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Car hire in Bologna

Hiring a car in Bologna

Probably one of the most popular destinations in Italy for tourists, Bologna sees many visitors throughout the year. The capital of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, Bologna is a top choice for those who love great food and drink, becoming known as the country's gastronomic centre.

Among the things that Bologna is famous for are its pasta and sausage, which are also the two main industries in the city. It is also full of fantastic art, architecture and mountains of history. This is all crammed into a city that has all the modern conveniences you could expect.

What you need to know

You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to hiring a car in Bologna as there are almost 20 different companies operating in the city. The number of available companies can change depending on where you're going to be collecting your vehicle from, but you shouldn't have any problems finding the right car for you.

Make it easier to search the different companies and available vehicles by using Holiday Autos' booking tool. This will show you which car hire companies are operating at your chosen collection point, and the total cost with no hidden charges. We also offer around the clock support, free cancellation and free amendments.

Where to pick up your car

Those flying into Bologna will be happy to know that you can collect your hire car from Bologna Airport (BLQ) - also known as Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport.

The car hire desks can be found in the arrivals hall and you'll be able to pick up your car from P3. A couple of companies offer free shuttle buses to their collection points.

If you're arriving into the city by rail, there are five car hire companies offering their services at Bologna Train Station, making it easy to pick up your vehicle.

Best Car Hire Companies Bologna

europcar
europcar
europcar

Car Hire Reviews Bologna

  • “The pick-up was easy, it took 5 minutes from arriving at the desk to driving out the car, and the return took even less time.”
    Diane T

Where to go

There are two different halves of the city of Bologna, both of which you can explore with car hire. In one area you have the hi-tech city that is the place to go for theatre and designer shopping, while the other half of Bologna is home to the oldest university in the world and a busy nightlife.

You'll also find a number of other iconic Italian cities nearby, making it a good idea to squeeze a day trip or two into your holiday. With numerous great places within driving distance, you may have trouble deciding where to go.

Nearby Bologna

Just 20 minutes away from the airport is the Archeological Museum, which is a great place to go for really varied exhibits. The modern museum is perfect even for those who usually avoid stepping into the past. It is filled with some of the best collections of treasures from the Celtic, Egyptian, Roman and Greek civilisations. The museum building itself is also really beautiful, providing the perfect backdrop for the exhibits.

Italy is known for a number of great foods and drinks, including balsamic. You can learn all about how balsamic is made and try some of the best at Villa San Donnino. This family producer is just over 31km away from central Bologna via the A1 and E35, which has tolls. You'll get a chance to buy some balsamic to take away with you, which is perfect for teaming with Bologna's Parmesan or sprinkling over fruit. There's no better souvenir to take home with you.

Longer drives

Bologna is also really close to a number of other great Italian cities, including the beautiful Florence. A popular city in the north of the country, Florence really is a must see. Offering great food, wonderful art and stunning architecture, you'll have plenty to do, so it is a good idea to make a jaunt to Florence a day trip. Reach the city in an hour an half via Variante di Valico and the A1/E35.

Another great city around 50 minutes away via the A1 and E35 is Modena. Probably the biggest rival to Bologna in this area, there is a lot to see. The birthplace of Luciano Pavarotti, you'll find a stunning cathedral, wide main square lined with shops restaurants and cafes, and lots of winding streets to explore. The Ferrari Museum is just outside of the city for car fanatics. If you go to Modena, make sure you try its speciality, as you won't get Lambrusco wine as good anywhere else.

Top attractions in Bologna

There is no end to the brilliant attractions throughout Bologna. No matter what you like to do, you'll find the perfect place to go and car hire will help you fit in as much as possible.

Leaning Towers

While the most famous leaning tower in Italy may be located in Pisa, Bologna has two that are worth heading to. In fact, these towers lean at an even more precarious angle than Pisa's because they are very narrow. More than 100 of these towers used to stand in Bologna, but now there are only 20, of which these are the best-known. Head inside and to the top to get great views of the city, but be warned that there are 498 steps to climb.

Basilica di San Pietro

Originally constructed in 910, the cathedral has undergone a lot of work over the centuries, with new sections being added and remodeled throughout its long history. As well as being incredibly beautiful, the cathedral also houses a number of artistic treasures that have belonged to noted people, including a few popes.

Pinacoteca Nazionale

The National Gallery of Bologna offers a chance to see beautiful works of arts created by artists who lived and worked in the city and throughout the Emilia-Romagna region. Many of the pieces range from the 13th to early 19th century and have great histories - including having been previously carried off to the Louvre in Paris by Napoleon - that will keep you engaged as you wander around.