Bologna City Guide - Getting Around

Bologna's efficient bus system, run by the Trasporti Pubblici Bologna (ATC) (tel: 051 290 290; website: www.atc.bo.it), has information booths in the train and coach stations and on Via Marconi. Bus maps are also available from the tourist office (see Sightseeing). On average, routes run daily between 0630 and 2300. Tickets allow the traveller to change buses or make a return journey within the hour. As it is with the trains (see Getting There by Rail), travellers must validate their bus tickets by punching them in the machine upon boarding the bus.

Better value is the Citypass, which permits eight journeys (each punch covers the holder for one hour), or the Day Ticket, which is valid for 24 hours from the time of validation. A monthly pass also exists. Tickets and passes can be purchased at tabacchi, bars, newspaper kiosks and tourist information offices.

Taxis can be hailed on the street but rarely stop. It is better for tourists to hire them at taxi ranks (Piazza Maggiore and the train station) or to telephone the city's taxi cooperative, CoTaBo (tel: 051 372 727) or CAT (tel: 051 534 141).

Taxis in Bologna are expensive, with supplements for luggage and for travelling late at night (2200-0700) or on Sunday. If booking by telephone, passengers will be charged for the trip to the pick-up point. Taxi fares are calculated to include taxes and service - further tipping therefore is at the customer's discretion.

There is no real need for a car in Bologna's compact centro storico (city centre) and parking can be tricky. The area is also closed to private cars 0700-2000 daily, including Sunday and public holidays. A special ticket is available to guests staying in city hotels. This is obtainable from hotel management and allows the holder to park in the city centre from 0800-2400 on weekdays and holidays or in the area immediately around the city centre from 0800-1800 weekdays. It also allows for free transport on buses, valid for 24 hours and for one person. The hotel validates these tickets with a stamp stating date and time. To reach the city centre, drivers should follow the centro sign off the tangenziale (ring road), which links Bologna to the motorway. Full details of the city's park and ride scheme, which operates at the major car parks outside the restricted area, is available from ATC (see above).

Most major car hire companies have offices in the city, including Avis, Via Pietramellara 27d (tel: 051 255 024; website: www.avis.com) and Hertz, Via G Amendola 16 (tel: 051 254 830; website: www.hertz.com), as well at the airport. Drivers must be 23 and 25 years old respectively and carry either a valid EU licence or an International Driving Permit. Car hire in Bologna is expensive. Basic insurance is included in the price, although extra cover can be purchased in order to avoid any excess charges in the case of an accident.

Bicycles and scooters are available for hire from Senzauto, at the train station in Piazza Medaglie d'Oro (tel: 051 251 401; website: www.senzauto.com). Visitors should ask for Noleggi Biciclette (bicycle hire).