Fastest way from Bologna to Florence: Train (Trenitalia / Italo), about 0h 37min (from €17). Cheapest: Bus, from €5 (about 1h 11min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on October 27, 2026): NTV, FlixBus, Itabus; main departure point: Bologna Main.
There are 2 ways to get from Bologna to Florence
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on October 27, 2026 for a departure on November 17, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NTV | Train | Bologna Main | €17 | 33 |
| Itabus | Bus | Bologna Bus Terminal | €5 | 10 |
| FlixBus | Bus | Bologna Bus Station | €5 | 25 |
| Marino | Bus | Bologna Bus Station | €17 | 2 |
| Appennino Shuttle | Bus | Guglielmo Marconi Airport | €22 | 10 |
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Practical tips
High-speed fares tend to rise as the departure date gets closer. Booking your Trenitalia or Italo ticket online a few days ahead usually costs less than buying at the station on the day, especially on busy weekends and in high season.
Both companies serve this route, and fares can differ for the same time of day. Check both before you pay, and pick the departure that fits your plans rather than simply the first one you find.
Most travellers arrive at Firenze Santa Maria Novella, the central station close to the historic centre. Always check the arrival station on your ticket so you don't end up at a stop further from the sights.
If you have time and a tight budget, the coach is the cheaper way to reach Florence. Check the departure stop and arrival point on your booking, as they can differ from the train stations.
High-speed tickets are tied to a named train and seat, so no validation is needed. If you ever hold a regional ticket without a set time, validate it at the platform machine before boarding to avoid a fine.
The journey experience
Bologna to Florence is one of the easiest hops in Italy, and you don't need to overthink it. Only two options really matter here: the high-speed train and the coach. The comparison table on this page puts durations and price ranges side by side, so you can see at a glance whether your priority today is speed or budget.
The train, run by Trenitalia and Italo, connects the two city centres directly. It crosses the Apennines mostly through tunnels, with comfortable seats, luggage racks and frequent departures throughout the day. You arrive in the heart of Florence, ready to walk to your hotel or the sights. The coach takes the road instead. It is slower, but it is the budget choice, and it suits relaxed plans, flexible days or tighter budgets. Departures are less frequent than the trains, so check the timetable first.
Our advice: choose the train when your time matters, when you are connecting onward to Pisa, Rome or Venice, or when you want the simplest arrival. Choose the coach when saving money matters more than speed. Book the train ahead for the best fares, rather than buying at the ticket machine at the last minute. Check your station names: Bologna Centrale and Firenze Santa Maria Novella. Whichever you pick, this is an easy, well-served route.
Frequently asked questions — Bologna → Florence
The train (Trenitalia or Italo) starts from €17, with typical fares up to about €18. The bus is the cheaper option, starting from €5 and typically up to around €6. Prices vary with the date and how early you book, so check the live fares on this page before you decide.
By train, the journey takes about 35 to 40 minutes, which makes it very easy to do as a day trip. By bus, count about 1 hour 10 to 1 hour 20, since it travels by road. The train is clearly the faster choice if time matters on your itinerary.
For most travellers the train is the best choice: it takes about 35 to 40 minutes, runs often and arrives in central Florence. The bus is the smart pick on a tight budget, from €5, if you don't mind a journey of about 1 hour 10 to 1 hour 20.
Trains to Florence leave from Bologna Centrale, the city's main station, and arrive at Firenze Santa Maria Novella in the centre of Florence. Both Trenitalia and Italo services use these stations, so you can compare operators without changing your starting point. Always confirm the platform on the departure boards.
Yes, especially in high season and at weekends. Fares start from €17 and are typically up to about €18, and booking early helps you secure a seat at the time you want. If your plans are flexible and you want the lowest cost, the bus starts from €5.
Why visit Florence?
- ✓ Climb the Duomo's dome by Brunelleschi for a panoramic view over Tuscan rooftops
- ✓ Admire Michelangelo's David and Botticelli's Birth of Venus at the Accademia and Uffizi Galleries
- ✓ Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio and watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo
- ✓ Taste a bistecca alla fiorentina and fresh produce at the Mercato Centrale and Sant'Ambrogio market
- ✓ Explore the Boboli Gardens and the Pitti Palace, the Medici family's former residence
When to visit Florence?
MEDITERRANEAN CONTINENTAL CLIMATE
April to June and September to October — mild, pleasant temperatures and fewer extreme summer heat waves
What to do in Florence?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Florence?
Plan 2 to 3 days to see Florence properly. In 2 days you can cover the Duomo, the Uffizi, the Accademia and the Ponte Vecchio; a third day lets you add the Pitti Palace, the Oltrarno district and sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo. Book Uffizi and Accademia tickets online in advance, and use a 4th day for a day trip to Pisa, Siena or the Chianti hills.
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