Taxis in Bologna
Considered one of Italy’s smaller cities, there are just 700 registered taxis in Bologna. Nevertheless, using a Bologna taxi to reach your destination is still the quickest and most comfortable way to get around this stunning historic city.
Skip waiting for public transport and take advantage of your driver’s local knowledge in a classic white taxi with room for up to six passengers in a sedan or minibus. Although each taxi should display a “TAXI” sign on the roof, it’s not possible to flag one down on the street. Instead, you will need to walk to a nearby taxi stand or have one dispatched by booking one over the phone, via SMS, or with a local taxi app.
Official taxis are required to have a taximeter installed to calculate each fare by distance traveled. The exception to this is for rides departing from Bologna Airport, whereby you’ll be charged a fixed fare rate instead.
Hand picked & english speaking drivers
Same price as a regular Taxi from the line
Drivers are always on time
24/7 Email & Phone support
How much is a taxi in Bologna?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOLOGNA CITY CENTER TO MODENA | 58.4 € | 61 € | 45 MIN |
| BOLOGNA CITY CENTER TO VIA DI SAN LUCA | 32 € | 35 € | 24 MIN |
| BOLOGNA CITY CENTER TO THE AIRPORT | 18 € | 21 € | 20 MIN |
| BOLOGNA CITY CENTER TO FLORENCE | 126 € | 129 € | 1 HR |
| BOLOGNA TRAIN STATION TO PIAZZA MAGGIORE | 6.9 € | 9.6 € | 8 MIN |
Bologna taxi rates
Like all cities in Italy, Bologna taxi prices are set by the city and district. All taxis in Bologna operate using a taximeter based on the distance traveled and time of day and must display a list of prices in the vehicle. The only exception to this rule is Bologna Airport taxis, which charge a set-rate fee of €11 from the airport to the city center.
Base fare day (06:00 – 22:00): €3.40
Base fare night (22:00 – 06:00): €6.10
Base fare Sundays/holidays (06:00 – 22:00): €5.30
Price per km: €1.25
It’s worth noting that there are extra charges for things such as luggage (€0.50 per piece), keeping your driver waiting for an hour (€27.00 during the day and €24.30 at night), traveling with more than four passengers (€1 for each additional person). Any road tolls and airport surcharges (€0.50) will also be added to the final fare.
Lastly, if you request a call-out, your driver will start the meter from the moment they are dispatched rather than when you enter the vehicle. However, maximum fare limits apply to prevent excessive charges.
Read all reviews
How to get a taxi in Bologna
Similar to taking a taxi in Rome or other cities in Italy, it’s not common practice to hail a cab from the street in Bologna. Instead, you will need to walk to one of the many taxi stands scattered around the city.
Taxi stands, called Parcheggi piazzole taxi, are marked by a yellow and orange taxi sign, and drivers and vehicles should have a registration number on display. You can find taxi stands at tourist spots such as Via Indipendenza, Piazza Malpighi, the Church of San Petronio, the train station, and Guglielmo Marconi Airport. Simply look for the long line of white Bologna taxis and walk to the front of the queue.
How to get a taxi from Bologna Airport
The Bologna Airport taxi stand is located on the ground floor, directly outside of the main terminal building. As you exit the Arrivals Hall, turn left and walk along the curb until you find the taxi queue.
There is a fixed minimum fare rate of €11 from Bologna Airport to the city center, however, once you reach this price, the meter will revert to the per-kilometer rate. All in all, you should expect to pay around €20.
How to get a taxi from Bologna Centrale Railway Station
This is Bologna’s only train station, so if you are arriving from another city, this is where you will depart. If you’ve booked a taxi in advance, your taxi should be waiting at the taxi stand on the -1 Piano Level (one below ground level). Otherwise, there is also a stand on the -2 Piano Level. You can also find a stand outside the station; exit through the main doors on the ground floor and follow the signs for “Taxi.”
How to get a taxi from Bologna Bus Station
There is an official taxi stand located right outside the main entrance to the bus terminal. As you exit the building, you will find the stand marked with a sign and road paint.
How to get a taxi from Piazza Maggiore
To find a taxi quickly and easily from the plaza, walk towards the Church of San Pietro, where there is a taxi stand located on the corner of Via Rizzoli and Piazza Re Enzo.
How to get a taxi from the Two Towers
Since there isn’t a taxi stand in the direct vicinity of this impressive landmark, you will need to walk 5-10 minutes to the nearest official rank. You have two options: head toward the Church of San Pietro or walk to Piazza Cavour, where you will find taxis lined up along Via Luigi Carlo Farini.
Most popular taxi apps in Bologna
If you’re looking for a particular type of vehicle or service for your taxi in Bologna, or if you plan on traveling outside the city ring or late at night, you can use an app for your taxi in Bologna. While Uber is the most widely used ride-hailing service, the Btaxi and itTaxi platforms also allow you to book a local, vetted taxi.
Additionally, you can opt for a pre-booked personal transfer service with a company such as Welcome Pickups. This way, you can trust that a driver will be there to meet you at a time and place of your choosing, which is especially reassuring for trips to and from the airport.
Arrange a taxi in Bologna by number
If you prefer not to download an app or find yourself out of town a little with no WiFi, you can call a radio taxi in Bologna and request a call-out to your location. Keep in mind, however, that in Bologna, the meter will be turned on as soon as the driver is dispatched, not when you hop in the cab.
There are two main companies in Bologna that you can phone:
- Cotabo: +39 051 372727
- CAT: +39 051.4590
If you’re staying in a hotel, you can ask the concierge to order a taxi for you, although this is usually more expensive than calling yourself. Each company also accepts bookings via text message.
Book your Bologna taxi service in advance
Since you can’t hail a Bologna taxi in the street, there can be long wait times for a call-out during peak hours or bad weather. To make the most of your time in this beautiful city, we recommend booking your Bologna taxi service in advance to enjoy guaranteed on-time pickups and competitive fixed prices. With Welcome Pickups, you’ll benefit from an English-speaking driver with local expertise, ensuring your ride is smooth and stress-free.
Bologna taxi tips
- Make sure your driver resets the taximeter to the base fare before you begin your journey.
- You can usually pay for your Bologna taxi fare with a credit card, but be sure to check with your driver first.
- All Bologna taxi drivers must display their prices on the dashboard.
- Bologna taxis don’t come with a baby seat, but you can bring and fit your own for free.
- Outside the city ring, the rate per kilometer increases to €1.50. While highways should be signposted, drivers are obligated to notify you when the tariff switches from one to the other.
- It’s not possible to access Piazza Maggiore by taxi on weekends and holidays.
- Bologna City has certain areas that are classed as “low-emission zones,” whereby access is restricted to registered vehicles. While your taxi should meet the requirements, there may be instances where you can’t be dropped directly at your destination.
- Bologna taxi drivers don’t expect a tip, nor are you required to leave one.
- Try to carry smaller notes in case your driver doesn't have change.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis in Bologna
Standard taxis generally can’t accommodate wheelchair users unless they have a foldable wheelchair that they can store in the trunk. However, if you require a specialized wheelchair service taxi in Bologna with ramps and straps, you can phone Cotabo Taxis at +39 051 372 525; they can accommodate one wheelchair user plus two other passengers. CAT Taxis also offers 6-seater minivans for disabled passengers, and you can reach them at +39 051 4590.
Bologna taxi safety and complaints
Taxis in Bologna are well-regulated and monitored and, therefore, considered very safe. Only official taxis can use taxi stands, and since you can’t hail one from the street, the risk of encountering an illegal cab or driver is limited. Nevertheless, if you do experience any issues during your taxi ride, you can report your driver to the Municipal Police Taxi at +39 051 2195 207 or via [email protected]. If you intend to make a complaint, be sure to note down the driver and vehicle’s registration details and request a receipt.