Bologna, the capital of the northern Italian Emilia-Romagna region, is a city rich in heritage and culture. It’s also blessed with easy access to other nearby charming places for day trips by train.
Celebrate the simplicity with which you can admire the canals of Venice, the famous art of Florence, and the delicious cuisine of Parma—all possible in a day trip from Bologna.
So, with that knowledge, here are our top suggestions for the best day trips from Bologna by train, all conveniently bookable via the Trainline app.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Francesco Riccardo Iacomino. Image Location: Modena, Italy.
Bologna, Italy day trips
Your gateway to exploring more of Italy from Bologna starts at Bologna Centrale station.
Modena day trip from Bologna
Arrival station: Modena
Journey time: from 17m
A paradise for foodies, Modena is known for its richly flavored, sticky balsamic vinegar and sparkling Lambrusco wine. Sights like the Baroque-style Palazzo Ducale di Modena and the Museo Enzo Ferrari, conveniently located near Modena’s train station, are not to be missed.
Florence day trip from Bologna
Arrival station: Firenze Santa Maria Novella
Journey time: from 37m
Florence is a must-visit destination, with Firenze Santa Maria Novella station only a short stroll to the main attractions in town. The Tuscan capital, a compact cradle of the Renaissance, is one of Europe’s great art cities. Visitors are rewarded with artworks by Botticelli and Michelangelo, along with the fresco-lined Duomo di Firenze. For an atmospheric sunset aperitivo, head to one of the city’s top hotels with rooftop bars.
Image Credit: Getty Images, RossHelen. Image Location: Parma, Italy.
Parma day trip from Bologna
Arrival station: Parma
Journey time: from 46m
It’s hard to mention any Italian city without a famous-food association. Parma is no different and is home to two specialties — Parmigiano Reggiano (the real “Parmesan” cheese) and Prosciutto di Parma (dry-cured ham). But don’t worry if you don’t eat meat; Parma’s delicious vegetarian dishes, such as tortellini filled with Swiss chard, ricotta, and true Parmesan, won’t disappoint. Food aside, there are plenty of architectural delights, including one of the most beautiful cathedral interiors with sublime frescoes, as well as the timber Teatro Farnese.
Verona day trip from Bologna
Arrival station: Verona Porta Nuova
Journey time: from 52m
The setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona is one of northern Italy’s most attractive cities with a compact historic center. Must-see sights include Casa di Giulietta (or Juliet’s House) and Verona Arena, the Roman amphitheater built around A.D. 30. Now that you’ve made it this far, the languid shores of Lake Garda are within striking distance, with the resort town of Sirmione only a 20-minute train ride from Verona.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Gary Yeowell. Image Location: Venice, Italy.
Venice day trip from Bologna
Arrival station: Venezia Santa Lucia
Journey time: from 1h 15m
Unique and romantic, Venice is a floating — and “sinking” — city like no other. For a day trip, pick a few key sights such as Piazza San Marco, the famous waterfront square home to upscale cafés and restaurants and the nearby Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace). Allow time to get lost in slender alleyways with less tourists to find the creamiest, most authentic gelato.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Francesco Riccardo Iacomino. Image Location: Modena, Italy.