Europe - Transport to Bologna

I'm considering booking a flight that leaves Bologna at 620am for Amsterdam. I'm curious to know if anyone knows of any transport from Florence to Bologna at such an early hour? If not, any recommendations for a CHEAP hotel near the airport in Bologna?

Thanks,

AZJ

There is a train from Florence at 0140 which gets into Bologna at 0315. I can't quite tell from the timetable (at www.bahn.de) (http://www.bahn.de)) whether it's a sleeper-only train or one which has both sleeper compartments and ordinary coaches.

Alternatively, there is a Sheraton at Bologna Airport. We stayed there last month - can't remember exactly how much we paid (as it went on my partner's card) but I think it was somewhere around 120 Euro for the two of us (booked through Expedia). The airport is fairly close to the town centre, you may be able to find something cheaper in town if the Sheraton is outside your price range.

Normally I'd suggest a hotel near the Central Station, as there's a direct bus (the Aerobus) that leaves from the front of the CS to the airport every 15 minutes. Unfortunately, the first departure is at 06:05, so that doesn't work for your departure.

Also keep in mind that the BLQ site lists a 45 minute minimum check in time.

Like Aviatrix, I've stayed at the Sheraton (in August 2001) it's a good hotel with nice rooms and a good breakfast. I was there on an SPG award so I'm not super-familiar with the rates but Starwood does run specials at their site

Then there's Priceline. They show two zones for Bologna - center city and Airport. I looked and the airport shows two classifications: 2* and 3*. There's a chance (but no guarantee) that the 3* might be the Sheraton. I also checked the two prominent Priceline assistance bidding boards and neither has any reperted successful bids for BLQ. So it would entail some risk, but it could save you some €€€ as well http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

(BTW if you considering the Priceline 2* you have to consider whether a 2* would habe a free shuttle - it PROBABLY WOULD but you never know, INVHO the 3* would be more likely to have the shuttle)

Good luck and safe travels!!

[This message has been edited by Non-NonRev (edited 10-17-2003).]

Taxi from center city to airport for 2 persons with absurd quantities of luggage runs €10-15.

Under €100 hotels in BLQ are few and far between.

If there is a Fair going on, book in advance. The Shearton at the airport now does a "special" rate during shows of about €250, and sells out.