McCafe

Gate-side caffeine fix in T1 without leaving security

McCafe sits airside in Terminal 1 at Bologna (BLQ), a few minutes’ walk from most Schengen gates, and it runs through the main flight banks from early morning into late evening. Think standard McDonald’s coffee bar, not a full restaurant: counter service only, with standing tables and some stools that tend to fill up around the 06:00–09:00 rush.

A basic espresso usually lands around the €1–€1.30 mark, cappuccino closer to €1.50–€2, which is cheaper than many other airport cafés in Italy. You’ll see the usual McCafe pastries in the case: croissants, muffins, and cakes, often under €3 each. It’s an easy stop if you just want caffeine and a pastry and don’t feel like paying sit-down bar prices at the main terminal café.

Food is limited to cold snacks and sweets, so think croissants and packaged treats rather than panini or hot meals. If you want a more substantial bite, plan to eat earlier in Bologna city and use McCafe only for coffee before a Ryanair or Wizz flight out of T1. Lines spike just after security during morning departures, but they tend to clear quickly since orders are mostly drinks.

Payment is straightforward: they accept cards and contactless, and you’ll often see people tapping phones for a sub-€5 order before heading to gates for domestic and Schengen flights. No table service, no reservations, and no alcohol, which keeps it faster than the main bar options near the larger seating areas.

Practical tip: if your boarding pass shows a gate at the far end of T1, stop at McCafe right after security rather than waiting; there aren’t many other coffee options once you walk down to the low-cost gates.