Fastest way from Rome to Bologna: Flight, about 1h (from €76). Cheapest: Bus, from €10 (about 4h 15min – 5h 15min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on October 27, 2026): NTV, FlixBus, Itabus; main departure point: Rome Termini.
There are 3 ways to get from Rome 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 | Rome Termini | €37 | 69 |
| FlixBus | Bus | Rome Tiburtina Bus Station | €10 | 14 |
| Itabus | Bus | Rome Tiburtina Largo Mazzoni | €11 | 8 |
| Marino | Bus | Rome Tiburtina | €23 | 2 |
| Autoservizi Salemi | Bus | Rome Tiburtina | €37 | 1 |
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Practical tips
High-speed fares rise as the departure date nears. Book as soon as your plans are fixed and compare Trenitalia and Italo before paying, so you avoid the full last-minute fare on a busy day.
Rome has two major stations, Termini and Tiburtina. Read the departure station on your ticket before leaving your hotel, since the two are not next to each other and a mix-up can cost you the train.
If your schedule is open and you want the lowest fare, the coach is the smart pick. Book online for instant confirmation and arrive at the stop early, as pick-up points can be busy and less obvious than a station.
Airport transfers, check-in and security erase most of the time a flight saves on this short route. Fly only if it links to an onward flight, otherwise the train is simpler and goes city centre to city centre.
Save your e-ticket on your phone and check the platform on the station boards shortly before departure. Platforms are often announced late at big stations, so stay close to the departures screen and arrive with some margin.
The journey experience
Rome to Bologna is one of Italy's easiest city-to-city hops, and you have three real options: high-speed train, flight or coach. The comparison table on this page puts duration, price range and frequency side by side, so you can see at a glance which one suits your plans and budget.
The high-speed train is the natural choice for most independent travellers. Trenitalia and Italo both run this corridor, trains are comfortable and frequent, and you travel from city centre to city centre with space for luggage and no airport checks. The coach, run by budget operators such as FlixBus, is the cheapest way to go and suits flexible travellers who do not mind a slower, road-based journey. Flying is possible, but once you add the trip to the airport, security and the transfer into town, it rarely makes sense unless you are connecting to another flight.
Your best option is usually the train, booked ahead, because fares rise as the departure date approaches and last-minute tickets can cost much more. If budget matters more than time, choose the coach. Always check the exact departure station on your ticket, as Rome has more than one major station. Booking online gives you instant confirmation, so you can arrive without stress.
Frequently asked questions — Rome → Bologna
The train is much faster. The high-speed train takes about 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes, while the coach takes about 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours. The train also runs city centre to city centre, making it the better choice if time matters to you.
The coach is the cheapest, from €10 and typically up to €12. The train starts from €37 and typically goes up to €40 when booked ahead. A flight starts from €76 and typically reaches €99. Fares can change, so book early for the best price.
For most travellers the high-speed train is the best balance of speed, comfort and price, with Trenitalia and Italo both operating. Choose the coach if you want the lowest fare and do not mind a longer journey. The plane rarely makes sense unless you are connecting.
The flight takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 05 minutes in the air, with fares from €76 and typically up to €99. However, airport transfers, check-in and security add a lot of time, so the train is often as practical for the whole journey.
Trains to Bologna can leave from more than one Rome station, mainly Roma Termini and Roma Tiburtina. The exact station depends on the operator and the train, so always check the departure station on your ticket before you set out.
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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