Fastest way from Venice to Bologna: Train (Trenitalia / Italo), about 1h 19min (from €19). Cheapest: Bus, from €5 (about 1h 45min – 2h 15min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on October 27, 2026): GoOpti, NTV, FlixBus; main departure point: Venice Port Bus Station.
There are 3 ways to get from Venice 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 | Venice Santa Lucia | €19 | 22 |
| Itabus | Bus | Tronchetto Railway Station | €5 | 3 |
| FlixBus | Bus | Tronchetto Railway Station | €5 | 15 |
| GoOpti | Bus | Venice Port Bus Station | €149 | 96 |
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Practical tips
High-speed fares rise as the travel date approaches. Book your Trenitalia or Italo ticket ahead and compare both companies, because the same route can be priced very differently depending on the day and the time.
Venezia Santa Lucia is on the island itself, while Venezia Mestre is on the mainland. Check which one appears on your ticket before leaving, as going to the wrong one can cost you your connection.
If you buy a regional train ticket that is not tied to a specific time, validate it at the machine on the platform before boarding. An unvalidated ticket can lead to a fine on board.
Coaches are often the cheapest way to travel this route, especially when high-speed trains are expensive late on. Check the exact pick-up point in your booking, since stops can differ from the train station.
Between airport transfers, security checks and a stopover, a flight rarely beats the train on such a short route. Keep it for cases where it is part of a longer ticket you have already booked.
The journey experience
Venice to Bologna is one of the easiest hops in northern Italy, and the answer to "which mode should I pick?" is clearer here than on most routes. The comparison table on this page lays out train, coach and flight side by side, so you can see at a glance what suits your budget and schedule.
The train is the natural choice for most independent travellers. Trenitalia and Italo both run high-speed services on this corridor, with comfortable seats, luggage racks, onboard power sockets and a city-centre arrival. The coach is the budget alternative: it is a good fit if you find a cheap fare or want a simple, no-frills ride, though road traffic can make it less predictable. A flight with a connection exists, but once you count airport transfers, check-in and the stopover, it rarely makes sense for such a short distance.
Your best move is to compare Trenitalia and Italo fares and book ahead, since last-minute high-speed tickets can cost noticeably more. Pay close attention to the departure station: Venice has more than one, and Venezia Santa Lucia and Venezia Mestre are not the same place. Check the name on your ticket before heading out and you will be fine. Book online for instant confirmation and travel stress-free.
Frequently asked questions — Venice → Bologna
The train starts from €19, with typical fares up to €20, and it is often the best value for the speed it offers. The coach starts from €5, with fares ranging up to €160 depending on the date and operator. A flight with a stopover starts from €39. Book ahead for the best prices.
The train takes about 1 h 20, making it the fastest option. The coach takes between 1 h 45 and 2 h 15 depending on traffic. A flight with a stopover takes about 3 h 15 in total, which is the longest of the three options.
For most travellers the train is the best choice: it is the fastest, runs with Trenitalia and Italo, and arrives in the city centre. The coach is a sensible budget alternative if you find a low fare. The flight with a stopover is rarely worth it on this route.
Trains usually leave from Venezia Santa Lucia, the station on the island of Venice, but some services call at Venezia Mestre on the mainland. Always check the departure station on your ticket before leaving, as the two are not interchangeable.
The train takes about 1 h 20 against 1 h 45 to 2 h 15 by coach, and its fares start from €19. The coach starts from €5, so it can be cheaper if you book well. Choose the train for speed and comfort, the coach to save money.
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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