Train service
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s national railway company, operating long-distance, regional, and international train services across Europe.
Flixbus
FlixBus is a German intercity bus company offering affordable, tech-driven travel across Europe and beyond.
Ouigo
Ouigo is SNCF’s low-cost train service offering affordable high-speed travel in France, Spain, and Belgium with simplified onboard amenities.
Trenitalia
Trenitalia is Italy’s state-owned rail operator, running high-speed, intercity, and regional trains across the country and beyond.
SNCB
SNCB is Belgium’s national railway operator, offering domestic and international train services with flexible ticket options, including youth and senior discounts.
Train tickets
Omio
Omio connects you with over 1,000 transport providers - trains, buses, flights, and more - to simplify your travel planning.
Trainline
Trainline sells rail and coach tickets worldwide on behalf of major UK and European transport companies.
Raileurope
Rail Europe is a leading travel tech company specializing in European train bookings for over 15,000 travel professionals worldwide.
Rail pass validity
The Interrail Global Pass is valid for travel from Paris to Bologna for European residents, allowing travel in both France and Italy with certain trains possibly requiring reservations. The Interrail One Country Pass is not applicable for this journey as it covers only one country, and you are traveling between France and Italy. The Eurail Pass is valid for travelers who are not residents of the EU, allowing travel between Paris and Bologna, though reservations may also be required for some trains.
Getting around
Upon arriving in Bologna by train, you'll find that the city has a well-organized public transportation system that's easy to navigate. The primary mode of public transportation in Bologna is the bus network operated by TPER (Trasporto Passeggeri Emilia-Romagna). The main bus hub is in front of the Bologna Centrale train station, making it convenient for travelers arriving by train. You can purchase bus tickets at the station, tobacco shops, or via the TPER mobile app. While Bologna does not have a metro system, it does have a robust bus network that covers the entire city and surrounding areas. Taxis are readily available outside the train station and around popular spots in the city; you can also book them via phone or apps like TaxiClick. For a more modern option, ridesharing services such as Uber are not available, but local alternatives like MyTaxi operate in the city. Additionally, Bologna is highly bike-friendly, with many bike rental services and cycling paths, which can be an enjoyable way to explore the city at your own pace.
Onward connections
Bologna, a major rail hub in Italy, offers several popular and efficient train connections both domestically and internationally. Domestically, Bologna is well-connected to major Italian cities. The high-speed train service, operated primarily by Trenitalia's Frecciarossa and Italo, connects Bologna to Milan in about one hour, providing frequent daily departures. Similarly, trains to Rome take approximately two hours, offering a convenient and quick journey. Florence, being extremely close to Bologna, is reached in about 35 minutes with direct high-speed services.
For connections to the northeast, Venice is just over an hour and a half away, also serviced by high-speed trains. Heading south, Naples can be reached in under four hours with several direct daily trains available. The connection to Turin takes roughly two and a half hours, with options available through high-speed rail services.
Internationally, Bologna offers connections to neighboring countries. While there are no direct high-speed international trains from Bologna, travelers can easily make connections through major hubs. To reach Switzerland, travelers can take a high-speed train to Milan and transfer to Swiss Federal Railways, reaching cities like Zurich in approximately five to six hours total. For France, by traveling from Bologna to Milan first, passengers can then board TGV trains from Milan to Paris, which typically takes around seven to eight hours for the entire journey. Connections to Austria can be made via Venice, from where the Austrian Railways offers services to Vienna, taking about eleven hours in total when starting in Bologna.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Bologna is during the spring months of April to June or in the autumn months of September to October. During these periods, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, ideal for exploring the city's historic streets and enjoying outdoor activities. Prices for accommodation and travel tend to be more reasonable compared to the peak summer months, and the city is less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
In spring, Bologna hosts numerous cultural events and festivals, such as the Bologna Children's Book Fair and La Scienza in Piazza, offering unique experiences for visitors. The autumn season sees the famous Mortadella Festival and various truffle-related events in the surrounding regions, which are perfect for food enthusiasts. Visiting Bologna by train during these times is convenient, with an abundance of scheduled services that's typically less hectic than the summer rush. Avoiding July and August is advisable due to high temperatures and potential tourist crowds.
Frequently asked questions
What affects the cost of a train ticket from Paris to Bologna?
According to EveryRail, train ticket prices from Paris to Bologna are dynamic. Demand significantly impacts pricing. Popular travel times, like holidays, raise prices. Booking in advance often leads to lower costs. Pricing tiers affect ticket availability. Seat class influences ticket price. Flexible tickets usually cost more. Special discounts can reduce fares. Competition with other transport options plays a role. Rail operator policies on sales also affect prices.
What trains run from Paris to Bologna?
Trenitalia operates trains from Paris to Bologna. SNCF operates trains from Paris to Bologna. Flixbus provides bus services from Paris to Bologna. Deutsche Bahn does not operate trains from Paris to Bologna. Ouigo does not operate trains from Paris to Bologna. Benerail does not operate trains from Paris to Bologna.
How long does the train from Paris to Bologna take?
According to EveryRail, the train from Paris to Bologna takes between 2.5 and 3.5 hours. Travel time may vary.
When is the best time to travel from Paris to Bologna?
The best time to travel is during off-peak periods. Avoid weekends and public holidays. Trains are less crowded midweek. Prices are generally lower outside peak travel times. Early morning or late evening trains may also offer better rates. Consider avoiding major holiday seasons. Demand affects both ticket availability and pricing. Mid-season travel can offer a balance of price and comfort.
What’s the best route or train to take from Paris to Bologna?
No direct train or bus services operate on this route. Travelers can create connecting journeys by combining operators that depart from Paris.
What rail passes can I use to travel from Paris to Bologna?
According to EveryRail, the One Country Pass applies to the route from Paris to Bologna in France. This is because both locations are within the same country.