Bologna to Florence by train

The fast train from Bologna to Florence takes about 37 minutes, and a Frecciarossa or Italo leaves several times an hour.

High-speed or regional train

Take a high-speed train unless you have a reason not to. Trenitalia's Frecciarossa and Italo both run direct from Bologna Centrale to Firenze Santa Maria Novella on the high-speed line across the Apennines. You are there in about 37 minutes.

Regional trains are direct as well, but they take the older line via Prato and stop at small mountain stations such as Vernio and San Benedetto Sambro. Allow around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. They suit you if you want to stop in Prato, or want a ticket that is not tied to one train.

How often trains run

Frecciarossa trains leave Bologna Centrale several times an hour from early morning into the evening, and many of them carry on to Rome. Italo adds 32 trains a day on the same run. With two operators sharing the line, there is rarely a long wait for a fast train, but a Frecciarossa ticket is not valid on Italo, or the other way round.

Regional trains run roughly hourly for most of the day.

Bologna Centrale: underground or surface

Bologna Centrale has two levels for trains, and the difference catches people out. Most high-speed trains use the underground high-speed station, 23 metres below the street, reached by escalators and lifts. Regional trains, and high-speed trains on the Venice line, use the surface platforms. Give yourself a few extra minutes and read the platform on the departure board before you head down.

Arriving in Florence

Every high-speed train on this route arrives at Firenze Santa Maria Novella. From there the cathedral is about 15 minutes on foot.

Regional trains need more care. A few run to Firenze Campo di Marte via Firenze Rifredi and never reach Santa Maria Novella. For the historic centre, pick one that ends at Santa Maria Novella.

Tickets, fares and passes

High-speed fares move with demand, so the same train can cost very different amounts on different days. Italo fares start from €9.90, and buying ahead can bring the price down. Trenitalia sells the Frecciarossa in three fare types:

Regional tickets work differently. Bought online, one is valid on any regional train on the same route within four hours of the time you picked, and there are no seat reservations. Miss a train and you take the next one.

With an Interrail pass, the Frecciarossa needs a compulsory reservation: €13 in first or second class. Regional trains need no reservation, but Italo does not accept Interrail passes.