Where to stay for Bologna trade fairs
Updated September 2026 · by the hosts of Favola B&B and La Casa di Kro
During the big trade fairs, finding somewhere to stay in Bologna is hard and prices rise fast. Staying in the historic centre lets you work at the fair by day and enjoy the city in the evening. Here is how to reach BolognaFiere from our two properties.
Bologna's main trade fairs
The exhibition centre hosts international events every year such as Arte Fiera, Marca, the Bologna Children's Book Fair, Cosmoprof, SANA, Cersaie and EIMA (every two years), plus many other events and congresses. Dates change every year: always check the official BolognaFiere calendar before booking.
From Favola B&B to BolognaFiere: about 22 minutes on foot
Favola B&B is on Via Mascarella near Porta Mascarella — the part of the centre closest to the fair. The Costituzione entrance is about 1.7 km away: a walk of just over 20 minutes, with no parking to find or crowded buses to wait for. For solo travellers and pairs, the en-suite rooms, the desk in the Blue Room and free WiFi make a comfortable base.
From La Casa di Kro to BolognaFiere: bus 35 or 38
From La Casa di Kro, walk to the Central Station (10 minutes) and from Piazza delle Medaglie d'Oro take bus 35 or 38, which stop at the Costituzione and Aldo Moro entrances; for the return to the station use lines 35 and 39. A taxi from the centre usually takes a few minutes, but waits can be long during fairs. For groups of colleagues, the apartment is often better value than three hotel rooms: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a living room to debrief at the end of the day.
During some fairs dedicated shuttles may run and bus routes can change because of roadworks (such as the new tram lines). Always check the latest information on the BolognaFiere and TPER websites.
Tips for fair visitors
- Book early: for Cosmoprof and Cersaie central availability runs out months ahead.
- Receipts: a tax receipt (ricevuta fiscale) is issued for the stay, not an invoice.
- Timing: check-in is 15:00–20:00; if you arrive late after setting up your stand, let us know beforehand.
- Car: arriving by car with stand materials? Read the parking and ZTL guide.
Check availability for your fair dates