Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ/LIPE) Guide for 2025: Italy’s Fast-Growing Gateway
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) stands as the dynamic international gateway to Italy’s magnificent Emilia-Romagna region and is firmly established as one of the country’s most vital air travel hubs. Named in honour of the Nobel laureate and Bologna native, Guglielmo Marconi, the airport is a crucial connection point for both business and leisure travellers.
BLQ recorded a landmark year in 2024, handling a record 10.77 million passengers, marking an impressive 8.1% growth compared to the previous year. This performance confirms its position as the seventh busiest Italian airport by passenger volume and the fourth largest in terms of cargo traffic. Strategically located just 6 km (3.7 mi) northwest of the historic city centre, BLQ offers rapid access not only to Bologna’s culinary delights and medieval architecture but also to the famous ‘Motor Valley,’ home to brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini. The airport is committed to innovation and aims to solidify its role as a strategic hub focusing on sustainable growth throughout 2025 and beyond.
Location and Contact Details
For travellers needing immediate information or assistance at Bologna Airport, here are the official details:
- Official Name: Aeroporto di Bologna-Guglielmo Marconi
- IATA/ICAO Codes: BLQ / LIPE
- Address: Via Triumvirato 84, I-40132 Bologna, ITALY
- Coordinates: 44° 31′ 50” N, 11° 17′ 33” E
- Phone: +39 051 6479615
- Official Website: www.bologna-airport.it
Terminals and Passenger Services
Bologna Airport operates a single, modern and well-equipped terminal designed to maximize passenger flow and comfort.
- Lounges & Premium Services:
- Marconi Business Lounge (also known as Prima Vista Lounge): This exclusive area is open to all passengers for a fee (€40 for maximum 3 hours, free for children under 2) or via partner airlines/lounge programs (like Priority Pass). It provides a quiet space, refreshments, dedicated Fast-Track security access, and a selection of newspapers.
- BLQ Fitness Lounge: A unique offering for a pre-flight workout, complementing the focus on passenger wellness.
- Fast Track: A dedicated security channel for quicker access to the boarding area is available for a small fee or included with Business Lounge access.
- Amenities: The terminal provides complimentary Wi-Fi access, a wide selection of duty-free shopping, various restaurants and cafes offering typical Italian cuisine and international options, and full accessibility services for passengers with disabilities (PRM assistance).
- Nearby Accommodation: For maximum convenience, the FlyOn Hotel and NH Bologna Villanova are popular choices located close to the terminal.
Ground Transportation and Parking
BLQ is excellently linked to Bologna Centrale railway station and the regional highway network, ensuring smooth transit.
- Marconi Express People Mover (Recommended): The fastest and most efficient connection to Bologna Centrale Station is the automated monorail.
- Journey Time: Approximately 7 minutes and 30 seconds.
- 2025 Fares: The standard one-way ticket is €12.80, and a return ticket is €23.30. These fares typically include a 75-minute supplement for urban Tper bus lines.
- Ticket Purchase: Tickets can be purchased at the station or using contactless Pay&Go directly at the gates.
- Taxi: A taxi ride to the city centre typically takes 10–15 minutes, with an estimated fare of €15–€20.
- Car Rental: A broad range of on-site car rental agencies, including Hertz, Sixt, Avis, Enterprise, and Europcar, are available in the arrivals area.
- Parking: The airport offers substantial capacity with over 5,000 parking spaces. The facility continues to expand with the completion of the new P6 SMART MULTI-STOREY car park, adding 2,200 modern spaces, catering to both short and long-term stays.
Airlines and Key Destinations for 2025
Bologna Airport serves a diverse network of destinations, consistently growing its global reach.
- Leading Carriers: Ryanair remains the dominant operator, accounting for over 50% of the airport’s traffic, followed by significant contributions from carriers like Wizz Air, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines.
- Top Destinations (2024/2025 Data): The busiest routes consistently include Catania (domestic), Tirana, Barcelona, and Madrid.
- Global Connectivity: Direct flights link Bologna to major international hubs, including Dubai, Istanbul, London, Frankfurt, Paris, and Amsterdam.
- Fleet Updates: Emirates is scheduled to enhance its service to Dubai by deploying the advanced Airbus A350 aircraft on the Bologna route, starting in March 2025, underlining the airport’s importance for long-haul carriers.
Sustainability and Airport Developments
Bologna Airport is heavily invested in its environmental future and infrastructure development.
- Carbon Neutrality Goal: BLQ has set an ambitious target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, implementing various sustainability initiatives across its operations.
- Infrastructure Investment: Ongoing developments include the aforementioned completion of the new multi-storey car park and continued modernisation of the terminal and airside areas to improve efficiency and passenger satisfaction.
- Operational Notices: Passengers are always advised to check their flight status, particularly during the 2025 summer season, as planned runway and terminal works may occasionally lead to minor operational adjustments.
Discover Bologna: The Heart of Emilia-Romagna
Bologna Airport is the perfect starting point for exploring one of Italy’s most culturally rich regions.
- Cuisine: Known as La Grassa (The Fat One), Bologna is the culinary capital of Italy, famous for Bolognese ragù, tortellini, and mortadella.
- Culture: Explore the medieval city centre, home to the iconic Due Torri (Two Towers), the oldest university in the Western world (University of Bologna), and over 40 km of UNESCO-protected porticoes.
- The Motor Valley: The region is a mecca for automotive enthusiasts, offering easy access to the museums and factories of world-renowned brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Ducati.