How to travel from Bologna to Messina, Italy
The distance between Bologna and Messina is around 958km (595 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly and then take the train which takes around 4h 20m.
10 routes found
We've found 10 different ways to get from Bologna to Messina by train, ferry, bus, car and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Messina → Bologna if you're planning a return trip.
Plane and Train
Fly from Bologna (BLQ) to Catania (CTA) then take the train to Messina Centrale.
- Duration4h 20m
- Flight time1h 40m
- Typical cost€88($88)
Multiple operators
5 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Villa San Giovanni then take a ferry to Messina Marittima.
- Duration13h 40m
- Departstwice a week
- Typical cost€81($81)
Multiple operators
Bus
Take the bus to Messina Piazza della Repubblica.
- Duration13h 40m
- Departs6 times a week
- Typical cost€70($70)
Autoservizi Salemi Srl
+ 1 othersTrain and Ferry
Take the train to Villa S.Giovanni then take a ferry to Messina Marittima.
- Duration7h 25m
- Departsevery 20 mins
- Typical cost€95($95)
Car and Ferry
Drive to Villa San Giovanni then take a ferry to Messina Marittima.
- Duration10h 15m
- Departshourly
- Typical cost€160($160)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Bologna and Messina
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Bologna to Messina by train, ferry, bus, car and plane. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around €70 ($70) and will take around 13h 40m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and then take the train and arrive in approximately 4h 20m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately €88 ($88).
The distance between Bologna and Messina is around 958km (595 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 784km (487 miles)
It takes around 7h 25m to get from Bologna and Messina by train and ferry.
The quickest way to get from Bologna to Messina is to fly and then take the train which takes around 4h 20m and will set you back approx €88 ($88).
The cheapest way to travel between Bologna and Messina is to take the bus which will typically cost around €70 ($70) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Bologna and Messina. We recommend that you fly from Bologna (BLQ) to Catania (CTA) then take the train to Messina Centrale. instead which will take 4h 20m.
Bus travel
Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Bologna and Messina. It typically takes around 13h 40m and departs 6 times a week.
Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Bologna and Messina with no changeovers required. The bus runs 6 times a week and takes 13h 40m.
Autoservizi Salemi Srl and FlixBus run regular bus services between Bologna and Messina. Buses run 6 times a week and take around 13h 40m on average but will vary depending on you book with.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Bologna to Messina. We recommend that you fly from Bologna (BLQ) to Catania (CTA) then take the train to Messina Centrale. instead which will take 4h 20m.
The closest major airport to Messina is Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) (CTA) which is approximately 91km (57 miles) from Messina. Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF) (SUF) and Comiso Airport (CIY) (CIY) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Drive yourself
No, its not really possible or feasible to drive from Bologna to Messina. We recommend that you take the train to Villa S.Giovanni then take a ferry to Messina Marittima. instead which will take 7h 25m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Bologna to Messina is to take the train and then take a ferry which takes, on average, 7h 25m and will usually cost around €95 ($95).
Compare travel optionsbetween Bologna and Messina
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Plane and Train + 5 similar | 4h 20m | €88($88) | hourly | 958km (595 miles) |
| Train to Forli, plane | 4h 50m | €150($150) | every 4 hours | 963km (598 miles) |
| Train and Plane | 5h 5m | €165($165) | hourly | 976km (607 miles) |
| Train to Verona Porta Nuova, plane | 5h 25m | €95($95) | every 4 hours | 1,178km (732 miles) |
| Fly to Palermo (PMO), Train | 5h 35m | €100($100) | every 4 hours | 983km (611 miles) |
| Train, Bus and Plane | 5h 40m | €74($74) | every 3 hours | 1,072km (666 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 13h 40m | €81($81) | twice a week | 1,131km (703 miles) |
Bus | 13h 40m | €70($70) | 6 times a week | 1,090km (677 miles) |
Train and Ferry | 7h 25m | €95($95) | every 20 mins | 996km (619 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 10h 15m | €160($160) | hourly | 1,049km (652 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Bologna and Messina
Ferry operators
Blue Jet
Caronte & Tourist
Bus companies
Autoservizi Salemi Srl
Lirosi Linee
People Mover
Train operators
Airports near Messina
The following major airports near Messina offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Italy and internationally.
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)
- Distance
- 91km (57 miles) from Messina
Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF)
- Distance
- 100km (62 miles) from Messina
Comiso Airport (CIY)
- Distance
- 157km (98 miles) from Messina