Florence to Bologna by train
Frecciarossa and Italo trains run direct from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Bologna Centrale in about 38 minutes, several times an hour.
- Origin
- Florence
- Destination
- Bologna
- Main stations
- Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Bologna Centrale
- Country
- Italy
Fast trains from Florence to Bologna take about 38 minutes, and a Frecciarossa or Italo leaves Santa Maria Novella several times an hour.
Which train to take
For most trips, book a high-speed train. Trenitalia's Frecciarossa covers the run in around 38 minutes on the high-speed line, with departures several times an hour from early morning to late evening. Italo runs 32 trains a day in this direction and takes 37 minutes. Both go direct to Bologna Centrale.
The regional train is the slow way over the hills. It follows the older line via Prato and Vernio, takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours and runs roughly hourly for most of the day. Choose it for a stop in Prato, or when you want a ticket you can use on whichever regional train turns up.
Leaving Florence
Every high-speed train to Bologna leaves from Firenze Santa Maria Novella, the main station, about 15 minutes' walk from the cathedral.
Some regional trains start at Firenze Campo di Marte instead and run via Firenze Rifredi without calling at Santa Maria Novella. If you are setting off from the centre, pick one that starts at Santa Maria Novella.
Arriving at Bologna Centrale
Most high-speed trains from Florence pull into the underground high-speed station, 23 metres below street level. Escalators and lifts bring you up to the main station. Regional trains arrive on the surface platforms, and so do high-speed trains on the Venice line. Changing in Bologna? Allow time to move between the two levels, and look at the departure board for your next platform before you set off.
Tickets, fares and passes
High-speed fares are dynamic, and early tickets tend to be cheaper. Italo fares start from €9.90. Trenitalia sells the Frecciarossa in three fare types:
| Trenitalia fare | What you get |
|---|---|
| Base | Full flexibility, with changes and refunds allowed |
| Economy | A discounted fare that still allows changes |
| Super Economy | The lowest fare, in limited numbers |
Carrying a big suitcase? In Italo's Smart class, bags larger than 75 x 53 x 30 cm are not allowed. Prima Business and Club Executive have no such limit.
A regional ticket bought online is valid on any regional train on the same route within four hours of the time you chose, and there are no seat reservations.
Interrail pass holders need a compulsory reservation on the Frecciarossa: €13 in first or second class. Regional trains need no reservation, but Italo does not accept Interrail passes.
Where to book
Train service
- Check times & prices
Italo is Italy's private high-speed operator, linking Milan, Rome and Florence with trains reaching 300 km/h; book early for lower fares.
Official website
Find places to stay in Bologna
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct train from Florence to Bologna?
Yes. Frecciarossa and Italo trains run direct from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Bologna Centrale in about 38 minutes, several times an hour. Regional trains via Prato are also direct but take around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.
How long does the train from Florence to Bologna take?
Around 38 minutes on a Frecciarossa and 37 minutes on Italo. The regional train over the older line via Prato takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Which Florence station do trains to Bologna leave from?
Firenze Santa Maria Novella, for every high-speed train. Some regional trains start at Firenze Campo di Marte and miss Santa Maria Novella, so pick one that starts there if you are leaving from the centre.
How much is the train from Florence to Bologna?
Fares on the fast trains are dynamic. Italo tickets start from €9.90, and Trenitalia's Super Economy is the cheapest Frecciarossa fare while seats last. With an Interrail pass, the Frecciarossa reservation costs €13; Italo does not accept the pass.
Can I take large luggage on the train to Bologna?
On Italo it depends on the class. In Smart class, bags larger than 75 x 53 x 30 cm are not allowed, although you can bring several items at no extra cost. Prima Business and Club Executive take large luggage without restriction.
More routes
