Milan to Bologna by train

Direct Frecciarossa and Italo trains link Milano Centrale and Bologna Centrale in just over an hour, from early morning into the evening.

Direct high-speed trains all day

Trenitalia's Frecciarossa carries most of the traffic, with at least two departures an hour for most of the day. The fastest run non-stop and reach Bologna Centrale in just over an hour. Others stop at Milano Rogoredo and take about 1 hour 15 minutes. Italo runs on the same high-speed line from Milano Centrale, at similar journey times. You never need to change.

A few Frecciarossa heading for the Adriatic coast take the old line instead, stopping at Parma, Reggio Emilia and Modena. They need closer to 2 hours. Skip them unless you want one of those stops.

Intercity trains: slower, but direct

Trenitalia Intercity trains also run direct, on the conventional line through towns such as Piacenza, Parma, Reggio Emilia and Modena. The trip takes about 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes, on several departures a day. Use one if you want to break the journey in Parma or Modena. For a straight run to Bologna, the Frecciarossa or Italo saves well over an hour.

Which Milan station to use

Book Milano Centrale. Most Frecciarossa and Italo trains to Bologna leave from there. Many Frecciarossa also call at Milano Rogoredo about 10 minutes later, which saves a trip across town if you are staying in the south-east of the city. A few start at Milano Porta Garibaldi and take about 1 hour 20 minutes via Rogoredo. Booking sites often list all three as "Milan", so confirm the departure station before you pay.

Arriving at Bologna Centrale

High-speed trains pull into the underground platforms 16 to 19, 23 metres below the main station. Getting from there to the exits at Piazza delle Medaglie d'Oro or Via de' Carracci takes 5 to 7 minutes. Allow for that walk if you have a tight onward connection.

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 Milan to Bologna start from €12.90 one way. Trenitalia sells its Frecciarossa tickets in three main fare types:

Super Economy ties you to the train you booked, and Economy allows one date or time change for the fare difference. Pick Base if your plans might move.

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. With a pass, take the Frecciarossa.