How to Get from Bologna Airport to Modena

The train is the optimal balance of speed, cost, and frequency for most travelers. The journey is a two-part process: first, a short automated shuttle from the airport to Bologna's main train station, then a regional train to Modena.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Exit Arrivals & Find the Marconi Express: Follow signs for the “Marconi Express” within the BLQ terminal. The station is a short, covered walk from the arrivals hall.
2. Buy Your Ticket: Purchase a ticket at the automated kiosks (cash/card). The standard single fare is €11, but a round-trip ticket (€20) offers savings if returning the same way. Check official Marconi Express fares.
3. Ride to Bologna Centrale (7 minutes): Trains run every 7-15 minutes from 5:40 AM to midnight. The ride is non-stop to Bologna Centrale's dedicated airport platform.
4. Transfer & Buy Regional Train Ticket: Follow signs for “Trenitalia” mainline trains. Buy a ticket for “Modena” from a Trenitalia machine, ticket office, or via the Trenitalia app. A standard 2nd class regional ticket costs €3.90 - €5.60, depending on the train type.
5. Board the Train to Modena (20-30 minutes): Trains depart frequently (2-4 times per hour). Services are mainly Regional (R) or Regional Veloce (RV) trains. Validate your paper ticket in the green/yellow machines before boarding.
6. Arrive in Modena: Disembark at Modena's central station, located a short walk from the historic city center.

Train Types & Ticket Details

Leg of Journey	Service	Frequency	Travel Time	Approx. One-Way Cost	Notes
BLQ → Bologna Centrale	Marconi Express	Every 7-15 min	7 min	€11 (Single)	Dedicated airport shuttle. Not covered by rail passes.
Bologna Centrale → Modena	Trenitalia Regional (R/RV)	2-4x per hour	20-30 min	€3.90 - €5.60	Open tickets, no reservation needed. Covered by regional passes.

Pro Tip: If you have a Eurail or Interrail Pass, it is valid only on the Trenitalia regional train segment (Bologna Centrale to Modena). You must purchase a separate Marconi Express ticket.

For budget-conscious travelers not in a hurry, the direct bus is the most economical choice. It eliminates the train transfer in Bologna but is subject to road traffic and has a less frequent schedule.

Key Operator & Route

The primary service is the BLQ → Modena shuttle bus operated by TPER, the local public transport company.

• Departure Point: The bus stop is located just outside the BLQ arrivals hall. Look for signs pointing to “Bus” and “TPER”.
• Arrival Point in Modena: The final stop is usually at Modena's main bus station (Autostazione), adjacent to the Modena FS railway station, or at specific stops near the city center.
• Schedule & Frequency: Buses run approximately every 60-90 minutes during the day. The first service is around 6:00 AM, and the last departure is typically between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Always verify the current timetable on the TPER website before your trip.
• Travel Time: 50 to 75 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic, especially during rush hours (7:30-9:30 AM, 5:00-7:30 PM).

Tickets, Cost & Booking

• Cost: A one-way ticket is approximately €6 to €8.
• Where to Buy: Tickets can be purchased from the TPER ticket machine at the BLQ bus stop, from some tobacconists (Tabacchi) inside the airport, or occasionally from the driver (exact change may be required).
• Booking: Advanced booking is generally not required or available for this standard public service.
• Luggage: Standard luggage allowances apply. The bus has storage space in the lower compartment, suitable for suitcases and large bags.

Best For: Solo travelers or couples on a tight budget, those with lighter luggage, and those whose accommodation is close to Modena's bus station.

This is the most convenient and direct door-to-door service, but also the most expensive. It is ideal for groups, families with children, travelers with significant luggage, or those arriving on late-night flights when public transport has stopped.

Taxi (Official Airport Taxis)

• Pick-up: The official taxi rank is located directly outside the BLQ arrivals terminal.
• Cost: The fare to Modena city center is not metered for such a long distance. It is a fixed rate or pre-agreed fare, typically ranging from €80 to €110 for the car (not per person).
• Important: Always confirm the fixed price with the driver before getting in the car. The journey takes about 35-50 minutes.

Pre-Booked Private Transfer (Recommended)

Booking in advance via a reputable service is often more reliable and can be similarly priced or slightly cheaper than an airport taxi. The driver will meet you in the arrivals hall with a name sign.

• Providers: Companies like Welcome Pickups, SunTransfers, or KiwiTaxi offer this service.
• Advantages: Fixed price paid online, professional drivers, English-speaking service, flight monitoring for delays, 24/7 availability, and capacity for larger vehicles/vans.
• Cost Range: €70 to €100 for a standard sedan (1-3 passengers). Prices increase for minivans or luxury vehicles.

When to Choose This Option:
- Traveling in a group of 3-4+ people (splitting the cost makes it reasonable).
- Arriving after 11:00 PM.
- Have mobility issues or excessive luggage.
- Value time and convenience over cost.

Navigating Bologna Centrale Station

The transfer between the Marconi Express and the main train station is indoors but can involve walking and possibly stairs/escalators. Allow 10-15 minutes for the transfer, especially if you need to buy tickets. The station is large but well-signed in English.

Luggage Strategy

If you have very heavy or multiple large bags, the train transfer can be cumbersome. Consider:
- Using a taxi/transfer for ultimate ease.
- Packing lighter or using wheeled luggage that is easy to maneuver.
- Regional trains have overhead racks and some floor space, but no dedicated luggage areas like high-speed trains.

Timetable & Booking Advice

• Always check the last departure times for your chosen method on the day of travel, especially for evening flights. Schedules can change on weekends and holidays.
• While regional train tickets don't require advance purchase, downloading the Trenitalia or Trenìt! app allows you to check live train times and buy digital tickets on the spot.
• If you plan to explore Emilia-Romagna by train, investigate multi-day regional passes which may offer savings.

Upon Arrival in Modena

Modena's train station is about a 15-20 minute pleasant walk to the iconic Piazza Grande and the Duomo. Taxis are available outside the station if your hotel is further away. The city center is compact and highly walkable.