How to Get to BolognaFiere from Bologna Centrale Railway Station
Arriving in Bologna by train is often the simplest way to attend a trade fair, congress or professional event.
Once you arrive at Bologna Centrale railway station, however, it is important to know which exit to use, which bus to take and which BolognaFiere entrance is being used for your event.
This guide explains how to get to BolognaFiere from Bologna Centrale railway station by bus, on foot or by taxi. It also includes useful directions for guests who want to stop at Bologna Homestay first, leave their luggage and then continue to the exhibition centre.
How to get to BolognaFiere from Bologna Centrale: the main options
From Bologna Centrale railway station, you can reach BolognaFiere:
- by city buses 35 and 38;
- on foot from the Via Carracci exit;
- by taxi;
- by special trains stopping at BolognaFiere, when this service is activated for selected high-attendance events;
- by stopping at Bologna Homestay first, either on foot, by bus 25 or by taxi.
The most suitable option depends on the entrance used for your event, traffic conditions, the amount of luggage you are carrying and the time available.
Before travelling, we always recommend checking the official directions for reaching BolognaFiere and the website of the event you are attending.
Getting to BolognaFiere by bus from Bologna Centrale
The bus is one of the most commonly used options for passengers travelling directly from the railway station to the exhibition district.
From Piazzale Medaglie d’Oro, in front of the main entrance to Bologna Centrale, you can take:
- bus 35;
- bus 38.
These routes connect the railway station with BolognaFiere and serve the Piazza Costituzione and Viale Aldo Moro entrances.
For the return journey from BolognaFiere to Bologna Centrale, the indicated routes are:
- bus 35;
- bus 39.
Do not assume that the outward and return journeys use exactly the same bus number or stop.
Before boarding, always check:
- the direction shown on the bus;
- the name of the stop;
- the BolognaFiere entrance you need to reach;
- any temporary diversions;
- the latest timetable information.
You can check the route and stops on the official TPER bus 35 page and plan your journey using the Roger app.
Where to catch buses to BolognaFiere
Buses to BolognaFiere leave from the Piazzale Medaglie d’Oro area, in front of the main entrance to Bologna Centrale railway station.
Bologna Centrale is a large station with both conventional and underground platforms. After leaving your train, you may therefore need several minutes to reach the correct exit.
Follow the signs for:
- Piazzale Medaglie d’Oro;
- main exit;
- city buses.
When arriving on a high-speed train at the underground platforms, remember to allow time to reach street level.
During major trade fairs, queues may form at the bus stops outside the station. Identifying your route and buying your ticket before boarding can make the journey easier.
Tickets and real-time travel information
You can use the Roger app, TPER’s official application, to plan your route and purchase a digital ticket.
Before boarding, check:
- the scheduled departure time;
- the correct departure stop;
- any temporary diversions;
- the expected waiting time;
- the direction of travel;
- that your ticket has been correctly validated.
Major construction work for Bologna’s new tram network is currently affecting parts of the city. Some routes and stops may therefore be temporarily changed.
For this reason, it is best to check your route on the day of travel, even when you already know Bologna.
How long does the bus journey take?
The time required to reach BolognaFiere can vary depending on:
- traffic;
- the time of day;
- the event taking place;
- the stop selected;
- roadworks or temporary diversions;
- the number of passengers waiting.
Traffic around the exhibition centre can increase considerably during the opening and closing times of major events.
It is therefore advisable to leave early, particularly when you need to attend a meeting, presentation or appointment at a specific time.
Walking from Bologna Centrale to BolognaFiere
BolognaFiere can also be reached on foot.
According to the official directions, the walk from the Via Carracci exit of Bologna Centrale takes approximately 30 minutes.
Walking may be a suitable option for guests who:
- are travelling with light luggage;
- have enough time available;
- prefer not to wait for a bus;
- are visiting Bologna in favourable weather conditions.
The actual walking time depends on your pace, the entrance being used and the location of your exhibition hall.
BolognaFiere has several entrances. Reaching the general exhibition district does not necessarily mean that you will immediately be in front of the entrance shown on your ticket.
Before walking, check:
- the entrance used for your event;
- the route on a map;
- possible roadworks;
- the weather conditions;
- the additional time required to reach your hall.
Which railway station exit should you use when walking?
For the walking route to BolognaFiere, the official directions indicate the Via Carracci exit.
This exit is on the northern side of Bologna Centrale and may be more convenient than Piazzale Medaglie d’Oro when travelling towards the exhibition district.
When visiting Bologna for the first time, do not rely solely on your sense of direction. Distances inside the station can be considerable, and different exits lead to opposite sides of the building.
Check the route before leaving the station and keep the exact address of your BolognaFiere entrance visible on your phone.
Getting to BolognaFiere by taxi
A taxi may be the most convenient option for guests who:
- are travelling with heavy luggage;
- have reduced mobility;
- are travelling with children;
- need to reach the exhibition quickly;
- have an appointment at a specific time;
- need to reach an entrance far from the nearest bus stop.
Taxi ranks are available:
- outside the main Piazzale Medaglie d’Oro exit;
- at the Kiss&Ride area near the Via Carracci exit.
The journey time depends on traffic. During major events, it may increase considerably, especially around the opening and closing times of the exhibition halls.
When entering the taxi, provide the name of the event and, whenever possible, the exact entrance shown on your ticket or registration confirmation.
Simply asking for “BolognaFiere” may not be sufficient, as the exhibition district is extensive and has several entrances.
The BolognaFiere railway stop
During selected events with particularly high attendance, trains may stop at the BolognaFiere railway station.
This service is not available for every exhibition or on every day.
Before planning your journey, always check:
- the official event website;
- current railway timetables;
- the stops included on your train;
- the dates on which the service is operating.
Do not purchase a ticket assuming that your train will stop at BolognaFiere without first confirming that the service is available.
When active, this option can provide a convenient way to reach the exhibition district without travelling across the city by bus or taxi.
Check which BolognaFiere entrance is being used
One of the most common mistakes is planning a journey to BolognaFiere without checking the entrance assigned to the event.
The exhibition centre has several access points, including entrances in the areas of:
- Piazza Costituzione;
- Viale Aldo Moro;
- Via Michelino.
The entrance may vary according to the event, ticket type, exhibition hall or visitor category.
Before leaving the railway station, check:
- your ticket;
- your confirmation email;
- the event website;
- the exhibition map;
- any messages from the organisers.
This simple check can prevent a long walk around the perimeter of the exhibition centre.
Stopping at Bologna Homestay before going to BolognaFiere
Guests arriving by train who want to stop at Bologna Homestay first to leave their luggage or check in should not take the buses travelling directly to BolognaFiere.
From Bologna Centrale, Bologna Homestay can be reached:
- on foot in 15 minutes;
- by bus 25;
- by taxi;
- by another route suggested in real time by the Roger journey planner.
When using bus 25, check the most convenient departure stop near Bologna Centrale in the app and select a service travelling towards Carcere/Dozza.
Bus 25 connects Bologna Centrale with the Via Ferrarese area. The correct stop should be checked by entering the exact accommodation address provided with your booking into the journey planner.
As routes may be affected by temporary diversions, we recommend checking the latest journey information through the Roger app or the official TPER bus 25 page before travelling.
Guests carrying heavy luggage, travelling with small children or experiencing reduced mobility may find it more convenient to take a taxi from the station.
After leaving your luggage at Bologna Homestay, BolognaFiere can normally be reached in 10 minutes on foot, although the actual time may vary slightly depending on the entrance used for the event.
It is therefore not normally necessary to take another bus from Bologna Homestay to the exhibition centre.
Which option should you choose?
There is no single solution that is best for every traveller.
The bus is generally suitable for guests who want to use public transport and travel directly to the main BolognaFiere entrances.
Walking may be convenient for guests carrying little luggage who are not in a hurry.
A taxi is generally more comfortable for guests with heavy luggage, specific mobility needs or an appointment at a precise time.
A direct train to the BolognaFiere railway stop is useful only when the service has been activated for the event.
Guests who want to leave their luggage at Bologna Homestay first can reach the property on foot, by bus 25 or by taxi, and then walk to BolognaFiere.
Your choice should therefore take into account:
- your train arrival time;
- the BolognaFiere entrance being used;
- the amount of luggage you are carrying;
- expected traffic;
- weather conditions;
- possible public transport diversions;
- whether you need to stop at your accommodation first.
Where to stay between Bologna Centrale and BolognaFiere
Guests attending an event for several days can simplify their daily journeys by choosing accommodation located between the railway station and the exhibition centre.
Bologna Homestay is a small, family-run property located a 15-minute walk from Bologna Centrale railway station and a 10-minute walk from BolognaFiere.
This location allows many guests to:
- arrive by train without hiring a car;
- walk to the B&B or use bus 25;
- leave their luggage before travelling to the exhibition;
- reach BolognaFiere without relying on buses every day;
- return quickly after a long day at the exhibition;
- organise their stay with greater freedom.
For more information, read our guides on where to stay near Bologna Centrale railway station and where to stay near BolognaFiere.
Guests attending the international exhibition dedicated to ceramics and design can also read our guide on where to stay for Cersaie in Bologna.
Why staying within walking distance of BolognaFiere can be easier
Travelling from Bologna Centrale to BolognaFiere is relatively straightforward, but repeating the same journey every morning and evening can become tiring during a multi-day event.
Staying near the exhibition centre helps guests avoid:
- queues at bus stops;
- rush-hour traffic;
- searching for a taxi every day;
- uncertainty caused by temporary diversions;
- lengthy journeys after a full working day.
Bologna Homestay also provides access to a shared kitchen, which is useful for guests who want to prepare a simple meal, store food or organise breakfast according to their own needs.
The property has three private bedrooms. The bathroom is shared by no more than five guests when the B&B is fully occupied, and we personally manage the cleaning of the shared areas.
Frequently asked questions
Which buses connect Bologna Centrale railway station with BolognaFiere?
For the direct journey from Bologna Centrale to BolognaFiere, the indicated routes are buses 35 and 38. For the return journey to the railway station, the indicated routes are buses 35 and 39. Routes and stops may change, so always check the latest TPER information.
Where do buses to BolognaFiere leave from?
They leave from the Piazzale Medaglie d’Oro area, in front of the main entrance to Bologna Centrale railway station.
How long does it take to walk to BolognaFiere?
The walk from the Via Carracci exit takes approximately 30 minutes. The actual time depends on your walking pace and the entrance used for the event.
Can I take a taxi from the railway station?
Yes. Taxi ranks are available at the Piazzale Medaglie d’Oro exit and at the Kiss&Ride area near the Via Carracci exit.
Is the BolognaFiere railway stop always operating?
No. It may operate only during selected high-attendance events. Availability must be checked on the event website and in current railway timetables.
Which BolognaFiere entrance should I use?
This depends on the event and exhibition hall. Check your ticket, registration confirmation and the official event website before travelling.
How can I get from Bologna Centrale to Bologna Homestay?
Bologna Homestay is a 15-minute walk from the railway station. Alternatively, guests can use bus 25 towards Carcere/Dozza, checking the most convenient stop in the Roger app, or take a taxi.
How do I reach BolognaFiere after leaving my luggage at Bologna Homestay?
BolognaFiere can normally be reached from Bologna Homestay in 10 minutes on foot. The actual time may vary slightly depending on the entrance used for the event.
Is it better to stay near the railway station or near BolognaFiere?
This depends on your travel plans. Accommodation situated between Bologna Centrale and BolognaFiere can be particularly convenient for guests arriving by train and attending a multi-day event.
Book your stay between Bologna Centrale and BolognaFiere
Planning your journey from Bologna Centrale to BolognaFiere in advance can help you start the day without unnecessary stress and reduce the risk of delays.
To check availability and prices at Bologna Homestay, use the Book button at the bottom of this page.