Italy

Flights to Bologna

There are two things you should never leave home without when visiting Bologna – a comfortable pair of shoes, and a very large appetite. Over 30 world-famous recipes have been officially registered at the city’s local Chamber of Commerce, including lasagna, tortellini and of course, Ragu all Bolognese. Eating and drinking is a big deal here and deserves to feature heavily in any itinerary. But the quality of the local cuisine is easily matched by the culture. With its Medieval maze of narrow streets and the showstopping historical monuments around every corner, Bologna is a city break destination that truly delivers. 

Plan your trip to Bologna

Our cheapest flights to Bologna

EW

RT

Per person,

Remarkable history meets world-class cuisine 

Fly to Bologna with British Airways and make your way through the famous pavement porticos to Piazza Maggiore, Bologna's heartbeat, and home to the world’s largest sundial.

Step inside the Basilica di San Petronio at midday and you’ll see this ancient timepiece in action when the spot of sunlight that crosses the church floor hits the meridian line. Then wander to the nearby Palazzo d'Accursio to visit the town hall’s magnificent art collection and frescoed interior. Climb the 498 steps of the Asinelli Tower for spectacular views of the city and its striking terracotta buildings, learning where Bologna got its nickname ‘La Rossa’, or ‘The Red’. 

For dinner, head to the stalls at the Quadrilatero food market or take a seat at one of the gourmet delis dotted around the city. They can rival the very best restaurants and local trattorias for their produce. It may be Italy’s seventh-largest city, but Bologna is one of the biggest names on the city break map.

Plan your trip to Bologna

Flight time

2 hours 10 mins

Time zone

GMT+1

Currency

Euro

Bologna flight FAQs

A flight from London to Bologna takes approximately two hours and 10 minutes. 

The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are ideal times to visit Bologna, when temperatures still allow for outdoor dining and offer perfect conditions for crowd-free sightseeing. Winter is also a great time to experience Bologna’s magical Christmas markets. July and August can be hot and humid, with bars and restaurants sometimes closing during this period. Use our low fare finder to check the cheapest options. 

Wander off the main avenues and away from the large squares and you’ll find plenty of well-priced delis, family-run trattorias, cafes, gelato shops and Bohemian bars that open late into the night. 

If you’re looking to cut the cost of eating out, head to the Quadrilatero food market in the city centre, or the nearby Mercato delle Erbe, where you’ll be able to pick up some tasty treats to make a packed lunch. Take it to the many public spaces overlooking the city, or the Osteria del Sole wine bar where visitors bring their own food. 

 Visit the tourist office in the Palazzo del Podestà to learn more about the activities available in the city, and to check for offers and deals, including entry to museums and walking tours. 

Getting from Bologna’s airport to the city centre takes around seven minutes on the Marconi Express monorail service. You can also use the Aerobus shuttle bus service that connects the airport and the main railway station. 

 Once you arrive, the short journey from the station to the very centre of Bologna city takes around 15 minutes on foot, with the main sights all within easy walking distance of one another. 

 You can also hire a car with British Airways if you want to get out of the city and see more of what Bologna surrounding area has to offer. You’ll receive great benefits, with all mandatory charges included and 24-hour customer support, plus you’ll collect Avios points on every rental. 

If the key to a great city break relies on sublime food and drink, a relaxed atmosphere, great culture, easily accessible attractions and lots of historical highlights, then Bologna ticks every box several times over. 

The city is also known for its university – the oldest in Europe – and its alumni include writers like Dante and former popes. It’s earned the city another endearment – The Learned.

Bologna is ideally placed and well connected for out-of-town trips. Explore the Emilia Romagna region, or travel to San Marino - the oldest Republic in the world – just a couple of hours to the south.  

You can book a hand baggage-only ticket or make the most of our generous baggage allowance. If you choose economy standard or one of our British Airways Holidays’ packages, each passenger can check in a bag weighing up to 23kg – in addition to a handbag, laptop case or other small bag. Families travelling in any cabin with younger children can also check in one car seat and one fully collapsible pushchair. Read more about baggage allowances for children.

If you’re flying in our business cabin, you can check in two bags weighing up to 32kg each. Read our baggage guide for full details.

Citizens of the UK and Ireland and EU passport holders do not need a visa to visit Italy, but they will need to hold a valid UK passport with at least six months validity. If you hold a passport from a country or territory outside of these areas, you may need to apply for a visa before you travel. You can find out more about visa requirements for all the countries we fly to at the IATA Travel Centre.

Discover outstanding service from the moment you book. Fly with just hand baggage and you can carry two bags free of charge. Choose our checked baggage option and you can travel with hand baggage and a 23kg bag checked into the hold, plus enjoy free seat selection 24 hours before you fly. On board you’ll find HEPA-filtered air, quality on-board catering, and a warm, uniquely British welcome.  

 Simply relax and let us take care of you, every step of the way.

Our cabins

All our cabins offer the same great – and uniquely British – experience. Choose your perfect way to fly, from economy to business.

Economy

Our Euro Traveller cabin offers all the touches you need to enjoy your flight at an affordable price.

Euro traveller

Business

Work or relax in our Club Europe cabin and enjoy lounge access, a dedicated check-in area and more personal space.

Club Europe

You might also be interested in ...

Corsica flights

Florence flights

Milan flights

Pisa flights

Pula flights

Rome flights

Venice flights

Verona flights

Plan your trip to Bologna

Terms and Conditions

  • Flight only prices are updated every 24 hours and are accurate when published. Flights at these prices are limited and may sell out quickly.
  • Package holiday prices (flight + hotel or flight + car) prices are updated every 24 to 48 hours and are accurate when published and may vary upon reaching subsequent pages. Availability may be extremely limited particularly during peak periods.
  • Return fares displayed are the lowest adult return prices in the cabin specified including taxes, fees and carrier charges, based on a 7-day return journey.
  • Each–way fares displayed are the lowest adult each-way prices in the cabin specified based on the lowest adult return prices for a 7 day travel period, including all taxes, fees and carrier charges available in this period.
  • One-way fares displayed are the lowest adult prices in the cabin specified including taxes, fees and carrier charges available in this period.
  • Package holiday prices (flight + hotel and flight + car) shown are in GBP per person based on 2 adults sharing one room or one car and prices include taxes, fees and carrier charges unless otherwise specified. Flight + car prices based on drivers aged 30-70 years.
  • Additional charges will be applied for payments made using a corporate credit card.
  • Advertised fares are available on ba.com. Additional charges may apply if purchased through British Airways outlets or travel agents.
  • Combine and save on Holidays: Guaranteed savings are only available when booking a Flight + Hotel or Flight + Car booking including one land product, it does not apply to a ‘Customise your trip’ holiday including more than one hotel and / or car.
  • Package holidays are protected under British Airways Holidays Ltd by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 5985.
  • Standard British Airways terms and conditions apply