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All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
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No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
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Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
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How to travel from Lugano to Bologna by train
Want to find out more about taking the train from Lugano to Bologna? Look no further.
You'll usually find 32 trains per day running between Lugano and Bologna, which usually take 4 hours 27 minutes to complete the 252 km journey. It can take as little as 2 hours 54 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. Although there aren't any direct services on this line, it's still easy to travel to Bologna from Lugano, you'll just need to make 1 change along the way. All or part of your journey will be onboard a train operated by Trenitalia, as they are the main carrier on this route.
You can save money on train tickets from Lugano to Bologna if you book in advance, as tickets usually start from $58.48. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.
Want to book your train tickets now? Just start a search with us today. If you want to find out more about the journey, read on for train schedules (including first and last train times), FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.
Lugano to Bologna by train
It takes an average of 4h 27m to travel from Lugano to Bologna by train, over a distance of around 157 miles (252 km). There are normally 32 trains per day traveling from Lugano to Bologna and tickets for this journey start from $58.48 when you book in advance.
| First train | 1:26 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 9:55 pm | |
| Departure station | Lugano | |
| Arrival station | Bologna | |
| Journey time | From 2h 54m | |
| Distance | 157 miles (252 km) | |
| Frequency | 32 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Price | From $58.48 | |
| Train and bus operators |
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Lugano to Bologna?
Want to know more about your journey from Lugano to Bologna? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Can you take a train directly from Lugano to Bologna?
How close is Lugano to Bologna by train?
Which train companies operate from Lugano to Bologna?
Is it possible to get from Lugano to Bologna without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Lugano to Bologna?
What time does the first train from Lugano to Bologna leave?
What time does the last train from Lugano to Bologna leave?
How often are trains from Lugano and Bologna?
Do you need to book the train from Lugano to Bologna in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Lugano to Bologna?
Trenitalia trains from Lugano to Bologna
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.
More information
What Trenitalia Eurocity classes are there from Lugano to Bologna?
Compare the different travel classes offered by Trenitalia Eurocity when traveling from Lugano to Bologna.
Second Class
From spacious armchairs to power outlets and reading lights, you’ve got everything you need to enjoy your journey in EuroCity's Second Class.
- Seat reservation
- Power outlets
- Hanger
- Reading light
- Baggage storage
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- More legroom
First Class
Start your journey by train and continue by bus to reach your destination. Enjoy some of the most beautiful Italian views on modern and comfortable buses.
- Seat reservation
- Power outlets
- Hanger
- Reading light
- Baggage storage
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- More legroom
What are the onboard services on Trenitalia Eurocity?
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Lugano to Bologna.
- You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Eurocity trains free of charge.
- In most cases, there are no baggage size limits – you can even travel with musical instruments and sports equipment. You’ll just need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
- You’ll find a Bar-Bistrò on Eurocity trains that are travelling between Italy, Switzerland and Germany.
- A minibar trolley service is also available – you can choose from a wide range of snacks and drinks.
Free WiFi is available on Eurocity Giruno trains.
Kids under 4 can travel for free if they're accompanied by an adult and don't occupy a seat.
Not all Eurocity trains allow you to take your bike on board – you’ll need to check in advance if you can travel with your bike. If that’s the case, you’ll need to buy a ticket and book your bike space before departure at the ticket office.
Guide and assistance dogs can travel for free and don't need a ticket.
All of Trenitalia’s Eurocity trains offer dedicated spaces to passengers with disabilities.
A quiet area (or Area Silenzio) is available on all Eurocity Giruno trains.
How do I find cheap train tickets from Lugano to Bologna?
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 Lugano to Bologna 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.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.