- Bologna’s limited traffic zones are zealously policed – access points are monitored by cameras and heavy fines apply. The zone is well signposted, so you're unlikely to stray into it by accident.
- Speed limits in Italy range from 50kph (31mph) in city centres to 130kph (81mph) on highways (autostrada). Speed limits are strictly enforced by cameras and patrols.
- In terms of drink-driving, the blood alcohol limit in Italy is 0.5 grams per litre, as opposed to the UK’s 0.8 grams, so go easy on the wine before hopping in your hire car.
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Search for the best car hire deals in Bologna
Historic Bologna is a great base from which to explore one of Italy’s most famous food regions. Scenic drives take you to the cheese factories of Parma and the coastal attractions of Rimini. To get the best out of the Emilia-Romagna region, book a cheap Bologna car hire deal.
Fast facts about hiring a car from Bologna Airport
Many major companies offer car rental at Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), including Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo and Europcar. The drive to Bologna city centre is quite straightforward and takes around 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
To get to the city from the airport, merge on to Tangenziale Nord di Bologna and take the slip road signposted Bologna Central. When you reach the roundabout, take the third exit and continue straight to reach the outer edge of the city’s limited traffic zone.
As of 2019, you’ll find car hire desks on the ground floor terminal at Bologna Airport. Car rental companies include:
- Avis and Budget (Tel: +39 051 6472032)
- Hertz (Tel: +39 051 382758)
- Europcar (Tel: +39 051 6472111)
- Enterprise, Alamo and National (Tel: +39 051 6472128)
- Sixt (Tel: +39 0294757979)
- Autovia (Tel: +39 051 6472452)
Driving in Bologna city centre
Bologna’s historic centre is a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL). If you’re arriving between 7am and 8pm you’ll need to park outside the zone and explore by foot or public transport, unless you have a permit. If your hotel is in the ZTL, it should be able to provide details about permits.
If you’re a first-time visitor, it’s worth planning your route in advance and bringing along a satnav or GPS-enabled smartphone. This way, you’ll easily find parking options, hotels and access to nearby motorways for touring the region. Like most Italian cities, Bologna suffers from traffic congestion near the centre; however, scenic drives further out are relaxing with good road conditions.
Garages and paid parking facilities are available just outside the ZTL, offering shuttle services or bus connections to the city centre. Try Riva Reno on Via Del Rondone and Parking GT on Via Del Porto. To avoid excess parking fees, the cheap option is to book a hotel outside the ZTL with onsite parking.
Recommended day trips from Bologna
Venice
Driving time: Two hours
If you’ve always wanted to take a gondola ride on the Grand Canal, Venice is within easy driving distance of Bologna. On a day trip, discover Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge and Palazzo Ducale. Shop for carnival masks, coloured glass, lace and linens, before dining on fresh Venetian seafood with views of a charming canal.
Rimini
Driving time: One hour 30 minutes
Jump in your hire car for a drive to the seaside resort town of Rimini and you’ll find plenty of attractions along the way. Make a stop in Imola to see the town’s medieval citadel and Mineral Waters Park. When you reach Rimini, the birthplace of legendary film director Federico Fellini, you’ll find family-friendly beaches, vibrant cafes and a city museum with over 1,500 works of art.
Parma
Driving time: One hour 20 minutes
Drive the ancient Roman road, Via Emilia, towards Parma for highlights of the region’s famous Motor Valley, cuisine and scenic countryside. Detour to Maranello to see the Ferrari Museum, then stop at Modena for a taste of balsamic vinegar. In Parma, you’ll enjoy local parmesan cheese, prosciutto ham and the celebrated opera house, Teatro Regio.