Bologna's efficient bus system, run by the Trasporti Pubblici Bologna (ATC) (tel: 0512 90290; website: www.atc.bo.it), has information booths in the train and coach stations, on Via Marconi and at various other points around town. Bus maps are also available from the tourist office (see Sightseeing). On average, routes run daily from 0630 to between 1900 and 2300. Tickets allow the traveller to change buses or make a return journey within the hour. As it is with the trains (see Getting There by Rail), travellers must validate their bus tickets by punching them in the machine upon boarding the bus.

Better value is the Citypass, which permits eight journeys (each punch covers the holder for one hour), or the Day Ticket, which is valid for 24 hours from the time of validation. A monthly pass also exists. Tickets and passes can be purchased at tabacchi, bars, newspaper kiosks, and tourist information offices. Hour-long tickets can also be obtained from parking meters.

Taxis can be hailed on the street but rarely stop. It is better for tourists to hire them at taxi ranks (Piazza Maggiore and the train station) or to telephone the city's taxi cooperative, CoTaBo (tel: 0513 72727) or CAT (tel: 0515 34141).

Taxis in Bologna are expensive, with supplements for luggage and for travelling late at night (2200-0700) or on Sunday. If booking by telephone, passengers will be charged for the trip to the pick-up point. Taxi fares are calculated to include taxes and service - further tipping therefore is at the customer's discretion.

There is no real need for a car in Bologna's compact centro storico (city centre) and parking can be tricky. The area is also closed to private cars Sunday to Friday 0700-2000. If you are staying in a city centre hotel or B&B, the hotel management should inform the transport department of your car registration number within 24 hours, so that you will not receive a fine for parking in the centre. You can also buy a special combined parking and bus ticket from hotels. This includes a day ticket to all city-centre parking or the car parks on the outskirts, and a day bus ticket valid for one person. The pass can be used 24 hours from when it is validated.

To reach the city centre, drivers should follow the centro sign off the tangenziale (ring road), which links Bologna to the motorway. Full details of the city's park and ride scheme, which operates at the major car parks outside the restricted area, are available from ATC (see above).

Most major car hire companies have offices in the city, including Avis, Via Marco Polo 91 (tel: 05163 41632; website: www.avis.com), and Hertz, Via G Amendola 16 (tel: 0512 54830; website: www.hertz.com), as well at the airport. Drivers must be 21 (but there is a young drivers' per day surcharge for drivers aged under 25) and carry either a valid EU licence or an International Driving Permit. Car hire in Bologna is expensive. Basic insurance is included in the price, although extra cover can be purchased in order to avoid any excess charges in the case of an accident.

Bicycles are available for hire from Autorimessa Pincio, at Via Dell' Indipendenza,71/Z (tel: 0512 49081). Visitors should ask for Noleggi Biciclette (bicycle hire).