Guest FAQ: staying in Bologna near the station

At a glance

Guests booking a room in the station area almost always ask the same questions: can I drive into the centre? Where do I park? What time can I check in? Where do I leave my bags if I arrive early? This page collects the answers, grouped by topic, so you can find what you need straight away.

Getting here and getting around

Can I drive into the centre of Bologna?

It depends where you are going. The historic centre is a Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL) — a restricted traffic zone — active every day from 07:00 to 20:00. Outside those hours (evenings and nights) the access points are generally open, but the pedestrianised zones and the T-Area (Via Rizzoli, Via Indipendenza, Via Ugo Bassi) remain closed to cars 24 hours a day.

The good news: the station and the area where we are located are not inside the ZTL of the historic centre, so to reach us by car you do not pass through any controlled access points.

2026 update. From 1 January 2026, hybrid vehicles registered to non-residents can no longer access the ZTL in the historic centre. If you previously relied on this exemption, plan for a car park outside the restricted zone.

And where do I leave my car?

The practical rule for guests staying in the station area: do not drive into the centre, leave the car in a car park outside the ZTL and then get around on foot. The most convenient options near us are:

• Garage Stazione Centrale, directly under Viale Pietramellara 27 (and approximately 100 m from Via Amendola 17): hourly and daily rates available on site.
• Parcheggio Tanari (Via Tanari, Bolognina): an economical park-and-ride, unstaffed, open 24 hours. Return to the station by the shuttle/bus C. Check current rates.
• On-street pay-and-display (blue lines) in the station area.

How do I get from the airport?

The simplest option is the Marconi Express, the monorail connecting Guglielmo Marconi Airport to Bologna Centrale.

Alight at Bologna Centrale and you are a few metres from us. For reduced-rate tickets, passes and up-to-date timetables, always check marconiexpress.it before travelling.

How do I get around the city without a car?

On foot, for most things. Almost all of the historic centre is walkable from the station, often under the arcades (useful in rain or strong sun). Alternatively the city is served by TPER urban buses; for up-to-date tickets and routes, refer to tper.it or the Roger app.

Check-in, luggage and arrival

What time can I check in?

Bologna Station Suites uses self check-in with a personal code, so you do not need to coordinate with a reception desk. Check-in is available from 15:00; check-out must take place by 11:00.

Available as paid extras, purchasable during online check-in: early check-in from 13:00 and late check-out until 13:00. If your train arrives very early or very late, let us know on WhatsApp and we will find a solution.

Where do I leave my bags if I arrive before check-in?

Three options:

1. Automated 24/7 lockers. Automated storage lockers are available under Via Amendola 17 and under Viale Pietramellara 27: you can leave your cases and start exploring the city with no weight to carry, at any time of day.
2. Office. Alternatively our office (~600 m from the property, open every day 12:00–22:00) accepts free luggage storage until 21:00.
3. At the station. Bologna Centrale has a staffed luggage storage service, useful as a last resort.

How do I receive the instructions to get in?

With self check-in you receive the access instructions in advance. If anything is unclear when you arrive, support is available via WhatsApp and we respond quickly.

In the room and services

Is there Wi-Fi?

Yes: fast fibre Wi-Fi in all rooms. Access details are included in the check-in communications.

Are pets allowed?

Yes, pets are welcome with a surcharge. The amount is shown as an extra during booking. If you are travelling with a pet, please let us know when you book.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, SatisPay and bank transfer. Bank transfer is not available for last-minute bookings.

What about the city tax?

The municipal tourist tax is not included in the room rate and is paid during online check-in.

Can I cancel or amend my booking?

Cancellation conditions depend on the rate chosen and are shown before you confirm your booking. Rates range from flexible to non-refundable. If in doubt, ask us on WhatsApp before booking.

The station area: convenient, but is it safe?

It is a fair question: station areas in many cities do not have the best reputation. In Bologna the area around Bologna Centrale is a lively and busy district, with a constant flow of people, commercial activity and good transport connections. As with any busy hub, the usual sensible precautions apply: keep an eye on your luggage on crowded pavements and do not leave valuables visible.

The real benefit of staying here is convenience: you arrive by train, you are ~20 m from your room, and the entire historic centre is reachable on foot in a few minutes. No transfers, no buses to catch with your luggage.

Walking distances from key places

Indicative times at a relaxed pace, starting from the station area. These are honest estimates, not metre-by-metre surveys.

For the step-by-step route from the station to the centre, with what to see along the way, read our guide What to see in Bologna near the station, on foot. If you want to understand how many days to set aside for the city, take a look at How long do you need to visit Bologna.

Quick FAQ

Is the station really 20 metres away? Yes: Bologna Station Suites is ~20 m from Bologna Centrale, in the station area. It is the reason to choose us if you are arriving and departing by train.

Do I have to enter the ZTL to reach you by car? No: the station area is not inside the ZTL of the historic centre. The ZTL covers the historic centre and is active 07:00–20:00 every day.

How much does the Marconi Express from the airport cost, and how long does it take? ~7 minutes, €12.80 single and €23.30 return.

Can I leave my bags if I arrive before check-in? Yes: automated 24/7 lockers are available under both our properties. Alternatively our office accepts free luggage storage until 21:00.

What are the check-in and check-out times? Check-in from 15:00, check-out by 11:00. Early check-in from 13:00 and late check-out until 13:00 are available at a charge during online check-in.

Is there parking? We do not manage any parking of our own. Garage Stazione Centrale is directly under Viale Pietramellara 27 (~100 m from Via Amendola 17). As a more economical alternative, Parcheggio Tanari is a park-and-ride connected to the station by shuttle/bus C.

Is there night-time assistance? There is always a 24/7 on-call number that answers quickly throughout your stay. The office is also open every day 12:00–22:00 (by phone and in person, ~600 m away).

Check availability — your room 20 m from the station

Have a question that is not answered here, or want to check dates? Get in touch: we respond quickly on WhatsApp and give you up-to-date information about your booking.

Check availability — your room 20 m from the station →

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