The airport is a short 5-10 minute taxi ride from the city center. No need to stay near the airport.

The airport is only 20 minutes from Bologna so you can stay anywhere in Bologna and take a taxi. Bed and breakfasts are often cheaper and nicer than the usual hotels. Read user reviews before booking anything.

If you want to use the shuttle bus to the airport, check to see what time it starts running, and then your best bet is probably the NH hotel right near the train station (which is where you would catch the bus).

PS: Zoecat is closer on the times. I forgot there won't be any traffic at 5 am.

Good information. We always stayed at Hotel Porta San Mamolo, but since they remodeled, the room rate soared.

I know there are some good hotel options (other than Hotel Porta San Mamolo) closer to the center of town. I'll check on hotels in that location.

Appreciate your help.

I just took a look at the bus sked. I'm afraid the first bus leaves at 5:30am and arrives at 5:48. Even though Bologna is a small airport, that is shaving it close, especially if you have more than lightweight carryon luggage.

So any hotel or b&b in town will be happy to arrange for a taxi to whisk you to the airport to get you there by 5:15 or 5:30.

Lucky you that you get to eat dinner in Bologna. If you want to eat earlier than the usual Italian dinner hour so you can have an early night, try Bistrot 18, at via Clavature 18, right in the market district off the piazza Maggiore, easy to find. They serve a regular menu all day long, which includes salads and lighter meals as well as the usual rich pastas and Bolognese meats.

http://www.bistrot18.com/

WHOA! Scratch that.

I just double checked bistrot 18's early menu, and there are only cocktail snacks.

I know for sure you can eat pastas and salad early at Les Pupitres, which is just steps from the Due Torri, on via del Guidei 6. And it is cheap.

zeppole,

Yes, I know where the due torri (two towers) are. Thank you for the suggestion.

A taxi cab it will be early that morning. I'm not thrilled with a 7:00 a.m. departure, but getting back to Miami, FL has limited options.

Oh, how I long for the travel conveniences of living in southwestern Connecticut - New York Kennedy, La Guardia, Westchester County Airport, Hartford Airport, even Newark. Oh, well, the winters are better here in Florida!

Despite the early morning call, I think you'll find it very convenient to fly out of Bologna, but I think the overall solution is that you should move to a nice warm part of Italy.