How to travel from Rome to Bologna, Italy

The distance between Rome and Bologna is around 351km (218 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 1h 40m.

5 routes found

We've found 5 different ways to get from Rome to Bologna by train, 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 BolognaRome if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
plane
+

Fly

Fly from Rome (FCO) to Bologna (BLQ).

  • Duration1h 40m
  • Flight time1hr
  • Typical cost
    €130($130)

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

2
train
+

Train

Take the train to Bologna Centrale.

  • Duration2h 25m
  • Departsevery 30 mins
  • Typical cost
    €35($35)
Operated byTrenitalia+ 3 others
💰 Cheapest
3
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Bologna.

  • Duration5hrs
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    €25($25)
Operated byFlixBus+ 2 others
4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Bologna.

  • Duration3h 35m
  • Distance374km (233 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Rome and Bologna

There are several options for getting from Rome to Bologna by train, bus, car and plane. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around €25 ($25) and will take around 5hrs. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 1h 40m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately €130 ($130).

The distance between Rome and Bologna is around 351km (218 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 304km (189 miles)

It takes around 2h 25m to get from Rome and Bologna by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 3h 35m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Rome to Bologna is to fly which takes around 1h 40m and will set you back approx €130 ($130).

The cheapest way to travel between Rome and Bologna, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around €25 ($25) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Rome and Bologna. It typically takes around 2h 25m and departs every 30 mins.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Rome and Bologna with no changeovers required. The train runs every 30 mins and takes 2h 25m.

Trenitalia, ItaloTreno and Austrian Railways (ÖBB) run train services between Rome and Bologna. Trains depart every 30 mins and will take around 2h 25m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Rome and Bologna. It typically takes around 5hrs and departs 4 times a day.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Rome and Bologna with no changeovers required. The bus runs 4 times a day and takes 5hrs.

FlixBus run regular bus services between Rome and Bologna. Buses run 4 times a day and take around 5hrs on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

Yes you can fly from Rome and Bologna. Flights depart from Rome (FCO) and arrive at Bologna (BLQ). The flight takes around 1hr.

Yes there is a direct flight between Rome and Bologna with no stop-overs required. Flights typically take around 1hr.

ITA Airways fly between Rome and Bologna. Flights depart from Rome (FCO) and and arrive into Bologna (BLQ). These flights usually take around 1hr.

The flight from Rome to Bologna typically takes around 1hr. Flights depart from Rome (FCO) and and arrive into Bologna (BLQ).

The closest major airport to Bologna is Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) (BLQ) which is approximately 6km (3 miles) from Bologna. Forlì Airport (FRL) (FRL) and Florence Airport (FLR) (FLR) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Rome and Bologna. The distance is around 374km (233 miles) by road and it will take around 3h 35m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Rome to Bologna is to take the train which takes, on average, 2h 25m and will usually cost around €35 ($35).

How do I get from Rome to Bologna

Compare travel optionsbetween Rome and Bologna

Transport options from Rome to Bologna
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly + 1 similar
1h 40m
€130($130)
hourly351km (218 miles)
Plane and Train2h 25m
€530($530)
hourly364km (226 miles)
Train
2h 25m
€35($35)
every 30 mins352km (219 miles)
Bus
5hrs
€25($25)
hourly386km (240 miles)
Drive
3h 35m
€57($57)
on demand374km (233 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Rome and Bologna

Bus companies

Airlines

Airports near Bologna

The following major airports near Bologna offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Italy and internationally.

BLQ
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ)
International Airport
Distance
6km (3 miles) from Bologna
FRL
Forlì Airport (FRL)
Domestic Airport
Distance
67km (41 miles) from Bologna
FLR
Florence Airport (FLR)
International Airport
Distance
78km (48 miles) from Bologna