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Exploring Bologna by Hire Car

Bologna is the capital of the enchanting Italian region of Emilia Romagna in northern Italy.

Bologna is known for being “La rossa, la grassa e la dotta”, which means the red, the fat and the educated.

This Bolognese proverb already characterizes the main features of this beautiful city: It is the city of red roofs, which means that if you climb the two leaning towers of Bologna, you will have a dreamlike view of the red roofs of the city.

Not only the famous minced meat sauce “Bolognese”, but also a pretty old town, a mighty cathedral and a wide selection of museums make the capital of Emiglia-Romagna a worthwhile destination.

And the surrounding countryside also beckons with numerous charming places that can be easily explored by hire car. We have put together a few tips for rental and travel.

Taking over the hire car

At Bologna airport you will find numerous rental stations directly in the terminal. You can then pick up the hire car in car park 2 on level -1 or on the ground floor of P3.

Before you book your hire car, just make sure that your rental agency is also located directly at the airport. If their office is only close to the airport, it can sometimes take longer for a shuttle to take you to the rental station.

Choosing the right hire car

The city traffic in Bologna is turbulent, parking spaces are scarce. It is better to book a small vehicle that will allow you to get around and park in tight spaces. When choosing a vehicle, you should only consider how much luggage you want to take with you on your trip. Already many a hire car customer had to find out after taking over the car that the numerous suitcases do not fit into the trunk.

Insuring the car properly

In Bologna you will discover many cars with small dents or scratches. An accident can happen quickly there. Protect yourself and book a hire car with fully comprehensive insurance without excess. The coverage of the liability of your hire car should be at least one million euros.

Because if people are injured in an accident or in a pile-up, it quickly becomes very expensive. If you find that your rental company’s coverage isn’t enough, you can add further protection with a Majorca policy. Talk to your insurance company.

Hire car prices

In Bologna, you have a good chance of getting a real bargain when renting a car. Before you strike, however, you should study the rental conditions carefully. Often there are hidden costs that have to be paid on the spot and turn the supposedly good offer into a hire car at high costs.

Hire cars that in our opinion are offered at a good price-performance ratio, we have marked with the note “Good offer” or “Excellent offer”. Simply use our handy price comparison tool.

hire car price comparison Bologna

age limit

You must be 21 years old to hire car with most rental companies in Bologna. And drivers younger than 25 are often charged an additional fee. Check the terms and conditions of your rental company before booking the car.

Accessories

If you need accessories such as a navigation device or child seat, you must always order the equipment separately from your hire car company. Make reservations well in advance to ensure the items you want are available on the day of your rental.

Language barrier

At hire car stations in Bologna, it is quite possible that employees do not speak good English. In case of communication difficulties, you can try to reach the Italian head office of your hire car company. They may be able to find a member of staff who can interpret.

Free kilometers

Do you only want to explore Bologna and the nearest surroundings with your hire car? Then it may be worth your while to book a hire car with limited kilometres. For all other Italy travelers, it is important to make sure that all kilometers are free with the hire car, so that you can enjoy the “land where the lemons bloom” to the fullest.

Remember the tank regulation

Some hire car companies in Bologna require you to pay the initial fuel charge and a service charge on site. For this you may then return the car with an empty tank.

It is better to book with a rental company where you pick up the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank. There you save the service fee and also do not have to be annoyed that when you return the car is still gasoline in the tank.

Bail

Hire car companies that actually charge the deposit to your credit card sometimes take longer before transferring the money back to your account after you return the car.

On the other hand, if the rental company just blocks the amount, the money will be available immediately after you return the car. Before you start your trip, be sure to check that your credit line is sufficient to cover the deposit and maybe even pay the hotel bill.

Customer Satisfaction Hire Car

Unfortunately, we keep receiving complaints about disorganized procedures at the hire car stations in Bologna. Both when renting and returning the car, you should allow enough time. Many customers also complain about the external condition of the vehicles. Always have dents or scratches confirmed in writing and keep the document safe.

When returning the vehicle, you should also have it confirmed in writing that no further damage has occurred during the rental period. If you have already adequately insured your hire car at the time of booking, make sure that you do not take out any additional insurance when you sign the rental agreement. Take the time to read the rental agreement carefully and have any places you don’t understand explained to you in detail.

Safety hire car

Although most hire cars in Bologna are roadworthy, there can be exceptions. Before your first drive, check that your car’s lights are working. Also remember to turn signals and brake lights. Check that safety vests, warning triangle and first aid kit are on board.

Test the oil level and the tread of the tyres. While you’re still in your rental company’s parking lot, do a little brake test. And stop at the first gas station to check tire pressure.

Sights in Bologna

Basilica di San Petronio: Gigantic Gothic-style building
A city stroll could begin at the cathedral. The Basilica di San Petronio is the fifth largest church in the world. Here you can admire the pure Gothic architectural style. Construction began in 1390, but centuries would pass before the church was completed. The marble facade has remained unfinished even to this day.

When you visit the cathedral, you should choose midday. That’s when the sunlight filters through a tiny window in the roof of the church. It travels along a narrow meridian and shows the current month and day at 12:00 sharp, assuming good weather. The dimensions of the interior, which measures 132 metres long, are intimidating.

Piazza del Nettuno: Magnificent Neptune Fountain
After visiting the church, pay a visit to the god of the seas. In the Piazza del Nettuno, you will find the magnificent Neptune Fountain with a bronze statue of the deity.

Teatro Anatomico: Enchanting Lecture Hall
Continue your stroll to the Archiginnasio, a palazzo built in 1563. Inside you will find the municipal library, as well as the Teatro Anatomico. This is a beautiful lecture hall for anatomy students. It was built in 1744.

After a bombing in 1944, it was restored using original materials. The room is made almost entirely of fir and cedar. The god Apollo greets you from the ceiling, surrounded by the 12 signs of the zodiac.

Mercato delle Erbe: Lively market hustle and bustle
For a cultural contrast, you can now visit the Mercato delle Erbe. Here you will find the “belly” of the city. Countless traders offer goods from all over the world in this market hall. The stroll continues along the countless arcades for which the city is famous.

Originally, they were built to create additional living space. After all, it was possible to build on top of the arcades. Today you offer the visitor relaxed shopping pleasure. In summer the shopper is protected from the sun and in winter from rain.

Find a good restaurant

There is no shortage of good restaurants in this town. We recommend the restaurant da Nello. They’ve been cooking strictly according to tradition here since 1948.

The dishes have sensational flavors, and the setting is festive. This effect is due in part to the pretty Tiffany lamps.

Find a good hotel

You can also find hotels rich in tradition in Bologna. Book your room at the Corona d’Oro. Guests have been welcomed here since 1890. The stylish house is located in the old town and offers every comfort.

Suggestion for a trip by hire car

Comaccchio: Charming fishing village
Drive to Comaccchio with your hire car. You will reach the town, which is 92 kilometres away, after about one and a half hours. In Commacchio, a charming fishing town with approximately 22,000 inhabitants awaits you. The old town has been perfectly restored. You can stroll through the narrow streets lined with pastel-coloured houses.

Afterwards, it’s worth stopping off at a fish restaurant. The speciality of the place is eel, which is bred here in the lagoon lake. You can get the best quality at the Barcaccia restaurant, for example.

Ravenna: Pure culture
Ravenna could be the next destination of your trip with the hire car. In three quarters of an hour you are there. You should definitely visit the Basilica San Vitale. It was built between 525 and 548 and impresses with the rightly decorated with mosaics interior.

The mausoleum of Galla Placida, which you could now visit, also has countless mosaics inside. To finish your visit, you could direct your steps to the Neoniano Baptistery. The baptistery was built in the 5th century. The mosaic in the dome of the structure, depicting the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, is particularly eye-catching.

Imola: Experience motorsport
Before you head back to Bologna, you can stop off in Imola. You can be there in just over half an hour. In Imola, especially motorsport fans will be happy, because there is the legendary race track Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari on the until 2006 the Grand Prix of San Marino was held.

For 75 euros you can be driven around the circuit in a safety car at a brisk pace. And if you’re lucky, a Ferrari will be being chased around the course for testing purposes. In three quarters of an hour you’ll be back in Bologna, where you can park your hire car and plan your next excursions at your leisure.

conclusion

Bologna, with its rich cultural offerings, is best suited as a location for a hire car trip. In the surrounding area there are countless interesting destinations that can be easily reached by car. And with our practical price comparison, you will always find a cheap hire car.

Hire car Bologna