Trains from Bologna to Milan
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Travelling by train from Bologna to Milan
Travel from Bologna to Milan on a high-speed Frecciarossa train in just 1h 1m on the fastest services. You also have the option of taking an Italo high-speed train – though less frequent, they rival Frecciarossa trains for comfort and can be slightly cheaper on this route. The final option is taking a Regional Trenitalia train. These are slower – taking up to 3 hours – but much cheaper and don’t require an advance booking. Most trains on the Bologna-Milan route depart from Bologna Centrale station and arrive into Milano Centrale station, with 40 direct services per day. The first train departs at 04:53 and the last at 22:38 – check train times using our Journey Planner.
When it’s just an hour away by train, Milan is a perfect destination for a day trip from Bologna. Get your fill of luxury shopping without stepping foot outside Milano Centrale, as the station is packed with high-end outlets. If shopping isn’t your thing, head to the magnificent Duomo di Milano or the historic Castello Sforzesco. It’s also super-easy to reach Milan Malpensa Airport from Bologna. Just hop on the Malpensa Express from Milano Centrale. This shuttle train service runs every 15 minutes from the city centre, stopping at Terminals 1 and 2.
Ready to travel between Bologna and Milan? Compare ticket prices using our Journey Planner and book cheap tickets. We’ll send you a convenient eticket, which you can keep on your phone or print at home.
Bologna to Milan by train
It takes an average of 1h 6m to travel from Bologna to Milan by train, over a distance of around 125 miles (201 km). There are normally 60 trains per day traveling from Bologna to Milan and tickets for this journey start from $11.30 when you book in advance.
| First train | 04:56 |
|---|---|
| Last train | 23:06 |
| Departure station | Bologna |
| Arrival station | Milan |
| Journey time | 54m |
| Distance | 201 miles (125 km) |
| Frequency | 60 trains per day |
| Changes | Direct trains available |
| Price | From $11.30 |
| Train and bus operators | Autolinee Federico, Marino, Itabus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Trenitalia, Flixbus, Italo |
Frecciarossa, Italo, Trenitalia and Frecciargento trains from Bologna to Milan
Frecciarossa
Italo
Trenitalia
Frecciargento
Frecciarossa trains are Trenitalia's flagship high-speed trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). The "red arrow" trains are distinguished by their comfort, their ultra-modern design and their reduced impact on the environment. All Frecciarossa trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection and four levels of service – Standard, Premium (with drinks and welcome snacks served on arrival, as well as a morning newspaper), Business (with drinks and snacks, morning newspaper and larger seats) and Executive (with Fast Track, access to FrecciaClub lounges in train selected stations, and gourmet meals served to your seat). From December 2021, you can also travel with Frecciarossa from Milan to Paris via Turin, Modane and Chambéry. The trains are operated by Trenitalia France and have 4 levels of service - Standard, Business, Executive and Meeting Room - and two types of carriages: Silence Area, for those who want to travel in total tranquillity, and Allegro Area, for those who want to chat with their fellow passengers.
Italo is a high-speed train operator that runs services between many of the major cities across Italy. All Italo trains are modern, air conditioned, and have free WiFi available for all travellers. There are four comfort classes, or "ambiances", as Italo like to call them – Smart (the cheapest price), Comfort (with wider seats and extra legroom), Prima (with a welcome selection of food and drink, fast track boarding and extra space), and Executive Club (with all Prima services, extra-wide seats, access to Italo Club lounges and personal entertainment screens at your seat).
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Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.
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Frecciargento "silver arrow" high-speed trains connect the main cities of the north-west, central and southern Italy at speeds of up to 155 mph (250 km/h). All Frecciargento trains are equipped with a food carriage, free WiFi, reclining seats and power sockets. There are two levels of service – First Class and Second Class. First Class travellers can enjoy reclining leather seats, welcome service with drink and a sweet or savoury snack, and a free morning newspaper.
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Cheap train tickets from Bologna to Milan
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Bologna to Milan by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
FAQs for Bologna to Milan
How long does the train from Bologna to Milan take?
The average journey time by train between Bologna and Milan is 1 hour and 6 minutes, with around 60 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Bologna and Milan by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Bologna to Milan is 54 minutes.
How much does the train from Bologna to Milan cost?
Train tickets from Bologna to Milan can start from as little as $11.30 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Bologna to Milan?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Bologna to Milan without having to change trains. There are 59 direct trains from Bologna to Milan each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Bologna to Milan leave?
The first train from Bologna to Milan leaves at 04:56. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Bologna to Milan leave?
The last train from Bologna to Milan leaves at 23:06. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Bologna and Milan by train?
Trains travelling from Bologna to Milan cover a distance of around 125 miles (201 km) during the journey.