Car hire Bologna airport

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Cheap Car Hire Bologna airport

Cheap Car Hire Bologna airport

Bologna is a historic city in northern Italy, in the region of Emilia-Romagna. Known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and gastronomy, Bologna is often referred to as "La Dotta" (The Learned) due to its prestigious university, "La Grassa" (The Fat) for its delicious cuisine, and "La Rossa" (The Red) for its distinctive red-coloured buildings.

Hiring a Car at Bologna Airport

Bologna Airport, officially known as "Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport" (IATA: BLQ, ICAO: LIPE), is an international airport serving the city of Bologna and the surrounding region of Emilia-Romagna, Italy. It is named after Guglielmo Marconi, the Italian inventor and electrical engineer who significantly contributed to the development of wireless telegraphy.

Car Hire Companies in Bologna Airport

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport offers a variety of car hire companies to cater to the transportation needs of travellers. These car rental companies have counters within the airport terminal, making it convenient for passengers to rent a vehicle upon arrival.

HolidayCars.com has an extensive network of partnerships with over 800 companies across more than 30,000 locations, enabling us to offer real-time access to the lowest prices. Our goal is to make car rental a hassle-free and budget-friendly experience, ensuring that customers have access to the best rates and the latest range of vehicles when they book through HolidayCars.com.

Here are some tips for renting a car at Bologna Airport

Driving around Bologna

Driving in Bologna and the surrounding area can be a convenient way to explore the beautiful region of Emilia-Romagna. However, if you prefer to avoid the challenges of city driving, Bologna has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trains, which can take you to many popular destinations in and around the city.

Driving tips in Bologna

  1. Road Infrastructure: The road network in Bologna is well-developed, with modern highways connecting the city to other major cities in Italy. The main roads are well-maintained and signposted in both Italian and English.
  2. Traffic: Bologna can experience heavy traffic, especially during rush hours and peak tourist seasons. Traffic congestion is common in the city centre, so plan your travel times accordingly.
  3. ZTL Zones: like many Italian cities, Bologna has ZTL zones (Zona a Traffico Limitato) in the historic city centre. These areas are restricted to authorised vehicles only, and entry by unauthorised vehicles may result in fines.  
  4. Limited Parking: Parking in the city centre can be challenging and often restricted or subject to a fee. Consider using public transportation or parking outside the city centre and walking or using public transport to reach your destination.
  5. Roundabouts: Roundabouts (rotaries) are common in Bologna and are used instead of traffic lights at many intersections. Approach them with caution and yield to traffic already inside the roundabout.
  6. Zebra Crossings: Be attentive to pedestrians, as zebra crossings are widely used in the city. Drivers are required to stop for pedestrians waiting to cross.   
  7. Speed Limits: Speed limits are strictly enforced in Italy. The standard speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on non-urban roads and 130 km/h on highways. Speed cameras are often used to monitor compliance.
  8. Fuel Stations: Fuel stations are dotted throughout the city and along major highways. Some stations are self-service, so be prepared to pay with cash or credit cards at the pump.   
  9. Toll Roads: Italy has an extensive network of toll highways. Make sure to have cash or a credit card ready for toll payments.
  10. Roadside Assistance: Familiarise yourself with emergency numbers and know how to contact roadside assistance.

Fun things to do in Bologna

Visit Piazza Maggiore: Start exploring the main square, Piazza Maggiore. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and visit the Basilica di San Petronio, one of the largest churches in the world.

Climb the Asinelli Tower: Climb the iconic Asinelli Tower for panoramic views of Bologna. The tower is the tallest of the city's Two Towers and offers a unique cityscape perspective.        

Discover the Porticoes: Wander through the city's famous porticoes. Bologna has over 40 kilometres of covered walkways, providing shelter from rain and sun. It's a unique feature of the city's architecture.

Explore Santo Stefano: Visit the Basilica di Santo Stefano, a complex of seven churches with a fascinating history and an enchanting courtyard.

Frequently asked questions about car rental Bologna airport

What is the best place to stay in Bologna?
The City Center (Centro Storico) is ideal for a central location with easy access to major attractions, restaurants, and vibrant city life. University District (Via Zamboni) is great for a lively atmosphere.
What are the cheapest months to travel to Bologna?
The cheapest months to travel to Bologna are typically January and February, as they fall within the city's low tourist season, offering more affordable accommodation and flight options.
What are the best months to visit Bologna?
The best months to visit Bologna are May, June, and September, when the weather is pleasant and tourist crowds are less overwhelming, allowing for a more enjoyable experience of the city's attractions.
Is it easy to explore Bologna without a car?
Yes! The city has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and a reliable network of porticoed streets, making it convenient to navigate the city centre and reach major attractions by foot or public transit.

Airports near Bologna airport

Tips and experiences for Bologna airport

Our customers rated Bologna airport with an average of 8.9 based on 13 ratings, and these are the most recent tips, experiences and highlights.

25-10-2021
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says:
Well organised airport. everything you might need are is located in one hall: shops, car rentals, transfers. Parkings and bus stops are 2 min walk.
03-08-2021
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says:
We stayed in Bologna for a 24 hour layover and it was great having the car. We were able see the city center, have a delicious lunch near Piazza Maggiore. Finding parking in Bologna is not for the faint of heart, be prepared to walk! We always download offline maps onto Google Maps so we can have GPS even when we are away from WiFi. Right in the Piazza Maggiore is a public library- its a great spot to rest, use wifi and go to the bathroom.
03-02-2021

says:
Keep all hire car details with you, if the flight is delayed and you are more than an hour late collecting the car without telling the car company, they will cancel your reservation, make sure you email the company. Make sure you have the credit card you hired the car with as you can't use anyone else's when you get here.
29-11-2020
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says:
Cars with "metano" (ie methane) are very inexpensive to drive. Highly recommended to drive around Italy.
11-08-2020

says:
I didn’t spend any time in Bologna and went on a road trip around the north of Italy.
27-06-2020
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says:
Pesaro and its windy atmosphere, Perugia - old town and its climat, Asise - saint place for saint person, Greve in Chianti - Castello di Verrazzano vinery, Siena - no comments needed, Bologna - the oldest University area
12-06-2020

says:
Not a bad airport. If you have a long wait, you’ll see that there are amenities on the check-in level. What may not be clear is that there are more restaurants, shops, etc., on the departure level. Going through security, they have an unusual system for controlling the number of pieces of carry on luggage based on your boarding pass. Beware. Be sure you know how many pieces you’re allowed. The duty free and food after security is OK. The big BIG inconvenience of this airport was that there is almost no seating at the gates.
29-05-2020

says:
Driving in Italy is quite demanding. Drivers don't give you the way and honking a lot. Many roads in Tuscany are very narrow so better read signs carefully to avoid getting stuck! Get familiar with parking rules to avoid fines. Better look for parking before your travel, in touristic towns some parking are often full!
10-09-2019

says:
Pack light. Eat local. Look away form your mobile. Check the weather forecast. Stop in less known places. Take it easy.
08-10-2018

says:
We went to Florence at once when we arrived . So we don't know about bologna.
18-04-2018

says:
The center is fantastic. We actually stayed in Ravenna (Bologna was only our flying destination) which is a fantastic and interesting city (mainly the Churches), including beautiful beaches.
21-09-2017

says:
Driving through old city. Good food;-)
08-09-2017
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says:
Traveling by car is the best choice