How to Get from Reggio Emilia to Bologna Airport

The train is the most common and recommended way to reach Bologna Airport from Reggio Emilia. There is no direct train to the airport terminal, but the connection via Bologna Centrale is fast and seamless. Below we break down every option.

Option 1: High-Speed Train (Frecciarossa / Italo) – Fastest Rail Option

Station: Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana (located just outside the city center, about 10 min by taxi or bus from Piazza della Vittoria).
To: Bologna Centrale (high-speed tracks).
Travel time: 20–25 minutes.
Cost: €10–€16 (approx. $11–$18) depending on advance booking and class.
Frequency: Every 20–40 minutes from ~5:45 AM to ~10:30 PM.

At Bologna Centrale, follow signs for "Aeroporto" or "MARCONI EXPRESS" – the bus stop is just outside the main entrance (Piazza Medaglie d'Oro). The bus runs every 10–15 minutes, journey time 10–15 minutes, ticket €6 (approx. $6.60).

Total door-to-door time: 40–50 minutes.
Total cost: €16–€22 (approx. $18–$24).

Option 2: Regional Train (Regionale / Regionale Veloce) – Budget Rail Option

Station: Reggio Emilia Centrale (city center).
To: Bologna Centrale (regular tracks).
Travel time: 30–40 minutes.
Cost: €6–€9 (approx. $6.60–$10).
Frequency: Every 30–60 minutes from ~5:15 AM to ~10:00 PM.

Same transfer at Bologna Centrale to the MARCONI EXPRESS bus (€6).

Total door-to-door time: 50–65 minutes.
Total cost: €12–€15 (approx. $13–$16.50).

Train Comparison Table

Train Type	Departure Station	Time to Bologna Centrale	Cost (€)	Frequency	Total to BLQ (incl. bus)
Frecciarossa / Italo	Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana	20–25 min	€10–€16	Every 20–40 min	40–50 min / €16–€22
Regionale / RV	Reggio Emilia Centrale	30–40 min	€6–€9	Every 30–60 min	50–65 min / €12–€15

Important Details for Train Travelers

• Luggage: High-speed trains have overhead racks and luggage areas at carriage ends. Regional trains have less space – try to board early.
• Seats: Frecciarossa/Italo require seat reservations (included in ticket). Regional trains are first-come, first-served.
• Buying tickets: Use Trenitalia or Italo websites/apps. Regional tickets can also be bought at station kiosks.
• MARCONI EXPRESS bus: Buy ticket at Bologna Centrale (tabacchi, ticket machine, or app). Valid for 90 minutes. Buses run 5:30 AM – 11:30 PM.
• Accessibility: Both high-speed and regional trains are wheelchair accessible. The MARCONI EXPRESS bus is low-floor.

Source: Trenitalia – official schedules and fares (accessed 2025).

If you are looking for the cheapest way to get from Reggio Emilia to Bologna Airport, the bus is your best friend. Several operators run direct and indirect services, and the journey is straightforward.

FlixBus – Direct Service

Route: Reggio Emilia (bus stop near Piazza della Vittoria or train station) → Bologna Airport (BLQ).
Travel time: 60–90 minutes (depending on traffic).
Cost: €10–€18 (approx. $11–$20).
Frequency: 3–6 buses per day, mostly mid-morning to early evening.
Booking: FlixBus – book in advance for best rates.

FlixBus is a popular choice among budget travelers and students. Buses are equipped with Wi-Fi, power outlets, and air conditioning. Luggage is limited to one large suitcase + one carry-on (check policy).

Regional Buses (TEP / Seta)

Local public transport companies (TEP in Reggio Emilia, Seta in Modena/Bologna) offer indirect connections, usually via Modena or Bologna city center. These are cheaper but slower and require transfers.

Example route: Reggio Emilia (bus station) → Modena (bus station) → Bologna Airport. Total time: 90–120 minutes. Cost: €8–€12 (approx. $8.80–$13).

These services are less reliable for airport connections due to traffic and scheduling. We recommend FlixBus or train + shuttle for most travelers.

Bus Travel Tips

• Book online – FlixBus prices increase as departure approaches.
• Check the stop – Some buses stop at Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana, others at the city center. Confirm when booking.
• Traffic – The A1 highway can be congested, especially on Friday afternoons and holiday weekends. Add 20–30 minutes buffer.
• Night buses – FlixBus occasionally runs late-night services, but options are limited. Check the app.

Source: FlixBus route data and TEP regional schedules (accessed 2025).

For travelers who value convenience, privacy, or time – or those arriving late at night when trains and buses are scarce – a taxi or private transfer is the most reliable option. However, it comes at a significant cost premium.

Standard Taxi

Route: Reggio Emilia (any location) → Bologna Airport (BLQ).
Distance: ~65 km (40 miles).
Travel time: 45–60 minutes (depending on traffic).
Cost: €80–€110 (approx. $88–$121) – flat rates are common for airport runs.
Booking: Hail on the street, call a local taxi company (e.g., Radio Taxi Reggio Emilia), or use apps like FreeNow.

Private Transfer (Pre-Booked)

Companies like Welcome Pickups, GetTransfer, or local limo services offer fixed-price transfers. Cost: €90–€130 (approx. $99–$143). Benefits include meet-and-greet, flight monitoring, and luxury vehicles.

When to Choose a Taxi / Private Car

• Late night / early morning – If your flight departs before 6:30 AM (first train ~5:45 AM, first bus ~6:30 AM).
• Groups of 3–4 – Splitting the cost makes it comparable to train + bus (€20–€30 per person).
• Heavy luggage – If you have multiple suitcases, sports equipment, or mobility issues.
• Business travelers – Maximum flexibility and comfort, with receipt for expense claims.

Warning: Uber is not widely available in Reggio Emilia. Stick to licensed taxis or reputable transfer companies.

Source: Taxi Reggio Emilia official rates and user reports (2025).

If you have a car, driving to Bologna Airport is straightforward. The route is mainly on the A1 highway (Autostrada del Sole).

Route Details

From Reggio Emilia: Take the A1 northbound (Milano direction) to the Bologna Borgo Panigale exit, then follow signs to Aeroporto. Total distance ~65 km, time 45–60 minutes in normal traffic.

Tolls: €6.50–€8.00 (approx. $7–$9) one-way, payable by card or Telepass.

Parking at BLQ

Bologna Airport offers several parking options:

• P1 Short Stay: €3.50/hour, €28/day (approx. $31/day). Best for drop-offs/pick-ups.
• P2 Long Stay: €12/day (approx. $13/day). Shuttle bus to terminal, 5 min ride.
• P3 Economy: €9/day (approx. $10/day). Shuttle bus, 10 min ride.
• P4 Premium: €18/day (approx. $20/day). Covered, close to terminal.

Parking for 5–7 days can cost €45–€85 (approx. $50–$94) – often more than a return train ticket. Consider park-and-ride options near Bologna Centrale (e.g., Parcheggio Tanari, €6/day + shuttle to station).

Source: Bologna Airport official parking page (accessed 2025).

Use this table to quickly compare the key metrics for each transport mode from Reggio Emilia to Bologna Airport (BLQ). All prices are in euros with USD approximation in parentheses.

Transport Mode	Journey Time	Cost (€)	Cost (USD approx.)	Transfers	Best For
High-Speed Train + Shuttle ⭐	40–50 min	€16–€22	$18–$24	1 (Bologna Centrale)	Speed & reliability
Regional Train + Shuttle	50–65 min	€12–€15	$13–$16.50	1 (Bologna Centrale)	Budget rail
FlixBus (Direct) 💰	60–90 min	€10–€18	$11–$20	0	Cheapest option
Regional Bus (via Modena)	90–120 min	€8–€12	$8.80–$13	1–2	Ultra-budget (if time permits)
Taxi / Private Transfer	45–60 min	€80–€110	$88–$121	0	Convenience, groups, late-night
Driving (own car)	45–60 min	€15–€30*	$16.50–$33	0	Flexibility (if you already have a car)

*Driving cost includes fuel (€10–€15) + toll (€6.50–€8) + parking (€9–€28/day). Not including vehicle depreciation.

⭐ Recommended: High-speed train + shuttle for most travelers. 💰 Cheapest: FlixBus direct.

Source: prices aggregated from Trenitalia, FlixBus, Bologna Airport, and local taxi companies (2025).

After hundreds of trips along this corridor, locals and frequent flyers share their insider knowledge. Use these tips to save time, money, and stress.

🧳 Luggage Strategy: Use Takkyubin (Baggage Delivery)

If you have heavy luggage, consider using baggage delivery services (like FedEx or local Punto Poste) to send suitcases directly to the airport. Cost: €20–€30 per suitcase. This frees you up to travel light on the train and avoid lugging bags through Bologna Centrale.

🚉 Bologna Centrale – Watch the Walk

Bologna Centrale is a large station. The MARCONI EXPRESS bus stop is at the Piazza Medaglie d'Oro exit (front of the station). Follow yellow "Aeroporto" signs. Allow 5–10 minutes to walk from the high-speed tracks (binari 14–19) to the bus stop. If you have mobility issues, use the elevator.

⏰ Peak Hours & Delays

On Friday afternoons, Sunday evenings, and holiday periods (e.g., Easter, August, Christmas), the A1 highway and regional trains can be congested. If you are taking the bus, add 30 minutes buffer. For flights before 9:00 AM, we recommend the train + shuttle combo – it is more punctual.

🎫 Book in Advance for Discounts

High-speed train tickets (Frecciarossa/Italo) are cheapest when booked 2–4 weeks in advance. A last-minute ticket can cost €25–€35 instead of €10–€16. FlixBus also offers dynamic pricing – early booking saves up to 40%.

🏙️ Alternative: Stay in Bologna City Center

If your flight is very early or very late, consider staying overnight in Bologna. Hotels near the airport (e.g., NH Bologna Villanova or Hotel Flyon) offer shuttle services. A night in Bologna can cost €60–€100 and removes the stress of early morning transport.

📱 Useful Apps

• Trenitalia / Italo – Train schedules and ticketing.
• FlixBus – Bus booking and real-time tracking.
• FreeNow – Taxi booking (available in Reggio Emilia and Bologna).
• MARCONI EXPRESS – Airport bus tickets and live departures.

Source: traveler community reports on TripAdvisor and Rome2Rio (2025).