Train service
SNCF
SNCF is France’s state-owned rail operator, running high-speed, regional, and international TGV services across Europe.
NTV
Italo (NTV) is Italy’s first private high-speed rail operator, offering a competitive alternative to Trenitalia since 2012.
Trenitalia
Trenitalia is Italy’s state-owned rail operator, running high-speed, intercity, and regional trains across the country and beyond.
Flixbus
FlixBus is a German intercity bus company offering affordable, tech-driven travel across Europe and beyond.
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
For train travel from Rome to Bologna, the Interrail Global Pass and the Interrail One Country Pass are valid for non-residents of Italy and valid for Italian residents only for their in-country quota trips. The Eurail Pass is valid for all non-EU residents traveling within Italy.
Getting around
Bologna has an efficient local transportation system centered around buses and taxis, as it does not have a metro or tram system. Upon arrival by train at Bologna Centrale, you'll find a well-connected bus network operated by TPER (Trasporto Passeggeri Emilia-Romagna). City buses can take you to various points of interest, and you can purchase tickets from automated machines at bus stops, onboard at a slightly higher price, or via the "Muver" app. Daily and multi-day passes are available if you plan to travel extensively. Taxis are readily available at Bologna Centrale and can be found at designated taxi stands or hailed on the street. The main taxi service providers are Cotabo and Cat, and you can book rides by phone or through their apps, offering convenient, albeit more expensive, travel. Ride-sharing services like Uber do not operate in Bologna, but you might find local car-sharing options such as Corrente, an electric car-sharing service offering rentals by the minute. Bikes are also a popular way to explore Bologna thanks to its compact city center and bike-sharing schemes like Mobike, which allow you to rent and return bikes at designated stations.
Onward connections
Bologna, known as a major railway hub in Italy, provides extensive train connections both domestically and internationally. Domestically, you can travel from Bologna to major cities such as Milan, Rome, Florence, and Venice with ease. High-speed trains like Trenitalia's Frecciarossa and Italotreno services offer rapid and frequent connections. For instance, the journey from Bologna to Milan or Florence typically takes about one hour, while reaching Rome can take around two hours.
Internationally, Bologna is well-connected to several key destinations. Travelers can reach Munich, Germany, using direct EuroCity services operated by Trenitalia and Deutsche Bahn, with travel time approximately seven hours. For Swiss destinations such as Zurich, connections are available via Milan with the EuroCity service, covering the journey in around six to seven hours total. Additionally, high-speed trains to Paris are accessible via Milan with Trenitalia or TGV, offering a convenient route to France with a total journey time of about seven to eight hours. These connections highlight Bologna's strategic importance in both domestic and European rail networks, making it a crucial junction for travelers.
Best time to visit
The best months to visit Bologna are generally from April to June and September to October. During these periods, the weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's rich history and vibrant culture. Spring in Bologna is particularly beautiful with blooming gardens and a lively atmosphere. Additionally, these months avoid the peak tourist season, which means accommodation and travel costs, including train tickets, tend to be more reasonable compared to the summer months.
In terms of activities and festivals, April and May host several cultural events, such as the Bologna Children's Book Fair and various music festivals. September brings the Bologna Festival, an excellent opportunity for music lovers. Although July and August can be sweltering and crowded due to summer vacations, they offer vibrant open-air events and outdoor dining experiences, if you can withstand the heat and slightly higher costs.
For those interested in culinary activities, autumn is an ideal time as truffle season begins, and you'll find an array of local food events celebrating Bolognese cuisine. Overall, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall allow you to enjoy Bologna comfortably, economically, and culturally.
Frequently asked questions
What affects the cost of a train ticket from Rome to Bologna?
According to EveryRail, train ticket prices from Rome to Bologna are dynamic. One factor that affects prices is the time of booking. Booking well in advance often results in lower prices. Another factor is the time of travel. Travel during peak hours tends to be more expensive. The type of train service also influences prices. High-speed trains usually cost more than regional trains. Demand fluctuations lead to variable pricing. Discounts and promotions can impact ticket costs. Additionally, class preference affects price. First-class tickets generally cost more than second-class.
What trains run from Rome to Bologna?
Trains from Rome to Bologna are operated by NTV. Trenitalia operates trains from Rome to Bologna. Flixbus operates buses, not trains, on the route from Rome to Bologna. SNCF does not operate trains from Rome to Bologna.
How long does the train from Rome to Bologna take?
According to EveryRail, the train from Rome to Bologna takes between 8.5 to 10 hours.
When is the best time to travel from Rome to Bologna?
Avoid peak commuter hours. Mid-morning offers less crowded trains. Early afternoon prices can be lower. Weekdays are typically busier than weekends. Off-peak times enhance seat availability. Book in advance to secure lower fares. Avoid holiday periods for a quieter journey.
What’s the best route or train to take from Rome to Bologna?
No direct train services operate on this route. Travelers can create connecting journeys by combining operators that depart from Rome with operators that arrive in Bologna.
What rail passes can I use to travel from Rome to Bologna?
According to EveryRail, a Global Pass applies for travel from Rome in Italy to Bologna in France. This is because the journey involves crossing from one country to another.