Bologna Train Station
Lasting Impressions....
"I've lived in Bologna for over several months and even my Italian roommates refuse to walk to train station by themselves after midnight." (Anh)
"Avoid at all costs." (Barry K. Ireland)
Quick Reference Station Guide
Here is some information that we've picked out of from your reviews. Be sure to read the review pages for the most up-to-date info:
- beggars, drug pushers and sketchy characters
by umichfish, 2/24/2009
Serioulsy, don't do it. Find somewhere else - check out the Airport (you can get a ride right from the station to airport for 5 euro). I am currently living in Bologna and I this is one of the worst areas of town (drugs, sketchy people, ect). NO ONE walks around this area late at night unless you absolutely must and you are in a large group (including males). The train station itself is rather new - but like most italian train stations its not accommodating to those looking to stay for a while (very few benches, ect). Also, its not a "closed building" so on a cold night if wouldn't even provide warmth. Trains do come in almost all night, so there are people around - if you are completely desperate that may put you at ease. Good Luck!
by Anh
"Please do not sleep at the Bologna Train Station (Bologna Centrale) at night if you're travelling alone. It's the most unsafe area of town. I've lived in Bologna for over several months and even my Italian roommates refuse to walk to train station by themselves after midnight.
It's safer during the day, but there are beggars who will bother you. I've had a guy hassle me for money in Italian, so I lied and told him I spoke only English. When it comes to money, everybody knows English! He proceeded to tell me "Give me your money." Ass. Also, watch your bags and your pockets in the train station.
There are drug pushers and other sketchy characters around at night. Don't look at them, or they will hassle to buy drugs, and if you refuse some of them even threaten you. If you must stay at the station, stay inside but don't wander around at night by yourself.
There's a McDonalds (which stays open pretty late) connected to the station and a convenient store. There's a tobacco store (cigs, stamps, phone cards, etc) and several magazine stands. I think there's a baggage facility but I might be wrong."
