Getting around

Ride the bus like a local

Bologna has a reliable and well-connected public transportation system operated by the T-Per company. The bus network is extensive and it covers the whole city and the surrounding areas, you can go pretty much everywhere by bus!

They run frequently during the day, you can check the routes, bus stops, delays and schedules using the Google Maps app (not Apple Maps!⚠️), it often even shows live location of busses.

Always remeber to validate your ticket as soon as you get on the bus, either by tapping your card or by scanning the QR code on your phisical ticket. Ticket inspectors board buses very frequently to carry out random checks. If you’re found traveling without a valid ticket, an unvalidated ticket, or an expired ticket, you will be issued a fine.

If you change buses within the 75-minute validity period, you must validate your ticket again when boarding the new bus, but you will not be charged an additional fare.

Ticket information & fares

There are different types of bus tickets:

• Single ride ticket - the ticket remains valid for 75 minutes after validation and it costs 2.30€ (2.50€ if you buy it on the bus)

• 10 tickets carnet "Citypass" - you can buy a carnet of 10 single-ride tickets at a discounted fare of 19€

• Monthly pass "abbonamento mensile" - very convenient, one month of limitless rides, young fare (under 27 years old) is 30€, normal fare is 39€
  ⚠️  the pass is valid 30 days starting from the 1st or 20th day of the month

Where to buy bus tickets

There are many places where you can buy a bus ticket, make sure to always have it (and validate it) while riding a bus in Bologna! When in doubt, you can always tap you card directly on the bus. 

• Single-ride ticket can be bought on the bus with coins or by tapping a credit card.

• Tobacco shops: Identified by the blue "T" symbol, these shops sell single tickets and monthly.

• T-Per  infopoint and ticket office in Via Guglielmo Marconi, 4 in Bologna, where you can get any ticket and infomation regarding busses in Bologna.

• On your phone - you can buy tickets on the Roger app, we recommend downloading it!. Here is a video-guide on how to puchase a ticket on the app.

Bus etiquette

When using public transport in Bologna, a little courtesy goes a long way. Please be mindful to not speak loudly and avoid playing music or videos without headphones. Offer your seat to elderly passengers, pregnant women, or people with disabilities, and make space for strollers when needed. 

Be mindful of boarding through the designated entrance doors (marked with entrata) and exiting from the rear doors (marked with uscita) to keep passenger flow smooth. These simple rules and manners helop ensure a comfortable ride for everyone. 

General safety

Bologna is a bicycle-friendly city and getting around by bike is one of the best ways to explore the city! 

Its big network of bike lanes and its compact historic center allow riders to go around safely. There are many central streets with restricted car access that make it easier and safer to move around by bike. 

However, you should always be extra careful and aware of street rules and your surroundings while riding a bike in Bologna. You should generally always use marked lanes where available, wear visible clothing, especially at night, and always equip your bikes with lights and reflectors as required by Italian law. Bike parking is widely available throughout the city, and riders are encouraged to use sturdy locks. 

Here are some general safety (pro) tips to keep in mind while riding a bike in Bologna:

1. Wear a helmet! (find more information on how to rent a helmet below)

2. Always pass the tram track at a diagonal.

3. Yield to the right.

4. Vehicles in a roundabout have the right of way.

5. Buses and cars will pass close to you - keep steady!

6. Scooters, motorcycles and other bicycles will pass on the LEFT!

7. People don’t always respect the bike lane.

8. Make eye contact with drivers, pedestrians and other cyclists

9. Use hand signals to indicate turning

10. Watch out for pedestrians - they often walk into bike lanes without looking!

11. Lights are required in low visibility

12. Ride confidently, but not aggressively!

City bikes

The bike-sharing service in Bologna is Mobike. In other to use the city bikes and e-bikes, you need to download the Ridemovi app on your phone.

The cost is 2.50€ every 30 minutes with discounts if you leave the e-bike in one of the parking areas. 

You can easily find the nearest available city bike using the in-app map. Before unlocking, always remember to check the bike’s battery level!

Bike & helmet rentals

There are several convenient options for renting a bike during your stay in Bologna, either for some days or for the whole period of your stay. Monthly rates are generally affordable, typically not more tan €40 per month, depending on the provider and bike type.

• L'Altra Babele - one month-long rental

• Bike Rental Bologna - for a few days or week rental

• Bologna Tourism Office - one day or a few hours rental

We also strongly recommend renting a bike helmet. You can find options in shops like eXtraBO or Decathlon. 

For more information, don't hesitate to ask your Program Coordinator.