Fastest way from Florence to Bologna: Train (Trenitalia / Italo), about 0h 38min (from €17). Cheapest: Bus, from €5 (about 1h 10min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on October 27, 2026): NTV, FlixBus, Appennino Shuttle; main departure point: Florence Santa Maria Novella.
There are 2 ways to get from Florence to Bologna
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 | Florence Santa Maria Novella | €17 | 33 |
| Itabus | Bus | Florence Villa Constanza Bus Station | €5 | 8 |
| FlixBus | Bus | Villa Constanza Bus Station | €5 | 24 |
| Marino | Bus | Florence Villa Constanza Bus Station | €17 | 2 |
| Appennino Shuttle | Bus | Florence Bus Station | €22 | 10 |
| Autolinee Federico | Bus | Florence Park Villa Constanza | €26 | 1 |
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Practical tips
Fares on Trenitalia and Italo rise as the departure date approaches. If your day is fixed, book ahead online to avoid paying full price at the station for a last-minute seat.
Trenitalia and Italo both serve this line, and prices differ by departure. Check both before buying, as the cheaper fare is not always on the same company from one train to the next.
Check your ticket for the exact departure station in Florence before heading out. Allow a margin to find your platform, especially with luggage, so a wrong turn does not cost you your train.
If your timing is open, the coach is the cheapest way to Bologna. It is a smart pick when high-speed fares jump on a busy day or you are travelling on a tight budget.
Coach stops are not always next to the train station. Read your booking confirmation for the exact boarding point and arrive a little early so you can find the right bay calmly.
The journey experience
Florence to Bologna is one of the easiest hops in Italy, and the choice is simple: the train is the fast, frequent option, while the coach is the budget-friendly alternative. If you want to see both side by side, the comparison table on this page lays out time and price range at a glance.
The high-speed train is run by Trenitalia and Italo, which means two companies compete on this line and you can compare fares on both. It is comfortable, runs city centre to city centre, and gives you room for luggage and a seat you can reserve. The coach takes the road over the Apennines, is more basic, and suits you if you are flexible and watching your spending. It is a good fit for travellers who do not mind a slower pace in exchange for a lower fare.
Your best move is to book the train early if you have a fixed day, since last-minute high-speed fares are where people overpay. If your plans are open or the price jumps, the coach is a sensible fallback. Check the departure station before you go, then confirm online for instant booking confirmation. Either way, this is a low-stress transfer, and you will arrive in Bologna with plenty of day left to explore.
Frequently asked questions — Florence → Bologna
The train is clearly faster. It takes about 40 to 45 minutes, while the coach takes about 1 hour 10 to 1 hour 20. The train also runs between city centres, so it usually saves you more time overall than the journey times alone suggest.
The train starts from €17 and typically goes up to €18 with Trenitalia or Italo. The coach is cheaper, starting from €5 and typically up to €6. Prices can change with the date and how early you book, so check the page for current fares.
For most travellers the train is the best choice: it is the quickest, with Trenitalia and Italo both running the line, and the fare is modest. The coach, from €5, is the pick if you want the lowest price and do not mind a longer ride.
Both Trenitalia and Italo operate trains on this route. It is worth comparing the two for your preferred departure, as fares and times differ slightly. Booking online lets you see the options side by side and get instant confirmation.
Yes, if saving money matters more than speed. The coach starts from €5 and typically goes up to €6, well below the train, for a trip of about 1 hour 10 to 1 hour 20. If you are short on time, choose the train.
Why visit Bologna?
- ✓ Climb the 498 steps of the Asinelli Tower for a panoramic view over the red rooftops of the city
- ✓ Stroll beneath the 62 km of porticoes, including the UNESCO-listed Portico of San Luca leading to the hilltop sanctuary
- ✓ Taste fresh tagliatelle al ragù and tortellini in brodo in a traditional trattoria around Quadrilatero market
- ✓ Visit the Archiginnasio Anatomical Theatre and the Piazza Maggiore to discover the world's oldest university city
- ✓ Join a food tour of Parmigiano Reggiano, mortadella and balsamic vinegar in the historic Mercato di Mezzo
When to visit Bologna?
HUMID SUBTROPICAL CLIMATE
April to June and September to October — mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and pleasant porticoed walks
What to do in Bologna?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Bologna?
Bologna is best done in 2 to 3 days. In 2 days you can cover the Piazza Maggiore area, climb the Asinelli Tower, walk under the porticoes up to San Luca and eat your way through the Quadrilatero market streets. A third day lets you add the university quarter, the Archiginnasio, the Two Towers area and a day trip to Modena or Ravenna. Book the Asinelli Tower slot online in advance and reserve restaurants for dinner, especially on weekends.
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