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Trains from Lugano to Bologna Centrale

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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

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  3. Lugano to Bologna Centrale

How to travel from Lugano to Bologna Centrale by train

Want to find out more about taking the train from Lugano to Bologna Centrale? Look no further.

There are around 44 trains per day running between Lugano and Bologna Centrale, which usually take 3 hours 35 minutes to complete the 156 miles (251 km) journey. It can take as little as 2 hours 32 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. As soon as you board the train, you'll be able to make yourself comfortable and enjoy the journey as there are direct services available. All or part of your journey will be on board a Trenitalia train, as they are the main operator of trains on this route.

You can save money on train tickets from Lugano to Bologna Centrale if you book in advance, as tickets usually start from £27.82. 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 timetables (including first and last train times), FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.

Trains to Bologna Centrale from Lugano

It takes an average of 3h 35m to travel from Lugano to Bologna Centrale by train, over a distance of around 156 miles (251 km). There are normally 44 trains per day travelling from Lugano to Bologna Centrale and tickets for this journey start from £27.82 when you book in advance.

First train

01:26

Last train

21:55

Departure stationLugano
Arrival stationBologna Centrale
Journey time

From 2h 32m

Distance

156 miles (251 km)

Frequency

44 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £27.82

Train and bus operators

Flixbus, Trenitalia

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

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

How do I get from Lugano to Bologna Centrale?

You can travel from Lugano to Bologna Centrale by train in about 3 hours and 35 minutes. With around 44 trains running each day, taking the train is easy. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from Lugano to Bologna Centrale. Find out more in our Journey Planner.

How long is the train journey from Lugano to Bologna Centrale?

On average, the train journey from Lugano to Bologna Centrale takes around 3 hours and 35 minutes, with 44 trains per day. The duration may vary slightly depending on the specific train and any potential delays. Use our Journey Planner to check out more information.

How much is the train from Lugano to Bologna Centrale?

Train tickets from Lugano to Bologna Centrale start from as little as £27.82, depending on the time of booking, class of service and type of train. Booking in advance often results in cheaper prices.

What is the fastest train from Lugano to Bologna Centrale?

The fastest trains from Lugano to Bologna Centrale can cover the distance of 156 miles (251 km) in as little as 2 hours and 32 minutes.

What are the train times from Lugano to Bologna Centrale?

Check out the next trains departing from Lugano to Bologna Centrale for Tuesday 14th October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
10:0212:422h 40m, 1 change
10:3013:242h 54m, 1 change
11:0213:422h 40m, 1 change
11:3014:242h 54m, 1 change
12:0214:422h 40m, 1 change
12:0214:342h 32m, 1 change
12:3015:242h 54m, 1 change
13:0215:342h 32m, 1 change
13:3016:242h 54m, 1 change
14:0217:043h 2m, 1 change

Trenitalia trains from Lugano to Bologna Centrale

You can travel from Lugano to Bologna Centrale on Trenitalia 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.

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 Centrale?

Compare the different travel classes offered by Trenitalia Eurocity when travelling from Lugano to Bologna Centrale.

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.

  • SeatSeatSeat reservation
  • PlugPlugPower sockets
  • PlusPlusClothes hanger
  • ReadingReadingReading light
  • LuggageLuggageLuggage storage
  • WiFiWiFiFree WiFi
  • BarBarBar/restaurant carriage
  • LegRoomLegRoomMore 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:

    • SeatSeatSeat reservation
    • PlugPlugPower sockets
    • PlusPlusClothes hanger
    • ReadingReadingReading light
    • LuggageLuggageLuggage storage
    • WiFiWiFiFree WiFi
    • BarBarBar/restaurant carriage
    • LegRoomLegRoomMore legroom

      What are the onboard services on Trenitalia Eurocity?

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

      LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?
      • 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.
      RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?
      • 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.
      WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

      Free WiFi is available on Eurocity Giruno trains.

      ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

      Children under 4 can travel for free if they're accompanied by an adult and don't occupy a seat.

      ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

      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.

      PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

      Guide and assistance dogs can travel for free and don't need a ticket.

      WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

      All of Trenitalia’s Eurocity trains offer dedicated spaces to passengers with disabilities.

      InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

      A quiet area (or Area Silenzio) is available on all Eurocity Giruno trains.

      How do I find cheap train tickets from Lugano to Bologna Centrale?

      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. Book in advance

      The price of train tickets from Lugano to Bologna Centrale starts at £27.82§ one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.

      2. 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.

      3. 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.

      4. 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.

      5. 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!

      6. 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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