Bologna Airport to Florence Bus 2026: Direct Route
Skip the train transfers! Learn how to easily take the direct Appennino Shuttle bus from Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Florence, including 2026 schedules and prices.
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Skip the train transfers! Learn how to easily take the direct Appennino Shuttle bus from Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Florence, including 2026 schedules and prices.
If you are landing at Bologna Airport (BLQ) and heading straight to the beautiful city of Florence, you have two main transit options.
Let's break down the choices so you can choose the best route for your Tuscan adventure.
Option 1: By Train (Requires Transfers)
First, take the Marconi Express monorail from Bologna Airport to Bologna Centrale Station, then transfer to a high-speed train to Florence. This involves at least two transfers and takes anywhere from 1 hour to 1.5 hours. Lugging heavy bags through busy train stations can be a hassle!
Option 2: ★ The Direct Bus (The Easiest Way) ★
A direct, stress-free ride that takes you straight from the airport terminal to Florence without any transfers.
While searching for direct bus options, I noticed there wasn't much up-to-date information online. Most guides were outdated by 2-3 years, leaving me unsure if the service was still running. Taking a leap of faith, I arrived at Bologna Airport without a booking, hoping for the best. Luckily, the direct bus is alive and well! Here is exactly how to find it.
How to Find the Bus Stop at Bologna Airport
As soon as you exit the arrivals gate, keep walking straight ahead. You will eventually spot a dedicated bus ticket booth. Right after passing this booth, head through the exit doors and immediately turn left. Walk all the way down, and you will find the bus boarding area.
After waiting at the platform, the Appennino Shuttle pulled up right on schedule.
Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Florence
Ticket Prices & Booking Hack (Save Money!)
The bus arrived around 8:10 AM. When I went to pay, I discovered a major price difference:
• On-site / On-board Ticket: ~$28 (Only cash is accepted!)
• Online Ticket: ~$22 (Tax included)
Naturally, I pulled out my phone and booked online right on the spot to save some cash!
You can book your tickets directly on their official website:
Appennino Shuttle Schedule (As of 2026)
The shuttle currently operates 10 times a day in both directions.
[Bologna Airport → Florence]
12:30 AM, 05:30 AM, 08:20 AM, 10:10 AM, 11:50 AM, 02:00 PM, 03:50 PM, 06:00 PM, 08:00 PM, 10:00 PM
[Florence → Bologna Airport]
03:50 AM, 06:10 AM, 08:10 AM, 10:10 AM, 12:10 PM, 02:10 PM, 04:10 PM, 06:10 PM, 08:10 PM, 10:10 PM
The shuttle is clean, comfortable, and has plenty of luggage space underneath.
With unreserved seating, you can grab any open spot. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Florence Drop-off & Boarding Location
📍 Parcheggio Stazione Fortezza Fiera
Piazzale Caduti nei Lager, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy
This is the exact spot where you will arrive in Florence and where you will board the bus to head back to the airport!
While it might be slightly pricier than regional transit options, the sheer convenience of a direct, transfer-free ride makes it worth every penny.
Important Tip: Book Your Return in Advance!
I didn't book my arrival ticket in advance because I was worried about potential flight delays. However, for my return trip back to Bologna Airport, I made sure to book online the day before. Good thing I did—the bus was completely sold out! Booking in advance is highly recommended for your return leg.
Thanks to this convenient shuttle, my quick weekend getaway to Florence was incredibly smooth and stress-free! ^_^
The on-site ticket costs 25 euros and must be paid in cash. However, if you book in advance through the website (Appennino Shuttle), the fare is 20 euros, including VAT.
Go straight from the Bologna Airport gates, pass the bus booth, and exit through the immediate doors. Keep walking to the left, and you will find the bus stop. The journey from this stop to the drop-off point in Florence takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, with open seating.
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