Fastest way from Bologna to Rome: Flight, about 1h (from €66). Cheapest: Bus, from €9 (about 4h 40min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on October 27, 2026): NTV, FlixBus, Itabus; main departure point: Bologna Main.
There are 3 ways to get from Bologna to Rome
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 | €37 | 65 |
| Itabus | Bus | Bologna Bus Terminal | €9 | 10 |
| FlixBus | Bus | Bologna Bus Station | €10 | 15 |
| Marino | Bus | Bologna | €25 | 2 |
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Practical tips
High-speed fares climb as the date approaches, and last-minute seats can cost far more than advance ones. Book as soon as your plans are fixed, especially in high season, and compare both Trenitalia and Italo before paying.
Rome has two major stations, Termini and Tiburtina. Most high-speed trains stop at both, so pick the one closest to your hotel. Termini has the best metro links to the historic centre, while Tiburtina suits some neighbourhoods.
If you have time and want the lowest fare, the coach is the smart choice. Check the exact drop-off stop in your booking, as it may differ from the train stations, and allow extra time for traffic on arrival in Rome.
Flying looks quick on paper, but getting to the airport, checking in and reaching central Rome afterwards eat into the gain. For most travellers the high-speed train is simpler, more central and less stressful.
Download your e-ticket before boarding and keep it available offline. Check the platform on the departure board shortly before the train leaves, as Bologna Centrale posts platforms late and the station can be busy.
The journey experience
Bologna to Rome is one of Italy's easiest city-to-city hops, and you can settle the train-or-coach question quickly. The route is served by high-speed trains, a coach network and even flights, so the right choice depends on whether you value speed, budget or flexibility. The table on this page puts durations and price ranges side by side so you can compare in seconds.
The high-speed train, run by both Trenitalia and Italo, is the option most independent travellers choose. It runs city centre to city centre, with comfortable seats, luggage racks, onboard Wi-Fi and frequent departures throughout the day. The coach is the budget pick: it suits you if you are flexible on time and want to keep costs down, and it is a calmer ride with reclining seats and luggage in the hold. Flying is possible, but airport transfers and check-in usually cancel out any advantage for most travellers.
Our advice: book the high-speed train as early as you can, since fares rise as the departure date nears, and compare both Trenitalia and Italo. Choose the coach only if saving money matters more than saving time. Whichever you pick, check the exact station or stop in your booking, because Rome has several. You can book online with instant confirmation and travel with confidence.
Frequently asked questions — Bologna → Rome
The train is much faster, taking about 2 hours (1 h 55 to 2 h 20) with fares from €37, typically up to €40. The coach takes around 4 h 40 to 5 hours but is far cheaper, from €9, typically up to €11. Choose the train for speed, the coach for budget.
By high-speed train the journey takes about 2 hours, between 1 h 55 and 2 h 20 depending on the service. The flight is about 1 hour in the air, though airport transfers add time. The coach is the slowest option, at around 4 h 40 to 5 hours.
For most travellers the high-speed train is the best option: about 2 hours, city centre to city centre, with Trenitalia and Italo to compare. Fares start from €37. Take the coach, from €9, if budget matters more than time. The flight rarely makes sense for this route.
Flights start from €66, typically up to €70, and the flight itself takes about 1 hour. However, you need to add the journey to and from the airports and check-in time, so the high-speed train is usually the better value and more convenient.
Trains to Rome leave from Bologna Centrale, the city's main station, close to the historic centre. Both Trenitalia and Italo high-speed services use it. Check your ticket for the arrival station in Rome, as it may be Termini or Tiburtina.
Why visit Rome?
- ✓ Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with a skip-the-line combined ticket
- ✓ Admire Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling and climb the dome of St. Peter's Basilica
- ✓ Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain early in the morning, before the crowds arrive
- ✓ Wander the cobblestone lanes of Trastevere and dine on cacio e pepe in a family-run trattoria
- ✓ Walk the ancient Appian Way by bike and descend into the catacombs
When to visit Rome?
MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE
April to June and September to October — mild, sunny weather, with far less heat than the crowded July-August peak
What to do in Rome?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Rome?
Plan 3 days to cover the essentials: ancient Rome (Colosseum, Forum, Palatine), the Vatican (Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's) and the historic centre (Pantheon, Trevi, Piazza Navona). With 4 to 5 days you can add Trastevere, Villa Borghese, the Appian Way and a day trip to Ostia Antica or Tivoli. Book Colosseum and Vatican tickets online several weeks ahead and start early to avoid queues and heat.
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