Fastest way from Milan to Bologna: Train (Trenitalia / Italo), about 1h 4min (from €28). Cheapest: Bus, from €4 (about 2h 15min – 3h 5min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on October 27, 2026): FlixBus, NTV, Itabus; main departure point: Lampugnano Bus Terminal.
There are 3 ways to get from Milan 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 | Milano Centrale | €28 | 20 |
| Itabus | Bus | Milan Via Giuseppe Impastato | €4 | 11 |
| FlixBus | Bus | Lampugnano Bus Terminal | €5 | 23 |
| Marino | Bus | Milan | €7 | 6 |
| Autolinee Federico | Bus | Milan | €32 | 3 |
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Practical tips
High-speed fares rise as the departure date approaches. Book your Trenitalia or Italo ticket as soon as your plans are fixed, especially on Friday evenings, Sunday afternoons and in high season, to avoid paying the full last-minute fare.
Both companies serve this line with similar trains but different fares and flexibility rules. Check both for your preferred time, because the cheaper ticket is not always from the same operator, and promotional fares are often limited in number.
Milan has several stations, and high-speed trains do not all leave from the same one. Read the departure station on your ticket carefully before heading out, and leave a comfortable margin to find your platform.
If your schedule is flexible and your budget tight, the coach is the cheapest way to reach Bologna. Confirm the exact departure stop on your booking, as Milan coach stops can differ from the train stations.
A flight with a stopover adds airport transfers, security checks and connection risks. For this short route, the train or coach almost always gets you into the city centre with less hassle and more flexibility.
The journey experience
Milan to Bologna is one of the easiest hops in northern Italy, and the question is rarely whether you can get there but which option suits your plans and budget. The table on this page puts train, coach and flight side by side, so you can see at a glance what each one costs and how long it takes.
The high-speed train is the natural choice for most independent travellers. Trenitalia and Italo both run this line, with comfortable seats, luggage racks, onboard Wi-Fi and a direct city-centre-to-city-centre ride. The coach is the budget option: it is slower and depends on road traffic, but it suits flexible schedules and tight budgets. A flight with a stopover exists, but it rarely makes sense for such a short distance once you add airport transfers and connections.
Our advice: if you book your train ahead, you often avoid the high last-minute fares, and comparing Trenitalia and Italo is worth the extra minute. If price matters more than speed, take the coach. Always check the exact departure station in Milan before you leave, since the city has several, and you will arrive in central Bologna. Book online for instant confirmation and travel without stress.
Frequently asked questions — Milan → Bologna
The coach is the cheapest option, from €4 and typically up to €6. The train (Trenitalia or Italo) starts from €28, typically up to €29. A flight with a stopover starts from €29, typically up to €43. Booking ahead is the best way to secure these low fares.
The train is the fastest option, taking about 1 h 05 to 1 h 15. The coach takes about 2 h 15 to 3 h 05 depending on traffic. A flight with a stopover takes about 3 h 15 to 3 h 20, and that is before airport transfers are counted.
For most travellers, the train is the best choice: it is by far the fastest, runs city centre to city centre and is comfortable. The coach is the smart pick if you want the lowest price and can accept a longer journey. The flight with a stopover rarely makes sense.
It depends on your priorities. The train takes about 1 h 05 to 1 h 15, against about 2 h 15 to 3 h 05 by coach. The coach starts from €4, the train from €28. Choose the train to save time and the coach to save money.
Milan has several stations, and the departure point depends on the operator and the service you choose. Your booking confirmation states the exact station or stop, so check it before you travel. Allow extra time to reach it and find your platform or bus bay.
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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