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Trains to Bologna from Leuven

Want to travel from Leuven to Bologna by train? Start your journey with us.

It takes an average of 15 hours 30 minutes to travel from Leuven to Bologna by train. You'll find on average 23 trains per day running on this route.

There aren't any direct services on this line, but it's still easy to travel to Bologna by train; you'll need to make 3 changes.

Trains on this route are operated by TGV, Frecciarossa, SNCF and Trenitalia.

Generally, booking Advance train tickets works out cheaper.

See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

Trains to Bologna from Leuven

First train

00:51

Last train

22:26

Departure stationLeuven
Arrival stationBologna
Journey time

From 11h 0m

Distance

538 miles (866 km)

Frequency

23 trains per day

Changes

3 changes

Train and bus operators

Itabus, SNCB, SNCF, Trenitalia

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Leuven to Bologna?

Want to know more about your journey from Leuven to Bologna? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do you get to Bologna from Leuven?

To travel to Bologna from Leuven, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 15 hours and 30 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 11 hours and 0 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Leuven to Bologna?

Trains from Leuven to Bologna take an average of 15 hours and 30 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 11 hours and 0 minutes. You'll usually find 23 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

Can I get a high-speed train from Leuven to Bologna?

Yes, you can get a high-speed train from Leuven to Bologna in as little as 11 hours and 0 minutes on the fastest services. High-speed trains from TGV offer a range of classes and onboard services - take a look to see what suits you best!

What is the quickest journey time between Leuven and Bologna by train?

The quickest journey time between Leuven and Bologna by train is 11 hours and 0 minutes.

What are the train times from Leuven to Bologna?

Check out the next trains departing from Leuven to Bologna for Tuesday 15th September 2026. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
07:0419:2412h 20m, 6 changes
07:2720:2412h 57m, 4 changes
07:2721:1113h 44m, 3 changes
09:0622:3513h 29m, 6 changes
09:2723:0613h 39m, 5 changes
10:4804:3817h 50m, 3 changes
11:2704:3817h 11m, 4 changes
11:3605:2417h 48m, 7 changes
13:2706:0416h 37m, 5 changes
13:3606:0416h 28m, 6 changes

SNCB, SNCF, Trenitalia and TGV trains from Leuven to Bologna

You can travel from Leuven to Bologna on SNCB, SNCF, Trenitalia and TGV trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

PhotoMPW57, under licence CC BY-SA 3.0

SNCB is the national railway company of Belgium, with services that include national (Intercity) and regional (Local) express trains. All SNCB trains come with both First Class and Second Class carriages. Belgium has one of the densest rail networks in the world. Seat reservations aren’t possible for any of the company's trains.

PhotoCtruongngoc, under licence CC BY-SA 3.0

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).

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.

PhotoErmell, under licence CC BY-SA 3.0

TGV is the high-speed train service of the SNCF company. It connects the major cities of France at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h). All TGV trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection, power sockets and fold-down tables. Two comfort classes are offered – First Class and Second Class, with flexible fare options available and access to the Grand Voyageur lounge in some stations.

What TGV INOUI, Frecciarossa and SNCB classes are there from Leuven to Bologna?

Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI, Frecciarossa and SNCB when travelling from Leuven to Bologna.

What are the onboard services on TGV INOUI, Frecciarossa and SNCB?

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Leuven to Bologna.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

On board TGV INOUI trains, you can take up to 2 pieces of luggage measuring no more than 70 x 90 x 50 cm, plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm. If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm pieces of luggage authorised.

All your luggage must be labelled before entering the train.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar carriage offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. Le Bistro is always situated in carriage 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer to whet your appetite.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

TGV INOUI trains have free WiFi on board for you to use throughout your journey, allowing you to stay connected, reply to emails or even relax and enjoy what's offered on the TGV INOUI entertainment portal.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand luggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket. Bike tickets cost €10 per bike, per journey.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a lead. Tickets for pets cost €10. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?
  • You can take your bags on board Frecciarossa trains free of charge.
  • In most cases, there are no luggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your luggage is compatible with the space available on board.
RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?
  • You can go to the FrecciaBistrò café-bar counter located in the middle part of the train to get snacks, main courses, and drinks.
  • You can also order your favorite meal from the comfort of your seat – go to the entertainment portal called FRECCIAPlay and use the EasyBistrò service or ask a member of staff.
  • If you travel in Premium Class, you’ll get a total of 4 food / beverage products is offered on board, including: sweet or savoury snack, welcome drink, small water bottle, 1 wet wipe.
  • Travellers in Business Class receive a food box containing 7 fresh food & beverage products differentiated according to the time of day, plus Illy expresso coffee.
  • If you travel in Executive Class, you’ll get unlimited drinks plus food from a rotating monthly menu where some meals were ideated by the renowned Michelin star chef Carlo Cracco.
WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?
  • You’ll find free WiFi on all Frecciarossa trains. Connect to their entertainment portal called FRECCIAPlay and choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts.
  • You can also use the FRECCIAPlay portal to get the latest updates on your journey, as well as book other services that will help you reach your destination.
ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?
  • Children under 4 can travel for free if a seat is not assigned to them. If they do have a seat, they can get 50% off Base tickets (Frecciarossa’s standard fare).
  • Children aged 4-14 also get 50% off.
  • Bimbi Gratis offer: You can also get free travel for children under 15 plus 40% off Base tickets for adults, if you’re travelling in a family group of 2 to 5 people (including at least one adult and one child). 
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?
  • You can travel with your bike for free on all Frecciarossa trains provided it’s not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm.
  • Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
PetPetCan I bring pets on board?
  • Dogs, cats and other small pets can travel for free in a carrier with maximum dimensions of 70x30x50 cm (maximum one per passenger).
  • Bigger dogs can travel for only 5 € from Sunday to Friday, and for as little as 1 € on Saturday.
  • Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

If you need to request special assistance, you can call: the toll-free number 800 90 60 60, which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232 which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).

InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power sockets you can find at your seat.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

When travelling with SNCB, each passenger can take 3 items of luggage on board, as long as the total weight does not exceed 30kg. Once you’ve found your seat, you can stow your luggage in the space provided above and below your seat. You can take the following luggage on board for free:

  • Briefcases, rucksacks and suitcases
  • Wheelchairs (manual or automatic)
  • Pushchairs and prams
  • Folding bikes, unicycles, scooters
  • Sports equipment (e.g. skis)
RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

Currently, SNCB does not offer a food and drink service. Although, you may bring food and drink with you to enjoy on the train.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

Currently, SNCB do not offer WiFi onboard their trains or at stations.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

As long as they are travelling with a person aged 12 or above with a valid ticket, children under 12 can travel for free without a ticket. However, please note that this only applies to a maximum of 4 children per passenger with a valid ticket. If you have any additional children travelling with you, they will need a half-price Kids Ticket.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

Hoping to travel with your bike? You’ll need to add a Bike Supplement to your ticket. However, if you’re travelling with a folding bike, you don’t need to worry about paying. Bike Supplements are paid on top of your rail fare and cost €4 for a single journey.

When boarding, speak to the train conductor and they will tell you if there are spaces available and where you can put your bicycle. SNCB advise you not to travel with a bike at Peak times, because bicycle spaces may not be available.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

Guide and assistance dogs

Travel is free for guide and assistance dogs. You won’t need to add a Pet Supplement to your ticket.

Pets

Pets are welcome to travel on SNCB trains if they are on a lead or in a small basket, cage or box. For animals on a lead, a Pet Supplement costs €3 for a single trip. If your pet is in a small basket, cage or box that is smaller than 30 x 55 x 30 cm, you do not need to pay for a Pet Supplement. Finally, your pet is not allowed to sit on the seats or tables.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

Passengers with reduced mobility should directly contact SNCB to make use of their free assistance service. You can take your wheelchair on board the train for free, regardless of whether or not you use the SNCB's free assistance service. If you are blind or partially sighted, you can take the train for free in 2nd class.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Leuven to Bologna?

If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.

1. Be flexible with your travel times

If you can, consider travelling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as many train companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.

2. Buy a rail pass

If you're visiting multiple locations on your trip, buying a rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. We're official retailers of Interrail Passes that are valid for travel within one country or multiple countries across Europe.

3. Choose a slower or connecting train

On some busier routes, you might have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have some extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare.

4. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts

Many train companies in Europe will often run sales on tickets throughout the year or offer discounts to senior/youth/group travellers, so keep an eye out!

5. Take a night train

Save on accommodation and use the night to travel by sleeper train to your next destination.

For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

§Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

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