How to Get to Bologna from New York [2025 Guide] 🇮🇹✈️🍝

Bologna, Italy’s culinary capital, is famous for its historic architecture, vibrant piazzas, and world-class cuisine — including fresh pasta, cured meats, and its signature ragù alla bolognese. Located in the Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna is a central hub in northern Italy with excellent rail connections to Florence, Venice, and Milan. In 2025, traveling from New York City to Bologna is simple with multiple flight routes, train options, and transfers. This guide breaks down how to get to Bologna from NYC efficiently, including flight times, connections, and insider travel tips.

✈️ Flying from New York to Bologna in 2025

While there are no nonstop flights from New York (JFK/EWR/LGA) to Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), you can get there with one-stop connections through major European hubs.

Fastest Route:

1. New York to Europe: Fly from JFK or EWR to major hubs like Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP/LIN), Frankfurt (FRA), or Paris (CDG). Airlines include ITA Airways, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Lufthansa, and Air France. Flight time: 7–8 hours.
2. Europe to Bologna (BLQ): Connect on a short 1-hour flight from your arrival hub to Bologna via ITA Airways, Ryanair, Lufthansa, or Air France.

🚄 Train Route to Bologna from Other Italian Cities

If you prefer scenic travel, fly into Rome or Milan and take Italy’s high-speed trains to Bologna:

• Rome to Bologna: Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa trains take about 2 hours 15 minutes.
• Milan to Bologna: Only 1 hour via Frecciarossa or Italo trains.
  💡 Pro Tip: Bologna Centrale train station is right in the city center, making onward travel to hotels and attractions quick and easy.

🚗 Private Transfers & Car Rentals

If you land in Florence (FLR), Venice (VCE), or Milan (MXP), private car transfers to Bologna are available and take 1–3 hours depending on your starting point. Renting a car allows for a road trip through the Emilia-Romagna countryside, famous for Parmesan cheese farms and balsamic vinegar producers.

📅 Best Time to Visit Bologna in 2025

• Spring (April–June): Warm weather, outdoor dining, and fewer crowds.
• Fall (September–October): Ideal for food festivals and wine harvests.
• December 25 & 31: Many hotels and restaurants host Christmas and New Year’s Eve gala dinners, offering multi-course Italian feasts with live music.

🧳 Travel Tips for New Yorkers Visiting Bologna

• Currency: Euro (€). Credit cards widely accepted.
• Language: Italian is the main language, but English is common in tourist areas.
• Airport to City Center: Bologna Airport is only 15 minutes by taxi or Aerobus shuttle from the city.
• Food Etiquette: Dinner service starts later than in the U.S. — around 7:30–8:00 p.m.
• Train Tickets: Buy in advance for cheaper fares on high-speed routes.

📌 FAQs

Q: How do I get to Bologna from New York in 2025?
Fly from New York to a major European hub such as Rome, Milan, Frankfurt, or Paris, then connect to Bologna via a short flight or high-speed train.

Q: What airlines fly from NYC to Bologna?
ITA Airways, Delta, United, Lufthansa, and Air France offer one-stop flights from New York to Bologna via European hubs.

Q: Is there a direct flight from New York to Bologna?
No. The fastest way is a one-stop route via Rome, Milan, Frankfurt, or Paris, followed by a short flight or train ride.

Q: How far is Bologna Airport from the city center?
Bologna Airport is about 6 km (3.7 miles) from the city center — around 15 minutes by taxi or Aerobus.

Q: What is the best time to visit Bologna from NYC?
Spring and fall are ideal for pleasant weather and food festivals. December offers festive events and gala dinners.

🧭 Final Thoughts

Getting from New York to Bologna in 2025 is straightforward, with plenty of one-stop flight connections and high-speed train links. Whether you arrive via Rome, Milan, or another European hub, Bologna rewards visitors with culinary delights, historic charm, and easy access to Italy’s most celebrated food region. From pasta-making classes to wine tours, it’s a destination worth savoring.

🔗 Trusted Sources

• Bologna Airport Official Site
• Trenitalia
• U.S. State Department – Italy Travel Information