Travelling from Milan to Bologna by train
It’s easy to travel from Milan to Bologna by train. The train takes just 59m on the fastest services, travelling along the Milan-Bologna high-speed railway. There are 34 direct trains per day, with the first service leaving Milano Centrale at 05:00 and the last at 23:17. Trenitalia’s flagship Frecciarossa trains and Italo high-speed trains serve the Milan-Bologna route, hurtling between the two cities at speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). If you want to guarantee a spot on a high-speed service, make sure you book in advance. We’ll send you a convenient eticket, which you can print at home or keep handy on your phone.
Situated 124 miles (200km) to the south-east of Milan, Bologna is well worth a visit. You’ll find some of the best traditional Italian food in Bologna, including fresh egg pasta, lasagne and gelato – in the summer, of course! Head to the city square, Piazza Maggiore, for a taste of unspoilt Renaissance architecture and irresistible little cafes. When you can reach Bologna in under an hour by train from Milan, there’s really no question over whether you should visit!
Ready to book your trains between Milan and Bologna? Use our Journey Planner to compare train times and ticket prices. We’ll highlight the cheapest tickets, which you can buy ahead of time. Keen to learn more about the journey? Scroll down for more information, including FAQs and on-board services.
Milan to Bologna Centrale by train
| Journey time | From 1h 4m |
|---|---|
| Price | From $12.18 |
| Distance | 124 miles (200 km) |
| Frequency | 71 trains per day |
| First train | 05:00 |
| Last train | 22:00 |
| Departure station | Milan |
| Arrival station | Bologna Centrale |
| Changes | Direct trains available |
| Train and bus operators | Autolinee Federico, Marino, Itabus, Trenitalia, Flixbus, Simet Bus S.P.A., Italo, GoOpti |
Frecciarossa, Italo, Trenitalia and Frecciargento trains from Milan to Bologna Centrale
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).
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).
More information
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 Milan to Bologna Centrale
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 Milan to Bologna Centrale 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.
Learn more about European train travel
FAQs for Milan to Bologna Centrale
How long does the train from Milan to Bologna Centrale take?
The average journey time by train between Milan and Bologna Centrale is 1 hour and 32 minutes, with around 71 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 Milan and Bologna Centrale by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Milan to Bologna Centrale is 1 hour and 4 minutes.
How much does the train from Milan to Bologna Centrale cost?
Train tickets from Milan to Bologna Centrale can start from as little as $12.18 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 Milan to Bologna Centrale?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Milan to Bologna Centrale without having to change trains. There are 69 direct trains from Milan to Bologna Centrale each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Milan to Bologna Centrale leave?
The first train from Milan to Bologna Centrale leaves at 05:00. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Milan to Bologna Centrale leave?
The last train from Milan to Bologna Centrale leaves at 22:00. 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 Milan and Bologna Centrale by train?
Trains travelling from Milan to Bologna Centrale cover a distance of around 124 miles (200 km) during the journey.