Trains from Bologna Centrale to Pontarlier
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About the train journey from Bologna Centrale to Pontarlier
Want to travel from Bologna Centrale to Pontarlier by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from Bologna Centrale to Pontarlier usually takes 11 hours 59 minutes on average to travel 292 miles (470 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 9 hours 2 minutes. You can expect to find 10 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren’t any direct services running between Bologna Centrale and Pontarlier, you’ll need to make 3 changes on your way to Pontarlier. You can choose to travel with SNCF, Trenitalia or TGV Lyria to get to Pontarlier. As the main rail operators on this route, their trains offer modern comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.
To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Bologna Centrale to Pontarlier in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save!
Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Pontarlier, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you’re ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.
Bologna Centrale to Pontarlier by train
| First train | 05:06 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:38 | |
| Departure station | Bologna Centrale | |
| Arrival station | Pontarlier | |
| Journey time | From 9h 2m | |
| Distance | 292 miles (470 km) | |
| Frequency | 10 trains per day | |
| Changes | 3 changes | |
| Train and bus operators | TGV Lyria, Itabus, Trenitalia, SNCF |
Trenitalia, TGV Lyria and SNCF trains from Bologna Centrale to Pontarlier
Trenitalia
TGV Lyria
SNCF
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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TGV Lyria links France to Switzerland and can travel at a maximum speed of 200 mph (320 km/h). Resulting from the collaboration between SNCF and SBB, TGV Lyria has three comfort classes on all trains. Standard (equivalent to the Second Class TGV, with comfortable seats), Standard 1ère (with more legroom and access to the SNCF show Grand Voyageur at the Gare de Lyon in Paris) and Business 1ère (available all week except Saturday, on some lines only).
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SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).
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TGV Lyria and Trenitalia Eurocity classes from Bologna Centrale to Pontarlier
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV Lyria and Trenitalia Eurocity when travelling from Bologna Centrale to Pontarlier.
TGV Lyria
Trenitalia Eurocity
Standard
TGV Lyria’s Standard Class offers comfortable seats and access to the dining car, perfect for an economical trip in comfort.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- More legroom
- Full ticket flexibility
- Welcome service
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Quiet area
- Unlimited drinks
Standard Première
When travelling in Standard Première with TGV Lyria, you will have additional legroom, the comfort of a first-class seat, as well as a hot meal served at your seat.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- More legroom
- Full ticket flexibility
- Welcome service
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Quiet area
- Unlimited drinks
Business Première
If you prefer to travel in style, upgrade to Business Première class and enjoy a welcome drink, a meal on board and much more.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- More legroom
- Full ticket flexibility (1)
- Welcome service
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Quiet area
- Unlimited drinks
- (1) Check conditions when selecting the ticket.
Second Class
From spacious armchairs to at-seat power sockets and reading lights, you’ve got everything you need to enjoy your journey in EuroCity's Second Class.
- Seat reservation
- Power sockets
- Clothes hanger
- Reading light
- Luggage storage
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- More legroom
First Class
In addition to all the services available in Second Class, you’ll get to enjoy extra-wide and comfier seats, more legroom, and an at-seat catering service in EuroCity’s First Class:
- Seat reservation
- Power sockets
- Clothes hanger
- Reading light
- Luggage storage
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- More legroom
Onboard services on TGV Lyria and Trenitalia Eurocity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Bologna Centrale to Pontarlier.
TGV Lyria
Trenitalia Eurocity
You can take luggage on board TGV Lyria trains without worrying about weight restrictions, so long as you're able to carry it yourself.
There are two refreshment options on board TGV Lyria trains:
Le Deli: Available in the café-bar carriage or at your seat, with a STANDARD or STANDARD 1ÈRE TGV Lyria ticket.
La Table: A French-Swiss dining experience available with a BUSINESS 1ÈRE TGV Lyria ticket.
Free WiFi is available on board. To get online, connect to the network _WIFI_LYRIA when you're on the train and go to the TGV Lyria Portal in your browser.
Families can reserve two different areas on the train:
The Family Square, located in carriages 6, 16, 7 or 17 in STANDARD (Second Class). This is a set of four seats facing one another, with space for a pushchair.
Club 4, which is also a set of 4 seats facing one another around a table.
You will also find baby changing facilities, including a baby changing table and bottle-warming station, on the upper deck of carriages 7 and 17, close to the Family Space.
Bikes are allowed on board, so long as they're folded or their wheels are detached. Bikes must also be placed in suitable storage cases (no larger than 130 x 90 cm).
Small pets may travel with TGV Lyria, as long as they are carried in a carrier or container no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Pets must be placed on your lap or by your feet and must travel with their own ticket at a flat rate of €7.
Dogs on a lead may travel on TGV Lyria trains, but they must be muzzled throughout the journey and placed by your feet. Passengers must pay a flat-rate ticket fee of €20.
2 seats in carriages 1 or 11 in First Class are reserved for passengers with reduced mobility. You can request one of these seats when making your booking. If these spaces are no longer available, you can reserve a standard seat. You can also reserve assistance at the train station for help folding and storing your wheelchair.
You can travel with musical instruments if they're stored in a case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. If you're going skiing, snowboards and skis are allowed on board (one pair of skis or one snowboard per person). They must be stored in their covers.
- You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Eurocity trains free of charge.
- In most cases, there are no luggage size limits – you can even travel with musical instruments and sports equipment. You’ll just need to make sure that your luggage 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.
Children 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.
Cheap train tickets from Bologna Centrale to Pontarlier
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 Centrale to Pontarlier 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.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Bologna Centrale to Pontarlier? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Bologna Centrale to Pontarlier take?
The average journey time by train between Bologna Centrale and Pontarlier is 11 hours and 59 minutes, with around 10 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 Centrale and Pontarlier by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Bologna Centrale to Pontarlier is 9 hours and 2 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Bologna Centrale to Pontarlier?
No, there are no direct train services from Bologna Centrale to Pontarlier. Travelling from Bologna Centrale to Pontarlier by train will require a minimum of 3 changes.
What time does the first train from Bologna Centrale to Pontarlier leave?
The first train from Bologna Centrale to Pontarlier leaves at 05:06. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Bologna Centrale to Pontarlier leave?
The last train from Bologna Centrale to Pontarlier leaves at 22:38. 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 Centrale and Pontarlier by train?
Trains travelling from Bologna Centrale to Pontarlier cover a distance of around 292 miles (470 km) during the journey.