Bologna bus system
how to use buses in Bologna, Italy
The Bologna bus system makes exploring the city easy, with clear routes, accessible tickets, and practical connections to reach every corner of Bologna efficiently.
Bologna bus system
Bologna is a city that blends medieval charm with lively modern life, making it perfect to explore on foot or by public transport.
After discovering where to eat in Bologna, what to see and do, and many more articles you can find in our Bologna guides, here we’ll focus on the Bologna bus system—the most practical way for visitors to move around.
We’ll explain how urban buses work, where to buy Bologna bus tickets, how fares and zones are organised, and how to choose the right line to reach your destination easily.
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What are the different kinds of Bologna bus tickets
The Bologna bus system offers several ticket types to suit different needs.
SINGLE TICKET
The most common is the Biglietto Ordinario, a single ticket valid for 75 minutes from validation. It allows transfers on multiple lines within the city’s urban area. You can buy it at newsstands, vending machines, or directly on the bus using contactless payment, although onboard purchases cost slightly more.
CITY PASS
For those planning to take several rides, the Bologna Bus City Pass—also called Carnet da 10 viaggi (10-trip pack) —includes ten trips at a reduced price. Each trip works like a regular ticket and must be validated when boarding. It’s ideal for visitors staying a few days who expect to use public transport often.
DAY TICKET
If you want unlimited travel for an entire day, the Giornaliero ticket is the best option. It’s valid for 24 hours from the first validation and is perfect for exploring Bologna’s attractions without worrying about extra costs or multiple purchases.
ECOTICKET
Finally, the Ecoticket is a flexible solution for long-term stays. It includes 20 days of travel that can be used over ten months and is loaded onto a personal MiMuovo card, purchasable at the TPER shop in Via Marconi on the corner of Via Lame. It’s convenient for those who spend extended time in the city and use buses regularly but don’t need a monthly pass.
Where can I buy a Bologna bus ticket
You have many options to purchase tickets for the Bologna bus system.
On-board purchase – not always, but more and more often in the central part of Bologna, you can buy a ticket directly on board the bus. This is possible using the onboard automatic vending machines on urban lines, or from the driver in some suburban/extra-urban lines (if you explore the city, you won’t need suburban line tickets), and there is a small surcharge for this (50 cents). Anyway, this is the most convenient and fastest way to purchase a Bologna bus ticket if you are moving in the city centre and surroundings
Punti TPER – official offices in Bologna (Autostazione – Bus station, Via Marconi, Stazione Centrale – Train central station), where you can get all ticket types, passes, and also renew or ask info.
Authorised resellers – include tabaccherie (tobacco shops), newsstands, and shops displaying the “T” or “Punto TPER” sign, which are widespread throughout the city. You can find the one closest to you just by using Google Maps
Automatic machines – Automatic ticket machines (emettitrici automatiche) are placed in strategic spots: at the airport (arrival exit), at Bologna’s main train station (“Stazione Centrale”), at the Autostazione, near major transit hubs. They let you buy (or, in many cases, recharge) tickets without waiting in line.
Digital options – via the Roger app (for many ticket types and re-charges) or using contactless bank cards directly on board using validators (green machines) ‒ you tap your card, select needed zones if required, pay, no extra cost for contactless vs in advance.
Bologna bus system: how to use buses in Bologna, Italy
Bologna Bus fare
The Bologna bus fare varies depending on the ticket type.
- Biglietto Ordinario costs 2,30€ per ride and is valid for 75 minutes, including transfers on urban lines – if you are visiting Bologna, you won’t need extra urban fares, which cover the Bologna province.
- The Bologna bus City Pass, also known as Carnet da 10 viaggi, it’s a 10-ticket pass that lowers the cost of the single run to 1,90€ per trip, ideal for multiple rides. The total price of the pass is 19€.
- The Giornaliero ticket allows unlimited travel on Bologna buses for 24 hours at 9€.
- The Ecoticket provides 20 travel days over ten months for 65€, loaded onto a personal card “MiMuovo” – purchasable at the TPER shop in Via Marconi on the corner of Via Lame – which costs an extra 5€. All options make it easy to plan your travel on the Bologna bus system while managing costs efficiently.
How to Get from Point A to Point B with Bologna Buses
To move easily around the city, you can plan your route directly on the TPER website, which offers updated information on the Bologna bus system and the full Bologna public transport map.
Alternatively, use Google Maps or the CityMapper app, both highly accurate for navigation. These tools show different route options, estimated waiting times, and total travel duration, including walking time between stops, helping you make the most of the Bologna buses network.
Avoid Fines When You Use Bologna Buses
When using Bologna buses, tickets must be validated to avoid fines. Each bus is equipped with machines where passengers can validate their tickets at the start of the ride.
If you swap bus within the 75 minutes, you will need to validate the ticket again.
If you pay with a contactless card, no validation is needed, making travel on the Bologna bus system easier and fully compliant.
Not sure about Where to Stay In Bologna? Check here the Best Accommodations in town, close to all the amenities and point of interests.
Conclusions
Using Bologna buses is the easiest way to explore the city, especially the urban area most useful for tourists.
Understanding the Bologna bus system, fares, and ticket options like the Biglietto Ordinario, City Pass, Giornaliero, or Ecoticket helps plan your trips efficiently.
You can check routes on the TPER website, Google Maps, or CityMapper, and avoid fines by validating paper tickets or using contactless payments. With these tips, travelling around Bologna by bus becomes simple, convenient, and stress-free.
