First decide which level your train uses
Bologna Centrale has surface platforms and a separate underground AV station. Do not infer the level from the destination alone: match the current train number, time and Binario on the departure board, then follow the signed route to that platform.
Identify the station level
The official RFI station page lists 21 passenger tracks at Bologna Centrale. The surface station handles regional, intercity and some high-speed departures; the underground Bologna Centrale AV station has four tracks dedicated to high-speed services. Your live train information is the deciding source.
Allow more time than you would at a small through station. RFI describes the AV station as 23 metres underground, with three levels connected by lifts, escalators and stairs. A platform change can therefore involve both distance and a change of level.
Match the live departure
Read Partenze, then match the train number and departure time. The destination on the board may be beyond your stop. Wait for the current platform assignment and check it again as boarding approaches; a saved itinerary or an older photograph is not a live platform plan.
The RFI overview of Bologna Centrale AV explains how the underground station connects with the surface platforms. If you change trains, plan from the arriving platform to the next one rather than treating the published connection time as spare waiting time.
Choose the city or airport side
Piazza Medaglie d’Oro is the city-facing side for the walk towards the historic centre. Via de’ Carracci is on the opposite side and serves the Marconi Express airport connection. Check the first part of your onward route before leaving the station so that you do not add an unnecessary walk around the complex.
The official Marconi Express station guide locates its Bologna Centrale entrance on the Via de’ Carracci side. Check current service notices before relying on it for a flight, and include the walk between the airport platform and your train.
Arrange assistance for the actual journey
RFI lists Sala Blu assistance, accessible toilets and audible and visual passenger information at Bologna Centrale. It also warns that temporary lift outages and differences between platform and train height can affect access. Use the current assistance instructions and keep the confirmed meeting point with your ticket details.
The official station services overview lists the ticket offices, luggage storage, waiting area, toilets and other facilities in the complex. Opening hours and availability can change, so verify any service that is essential to the trip.
- The booking names Bologna Centrale and the correct train.
- I will match the live train number, time and platform.
- I allowed time to move between surface and AV levels.
- I know which station side suits my onward journey.
- The airport connection has current service information.
- Any assistance and essential station service are confirmed.
Station sources checked . Photographs were taken between 28 August 2013 and 28 April 2024; signs, platform assignments, services and access arrangements can change.