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5. The ZTL in Bologna: all you need to know (2023)

The ZTL in Bologna: all you need to know (2023)

The historical center of Bologna, besides being full of beautiful monuments and museums, is subject to some limitations: discover how the Limited Traffic Zone of Bologna works and how to access it.

The enchanting city of Bologna, the capital of Emilia Romagna in Italy, is celebrated worldwide for its vibrant culinary tradition and rich historical heritage. Nestled within this picturesque city lies the historic center of Bologna, often regarded as one of the most captivating and beautiful in all of Italy. However, like any historic center of great repute, the true centerpiece of Bologna is its Limited Traffic Zone (Zona a Traffico Limitato or ZTL). This ZTL is further subdivided into three distinct zones, each with its unique rules and characteristics: Zona Sirio (marked in black), Zona T (highlighted in red), and Zona Universitaria (distinguished in blue).

We strongly recommend acquainting yourself with the detailed map below to gain a comprehensive understanding of the areas you should avoid while exploring Bologna.

Zona Sirio

The Zona Sirio encompasses the entirety of Bologna's historic center and imposes strict restrictions on vehicle access and transit. Notably, motorcycles and scooters are exempt from these limitations, allowing them to move freely without requiring prior authorization.

The active hours for Zona Sirio are as follows:

• Every day, from 07:00 AM to 08:00 PM

Starting from 2020, access to the Sirio Zone is strictly prohibited for vehicles falling under the environmental class Euro 0. This includes cars powered by gasoline, LPG, methane, and diesel.

However, certain vehicle categories can gain access to the Sirio Zone by registering their license plate with the city office. These categories include:

• Electric and hybrid vehicles with an electric motor
• Vehicles belonging to hotel guests and parking facilities customers
• Vehicles engaged in car-sharing services with explicit authorization
• Vehicles used by disabled individuals, provided they possess the appropriate badge issued by their municipality of residence.

For those not falling under the aforementioned categories and wishing to access the Sirio Zone, it's possible to obtain an access ticket. This ticket, once validated and displayed on the vehicle, grants access to the Sirio Zone exclusively. The daily access ticket is priced at 6€, while the ticket for four consecutive days costs 15€.

Worry not about entering the Bologna LTZ without prior authorization; the vigilant staff at parking lots and hotels will promptly report your license plate number to the city office, ensuring you won't receive a fine.

T-Zone

The "T" Zone extends along prominent streets such as Via Rizzoli, Via Ugo Bassi, and Via Indipendenza. This area is a treasure trove of Bologna's major tourist attractions, boasting a rich array of historical monuments, luxurious shops, as well as top-notch restaurants and bars.

The "T" Zone operates continuously, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., the zone undergoes a transformation, becoming entirely pedestrianized. During this time, access is exclusively granted to bicycles, with no other means of entry allowed.

On weekdays, entry to the "T" Zone is permissible after registering your vehicle's license plate with the city office. Eligible categories for access during weekdays are:

• Electric and hybrid vehicles
• Bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles
• Vehicles used by disabled individuals, equipped with the specific badge issued by the Municipality of residence

It's important to note that there are no amnesty procedures in place, and access to the "T" Zone without proper authorization will result in fines and penalties.

University Zone

The "University Zone" extends into the areas surrounding the Fine Arts and Belmeloro. This zone strictly prohibits the entry of cars and motorcycles, including both motorcycles and mopeds.

The "University Zone" enforces its restrictions 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering no exceptions for any particular time slots.

For this zone, the only permitted categories are as follows:

• Electric and hybrid vehicles, granted access upon obtaining a permit from the TPER offices.
• Bicycles
• Scheduled buses, with tourist buses having the option to access only from Via Indipendenza to reach hotels located in the area that are otherwise inaccessible, subject to prior agreement with the municipal administration.
• Vehicles involved in car-sharing services with explicit authorization

As you explore Bologna, revel in the magnificence of Piazza Maggiore and countless other cultural gems that this capital of Emilia Romagna has to offer. Enjoy your visit to the fullest!