming from the city centre, you can avoid hassle and stress by taking tram line 4 to the train terminal. It’s one of the best ways to get there on time. Both buses and trams use Corso Vittorio Emanuelle II and Via Sacchi entrances, but Via Nizza entrance is for buses only.

Still, a metro line from central Bologna will take you to the metro station located underneath the train terminal. Besides, as the city is walkable, you access the train station by walking, covering the distance in about 20min. Taxis come in handy if you want to access the station quickly, as they’re available 24/7. Train connections from train station Bologna Centrale are a good way to various European destinations.

Where is/are the airport(s) in Bologna, and how to get there?

The closest airport to Bologna is the Guglielmo Marconi (BLQ), which sits about a 15min drive from the city centre of Bologna. The airport links well to the rest of Europe as it serves major low-cost airlines. If you’re here in the summer months, you’ll get a direct flight to the city of Philadelphia, USA. Taxis or hire cars provide the quickest means to get to the airport. However, the Aerobus shuttle is more convenient and reliable for those travelling on a limited budget, and it departs every 11min throughout the year.

How accessible is Bologna main train station for those with limited mobility?

Train station Bologna Centrale offers assistance services for passengers with sensory, motor, or physical impairment that temporarily or permanently hinders or slows down their movements whilst travelling. The terminal has this service on its ground floor. The Eurostar trains come with a coach for those with limited mobility, besides the reception services for disabled travellers at the station. If you’re disabled, consider arranging with the management to have this service preferably 24h before departure. You’ll receive a single luggage trolley for free upon request, in addition to the elevating trolleys to help you board and transfer with your wheelchair. Other facilities for passengers with mobility limitations to include adapted restaurants or shopping areas, platforms, designated parking for the disabled, lifts, and accessible toilets.

Bologna Train Station. Source: Shutterstock

Night trains to/from Bologna Centrale

Omio The Window Seat, reports that travellers who are conscious of their comfort and privacy prefer commuting at night. A few trains depart from train station Bologna Centrale to major cities in the region. SNCF goes to Paris and Lyon, with different departure times depending on the number of changes that the coach makes during the trip and the specific travel dates. Also, if you want a thrilling after-dark experience, book a first-class ticket and enjoy a comfortable reclining leather seat with ample legroom and headrest. Those who are keen to make a few savings from their transportation costs should consider riding in the economy cabin as it comes with cheaper tickets. You’ll also meet other like-minded travellers and possibly make useful contacts.

Travelling by train in Bologna: Sustainable journey

Trains consume significantly less fuel than other means of transport like private cars and planes and thus provide an economically friendly and efficient means of transportation from train station Bologna Centrale. Combusting less energy releases fewer greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and reduces carbon footprints by about 13 times than cars.

Local tips: Bologna main train station points of interest

Bologna Centrale train station provides commuters with a wide range of services, including restaurants and fast-food bars, lost-and-found luggage, tourist information desk, toilets, money and banking exchange services, post office, and car hire. Also, trains from this terminal link Bologna to other cities such as Genoa and Milan. There are numerous attractions within walking distance of the station, including magnificent tall buildings, shops, and boutiques lining the streets. Several locations near central Bologna contain grand buildings with unique statues, churches, and palaces. Other attractions at this destination include:

• Torre Asinelli and Torre Garisenda
• Parco della Montagnola
• Fontana di Nettuno
• Piazza Maggiore
• Basilica di San Petronio

What to do in Bologna

Bologna’s charm and easy-to-visit nature make it a favourite destination for most holidaymakers. The sound of water splashing in the magnificent Neptune Fountain gives you every reason to make a stop at the Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno. To appreciate the city’s artistic side, head to the Basilica of St. Petronius, which epitomises Gothic architecture in Italy. Marvel at its magnificent interior, with keen attention to the strange line cutting across the floor of the nave. On the backside is a little museum containing different designs of the same building submitted by the area’s great architects.

Still, on artistry, visit the Sanctuary and Portico of the Madonna di San Luca and explore its classical interior defined by variegated black, white, and red marbles. Lastly, don’t end your vacation in Bologna without immersing yourself in the area’s diverse cuisine that makes great appeals to the locals and visitors alike. Enjoy signature dishes such as tagliatelle and tortellini, as well as cured meats. Wander around the markets and food shops and pick what tickles your taste buds.