Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport

This is a nice small airport. It took me around 15 minutes to go through security and just after the security are gates. There are also small duty free shops where you can buy sweet cakes and gifts. There are many seats in the waiting area and also with a view of the airport field. There are also sitting areas if you go upstairs near the gates. There are one or two charging stations in each waiting area close to the gate.

I think it’s an okay airport. They allow you to bring water through security, but you still need to take your laptop out of your bag. Since it’s a small airport, if you arrive early in the morning—around 6 a.m.—you can usually get there about an hour before your flight and still be fine, as long as you don’t have any luggage to check in. I usually check in online and keep my boarding pass on my phone. During busy times, though, it can be difficult to find a place to sit.

Nice airport. Sufficient food and drinks options. Behind security there are many shops. Airport is open 24/7. When traveling from the direction of Lippo there is no pedestrian walkway and you must take a bus or taxi. Good connections to city center.

If you can, try to avoid this airport. On the arrival we waited for the luggage for 15-20 minutes at least, then we paid for the horrible Marconi express crazy 12.80 for one. Then on the way back Marconi express was closed so we took 30 minutes ride on the replacement bus. In the airport there was a huge queue for the check in, with only 2 stands open. Worst part: they opened the check-in stands 1.53 before the flight, so there is no way to avoid nerves by arriving earlier.

We arrived at the airport late like 1am. The taxi queue is long however it is still possible to get a taxi if you wait. You can also use Uber. It was about €37 from the airport to somewhere near Bologna Centrale station. There are water fountains after passport check. On our way out, we saw a carrefour so it should be quite convenient.

I had an early flight and discovered that after midnight, there’s no public transport from the main train station to the airport except taxis. So, we took the last Marconi Express to the airport. Unfortunately, the waiting area was far from comfortable—no cozy chairs to rest in, and the existing seats were deliberately designed with fixed armrests to prevent passengers from lying down. There’s no lounge available either, and in this situation, I’d have gladly paid for a comfortable spot to relax for a few hours. Overall, it was a dreadful experience with poor service. I hope to never repeat it.

​Bologna Airport serves as a major gateway to the Emilia-Romagna region, and while it lacks the scale of Milan or Rome, it offers a functional—if somewhat limited—experience for travelers. ​Convenience and Connectivity ​The airport’s biggest strength is its manageable size. Navigating from security to the gates is relatively quick, making it less stressful than larger hubs. Its location is a major plus for those exploring northern Italy; specifically, it offers an easy connection to Parma and other nearby cities via the "Marconi Express" monorail, which links the airport to the Bologna Central train station in just 7 minutes. ​Facilities and Dining ​However, the airport does have some notable drawbacks regarding its amenities: ​Operating Hours: Services are not 24/7. If you have a late-night arrival or an early-morning departure, be prepared for many kiosks and help desks to be shuttered. ​Dining Options: Food choices are surprisingly sparse, particularly inside the international terminal. While you can find a decent espresso, the variety of full meals is lacking, often leading to long queues at the few available vendors during peak hours. ​Shopping: The duty-free area is small but well-curated. It’s convenient for picking up last-minute local specialties like balsamic vinegar or pasta, though it won't satisfy those looking for a high-end luxury shopping mall experience. ​Verdict: A solid, efficient transit point if you are prepared for limited late-night services and have already eaten. It’s a "get-in-and-get-out" airport rather than a place to linger.

Going up 3 floors to do the electronic check in again 3 times 3 different times ( different flights) then coming down, the wait already build up to redo the manual check in. Only 6 machine doing electronic, and 2 manual, at least 1 hour wait. Strongly don’t recommend. Support staff was polite and nice at least ( nothing they can do about procedures)

At first, when I saw the massive line at security, I was ready to explode in my too familiar anger outburst. However, when we checked our luggage with Air France they kept repeating with that suave European accent, "Just go to the business lounge." "Huh, what about the Maginot line at security?" "You don't have to go to line. You go through security in business lounge." "So I just wave at the hundreds of people waiting in line?" "Si, Si, Si." Yup, I went to the business lounge, had some food and drink, used the fancy toilet, and waltzed through security. I didn't get it, but I take to this kind of elitism easily. It was a wonderful airport experience, and I felt like a celebrity. This is the way to fly.