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There are 8 ways to get from Rome to Bologna by train, bus, night train, rideshare, car or plane

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner.

Recommended option

Train

  1. Take the train from Roma Termini to Bologna Centrale

Cheapest option

Bus

  1. Take the bus from Rome Tiburtina Largo Mazzoni to Bologna Autostazione

6 alternative options

Night train

  1. Take the night train from Roma Termini to Bologna Centrale

Rideshare

  1. Take the rideshare from Rome to Bologna

Drive

  1. Drive from Rome to Bologna

Fly to Bologna

  1. Fly from Rome (FCO) to Bologna (BLQ)

Fly to Florence, train

  1. Fly from Rome (FCO) to Florence (FLR)
  2. Take the train from Firenze S.M.N. to Bologna Centrale

Fly to Venice, train

  1. Fly from Rome (FCO) to Venice (VCE)
  2. Take the train from Venezia Mestre to Bologna Centrale

Questions & Answers

The most affordable way to get from Rome to Bologna is to rideshare, which costs €18 - €20 and takes 4h 47m.

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The quickest way to get from Rome to Bologna is to train which costs €21 - €90 and takes 2h 3m.

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Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Rome Tiburtina Largo Mazzoni and arriving at Bologna Autostazione. Services depart every four hours, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 5h 15m.

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Yes, there is a direct train departing from Roma Termini and arriving at Bologna Centrale. Services depart every 20 minutes, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 2h 3m.

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The distance between Rome and Bologna is 303 km. The road distance is 374.3 km.

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The best way to get from Rome to Bologna without a car is to train which takes 2h 3m and costs €21 - €90.

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The train from Roma Termini to Bologna Centrale takes 2h 3m including transfers and departs every 20 minutes.

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Rome to Bologna bus services, operated by Itabus, depart from Rome Tiburtina Largo Mazzoni station.

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Rome to Bologna train services, operated by ItaloTreno, depart from Roma Termini station.

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The best way to get from Rome to Bologna is to train which takes 2h 3m and costs €21 - €90. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs €11 - €45 and takes 5h 15m, you could also fly, which costs €35 - €220 and takes 2h 39m.

Mode details

Map of how to get from Rome to Bologna.
Launch map view
  • Distance: 303.3 km
  • Duration: 2h 3m

What companies run services between Rome, Italy and Bologna, Italy?

ItaloTreno operates a train from Roma Termini to Bologna Centrale 5 times a day. Tickets cost €22 - €65 and the journey takes 2h 3m. Two other operators also service this route. Alternatively, Itabus operates a bus from Rome Tiburtina Largo Mazzoni to Bologna Autostazione hourly. Tickets cost €2 - €55 and the journey takes 5h 15m. Four other operators also service this route.

Airlines
Alitalia
Website
alitalia.com
Flights from Rome to Bologna
Ave. Duration
57 min
When
Every day
Estimated price
€65 - €390
Flights from Rome to Florence
Ave. Duration
55 min
When
Every day
Estimated price
€80 - €600
Flights from Rome to Venice
Ave. Duration
1h 8m
When
Every day
Estimated price
€60 - €290
Train operators
ItaloTreno

Private train company Italotreno operates high-speed trains in Italy on the same tracks as Trenitalia. The routes service 21 stations across the country, including popular routes Milan-Florence, Rome-Venice and Bologna-Naples. Choose from four classes of service, all with free Wi-Fi: Smart, Comfort, Prima and Club Executive. Italo also operates Italobus – an integrated train-bus service that takes passengers from the main train stations to other Italian cities.

Contact Details
Phone
+39 060708
Website
italotreno.it
Train from Roma Termini to Bologna Centrale
Ave. Duration
2h 3m
Frequency
5 times a day
Estimated price
€22 - €65
Website
Italo Treno
Smart Economy
€25 - €35
Smart Low Cost
€22 - €35
Smart Flex
€45 - €65
Train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Bologna Centrale
Ave. Duration
39 min
Frequency
Hourly
Estimated price
€12 - €40
Website
Italo Treno
Smart Economy
€14 - €21
Smart Low Cost
€12 - €17
Smart Flex
€26 - €40
Train from Mestre to Bologna Centrale
Ave. Duration
1h 35m
Frequency
Hourly
Estimated price
€14 - €45
Website
Italo Treno
Smart Economy
€17 - €24
Smart Low Cost
€14 - €21
Smart Flex
€30 - €45
Trenitalia Frecce

Trenitalia’s high-speed Frecce trains run on specialised tracks and have a greater level of service and comfort than InterCity and regional trains. There are three types of Frecce trains: Frecciarossa, (the fastest; connects major Italian cities); Frecciargento (mostly connect Rome to other Italian cities); and Frecciabianca (the slowest Frecce trains). Frecciarossa trains offer four classes of service, all with free Wi-Fi: Standard, Premium, Business and Executive. All Frecce tickets include a seat reservation and must be purchased before boarding the train.

Contact Details
Phone
+39 06 68475475
Website
trenitalia.com
Train from Roma Termini to Bologna Centrale
Ave. Duration
2h 23m
Frequency
Every 30 minutes
Estimated price
€27 - €90
Website
Trenitalia Frecce
Super Economy
€27 - €40
Base Standard
€50 - €70
Base Premium
€60 - €90
Train from Firenze S.M.N. to Bologna Centrale
Ave. Duration
38 min
Frequency
Every 30 minutes
Estimated price
€11 - €45
Website
Trenitalia Frecce
Super Economy
€11 - €15
Base Standard
€25 - €35
Base Premium
€30 - €45
Train from Venezia Mestre to Bologna Centrale
Ave. Duration
1h 21m
Frequency
Hourly
Estimated price
€14 - €55
Website
Trenitalia Frecce
Super Economy
€14 - €20
Base Standard
€30 - €45
Base Premium
€35 - €55
Trenitalia Intercity

Trenitalia’s Intercity (IC) trains are slower than the high-speed Frecce trains but are still a good way to travel between major cities and towns, with routes including Rome to Naples, Venice to Bologna and Milan to Genoa. Tickets usually open for booking 90 days ahead of travel, and you’ll need make a seat reservation before boarding. All IC trains have 1st and 2nd class carriages as well as a bar buffet car, air conditioning and power sockets. InterCity trains that run at night are called InterCity Notte (ICN).

Contact Details
Phone
+39 06 68475475
Website
trenitalia.com
Train from Roma Termini to Bologna Centrale
Ave. Duration
4h 20m
Frequency
Twice daily
Estimated price
€21 - €30
Website
Trenitalia Intercity
2nd Class
€21 - €30
Train from Firenze S.M.N. to Bologna Centrale
Ave. Duration
1h 7m
Frequency
Once daily
Estimated price
€7 - €10
Website
Trenitalia Intercity
2nd Class
€7 - €10
Train from Venezia Mestre to Bologna Centrale
Ave. Duration
1h 38m
Frequency
Twice daily
Estimated price
€10 - €15
Website
Trenitalia Intercity
2nd Class
€10 - €15
Trenitalia Intercity Night

The primary train operator in Italy, Trenitalia was created in the year 2000. Trenitalia offers national rail connections in Italy as well as international connections to Austria, France, Germany and Switzerland. The company operates regional and long-distance trains, as well as high-speed trains called Frecce that travel on specialised tracks on speeds of up to 360km/h. Trenitalia tickets are available online, in stations across the country or from many travel agents that offer bookings.

Contact Details
Phone
800 90 60 60
Website
trenitalia.com
Night train from Roma Termini to Bologna Centrale
Ave. Duration
4h 53m
Frequency
Once daily
Estimated price
€35 - €55
Website
Trenitalia ICN
Schedules at
Trenitalia
Schedules at
Bahn DB
Nightjet
Phone
+43 51717
Website
nightjet.com
Night train from Roma Termini to Bologna Centrale
Ave. Duration
3h 24m
Frequency
Once daily
Estimated price
€29 - €40
Website
Nightjet
Trenitalia

The primary train operator in Italy, Trenitalia was created in the year 2000. Trenitalia offers national rail connections in Italy as well as international connections to Austria, France, Germany and Switzerland. The company operates regional and long-distance trains, as well as high-speed trains called Frecce that travel on specialised tracks on speeds of up to 360km/h. Trenitalia tickets are available online, in stations across the country or from many travel agents that offer bookings.

Contact Details
Phone
+39 06 68475475
Website
trenitalia.com
Train from Firenze S.M.N. to Bologna Centrale
Ave. Duration
1h 28m
Frequency
Twice daily
Estimated price
€6 - €14
Website
Trenitalia
1st Class
€12 - €14
Train from Venezia Mestre to Bologna Centrale
Ave. Duration
1h 57m
Frequency
Hourly
Estimated price
€10 - €21
Website
Trenitalia
1st Class
€19 - €21
Frequently asked questions
Is there Wi-Fi on Trenitalia?
Yes - Wi-Fi is available on both Frecciarossa and Frecciargento services, and may be accessed free of charge. Services require either a mobile phone number or credit card for verification purposes and allow access for 24 hours.
Are there power outlets on Trenitalia?
Yes - Frecce services include a power socket for each seat.
Does Trenitalia offer meals or snacks?
Yes - Frecciarossa and Frecciargento services often offer bar and restaurant options, though this depends on the individual route and train type. Business, Premium and First Class tickets include a complimentary drink and snack. Some services may offer restaurant, FRECCIABistro or pre-booked, in-seat meal options. Please check your service as options vary.
For more information, please visit this page
Bus operators
Itabus
Phone
+39 06 88 93 82 32
Website
itabus.it
Bus from Rome Tiburtina Largo Mazzoni to Bologna Autostazione
Ave. Duration
5h 15m
Frequency
Hourly
Estimated price
€2 - €55
Website
Itabus
Autoservizi Salemi Srl
Phone
(+39) 0923 98.11.20
Website
autoservizisalemi.it
Bus from Rome Tiburtina Bus Station to Bologna Autostazione
Ave. Duration
4h 30m
Frequency
Twice daily
Estimated price
€18 - €27
Schedules at
autoservizisalemi.it
FlixBus

One of Europe’s leading bus companies, Flixbus serves 2000+ destinations in 29 countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Austria, the Netherlands and Croatia and into Scandinavia and eastern Europe, as well as some US cities. Coaches have toilets, free WiFi and power outlets, plus snacks and drinks for purchase on board. Flixbus is a good choice for the budget-conscious traveller; purchase tickets in advance for the cheapest fares (note: there is no option to reserve a seat in advance).

Rome2rio's guide to FlixBus
Contact Details
Phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Email
service@flixbus.com
Website
flixbus.de
Bus from Rome Tiburtina Bus station to Bologna
Ave. Duration
5h 35m
Frequency
Every 2 hours
Estimated price
€19 - €24
Website
flixbus.co.uk
Frequently asked questions
Is there Wi-Fi on FlixBus?
Yes - FlixBus offers free Wi-Fi
Are there power outlets on FlixBus?
Yes
Does FlixBus offer meals or snacks?
Yes - snacks and drinks may be purchased from the driver. Please note, this is not available on all services.
For more information, please visit this page
Marino Autolinee
Phone
+39 080 3112335
Email
info@marinobus.it
Website
marinobus.it
Bus from Rome Tiburtina to Bologna Terminal Bus 200 MT Da Stazione FS
Ave. Duration
4h 55m
Frequency
4 times a day
Estimated price
€30 - €45
Website
Marino Autolinee
RegioJet
Phone
+420 542 42 42 42
Email
info@regiojet.cz
Website
regiojet.com
Bus from Rome Tiburtina to Bologna Stazione Autolinee
Ave. Duration
5h 35m
Frequency
4 times a week
Estimated price
€11 - €16
Website
RegioJet
Other operators
BlaBlaCar

Blablacar is a popular ridesharing platform with 70 million users over 22 (mostly European) countries. The basic idea is that you carpool with locals who are already planning to drive your route and have space in their car. With some flexibility, you’ll get to your destination often faster and cheaper than other means. On the website or app, enter your departure and arrival points and your date of travel, sift through the profiles of drivers who’ve posted pre-planned drives and find one whose timing and preferences match yours. Request to join the ride, wait to be accepted, and pay your share of the set price.

Rome2rio's guide to BlaBlaCar
Contact Details
Website
blablacar.com
Rideshare from Rome to Bologna
Ave. Duration
4h 47m
Frequency
Every 2 hours
Estimated price
€18 - €20
Book at
blablacar.co.uk

Want to know more about travelling around Italy

Rome2rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

More Questions & Answers

The quickest flight from Rome Airport to Bologna Airport is the direct flight which takes 55 min.

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Rome to Bologna bus services, operated by Itabus, arrive at Bologna Autostazione station.

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Rome to Bologna train services, operated by ItaloTreno, arrive at Bologna Centrale station.

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Yes, the driving distance between Rome to Bologna is 374 km. It takes approximately 3h 36m to drive from Rome to Bologna.

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Alitalia offers flights from Rome Airport to Bologna Airport.

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Book your Rome to Bologna train tickets online with Omio.

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Book your Rome to Bologna bus tickets online with Omio, Distribusion and FlixBus.

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There are 1662+ hotels available in Bologna. Prices start at €100 per night.

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Check out Blablacar's carpooling service for rideshare options between Rome and Bologna. A great option if you don't have a driver's licence or want to avoid public transport.

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The best way to get from Rome to Rome Airport is to train which takes 32 min and costs €7 - €35.

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