Bologna to Milan by train

Direct Frecciarossa and Italo trains run from Bologna Centrale to Milano Centrale in about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, until late evening.

Direct high-speed trains to Milan

Frecciarossa is the backbone of this route, with at least two departures an hour for most of the day and the last ones leaving Bologna late in the evening. Non-stop trains reach Milano Centrale in just over an hour. Those stopping at Milano Rogoredo on the way take about 1 hour 15 minutes. Italo also runs direct to Milano Centrale on the high-speed line, at similar times. No change is needed.

A few Frecciarossa coming up from the Adriatic coast use the old line instead and take closer to 2 hours. They suit you only if you are heading for Modena, Reggio Emilia or Parma.

Intercity trains: the slow direct option

Trenitalia Intercity trains run direct on the conventional line, calling at towns such as Modena, Reggio Emilia, Parma and Piacenza. Expect around 2 hours 30 minutes, on several departures a day. They make sense for a stop on the way. For Milan itself, the high-speed trains save more than an hour.

Leaving from Bologna Centrale

High-speed trains leave from the underground platforms 16 to 19, 23 metres below the main station. Walking down from the entrances at Piazza delle Medaglie d'Oro or Via de' Carracci takes 5 to 7 minutes. Get to the station with time in hand.

Which Milan station you arrive at

Most trains arrive at Milano Centrale, the city's main station and the one to book for most onward trains. Many Frecciarossa stop at Milano Rogoredo first, useful if you are staying in the south-east of the city. A few run instead to Milano Porta Garibaldi via Rogoredo, taking about 1 hour 20 minutes. Booking sites often show all of them as "Milan", so confirm the arrival station before you pay.

Tickets, fares and rail passes

Trenitalia and Italo are separate companies, and a ticket for one is not valid on the other. Italo fares from Bologna to Milan start from €12.90 one way. Trenitalia sells its Frecciarossa tickets in three main fare types:

Super Economy locks you to the train you booked, and Economy allows a date or time change for the fare difference. Base is the safer buy if your return plans are loose.

An Interrail pass covers Trenitalia, but every Frecciarossa needs a seat reservation, which costs pass holders €13 in either class. Intercity reservations are compulsory too, at €3. Italo does not accept Interrail passes. If you travel on a pass, book the Frecciarossa.