Bologna's bus service, organzed by the Azienda Trasporti Comunali or ATC, offers comprehensive coverage of the city. For information about bus routes and free, useful maps, stop by one of the many ATC information offices located around the city.

ATC information offices
Via IV Novembre 16/A
The hut at the intersection of Via Lame and Via Marconi
Piazza Medaglie d'Oro (the train station)
Piazza XX Settembre (the bus station)
www.atc.bo.it/

The ATC also provides assistance in figuring out which bus route/s to take to get from one point to another. You can call with your request, or send a fax or email.
Tel. 051.290290
Fax 051.290291
E-mail: atcitta@atc.bo.it
You can call every day: 07.00 - 20.00

If you want to know the price of the different kinds of tickets go directly to this page:
www.atc.bo.it/biglietti/tariffe.asp

Bus tickets are available in most tabaccheria (tobacco shop), newsstands, and from red machines on the street.
The basic ticket is good for a ride of up to an hour within city limits. You may change buses as many times as you wish during that period. The extraurbana ticket is good for trips outside of the city limits and costs slightly more. You can also get a City Pass, which is valid for eight rides at a discounted price.
Ask the ATC directly for information about season passes.

Passengers must validate their tickets when they board in special machines located in the front and back of the bus. If you ever feel tempted not to do this, remember that the ATC's staff of controllori (controllers) boards buses at random to make sure all passengers have a validated ticket. If you're caught without a valid ticket, you'll be fined. If the machine is not working, or your ticket is so mangled that the machine will not accept it, ask the driver for assistance.

Pickpockets sometimes work the buses, so be aware of who's around you and keep an eye on your belongings.