Bologna to Milan Bus from €3, Train from €13
5 suppliers · ~65 connections/day · cheapest €3.49 · updated 2d ago
The cheapest way from Bologna to Milan is by bus (2h 45m, from €3). Trains are faster (1h 5m, from €13) and run multiple times daily via Trenitalia and Italo. For the best prices on either, book at least 2 weeks in advance.
| Transport | Supplier | From | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚌Bus | FlixBus(stale)Daily | €3.49 | 3h 50m |
| Itabus(stale)Daily | €3.99 | — | |
| Marino Bus(stale)Daily | €15.00 | 2h 25m | |
| 🚆Train | Trenitalia(stale)Daily | €12.90 | 3h 22m |
| Italo(stale)Daily | €16.90 | 1h 4m |
Click a transport type to see all departures
FlixBus
Daily| Price | Departs | Arrives | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| €3.49 | 15:30 | 19:20 | 3h 50m |
| €3.49 | 15:30 | 19:20 | 3h 50m |
| €3.49 | 15:30 | 19:20 | 3h 50m |
| €3.49 | 15:30 | 19:20 | 3h 50m |
| €3.99 | 04:35 | 07:00 | 2h 25m |
| €3.99 | 20:20 | 23:35 | 3h 15m |
| €3.99 | 17:55 | 21:10 | 3h 15m |
| €3.99 | 17:25 | 19:55 | 2h 30m |
Itabus
Daily| Price | Departs | Arrives | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| €3.99 | 06:03 | — | — |
| €3.99 | 06:03 | — | — |
| €3.99 | 18:04 | — | — |
| €3.99 | 18:03 | — | — |
| €3.99 | 18:03 | — | — |
| €3.99 | 17:20 | — | — |
| €3.99 | 06:03 | — | — |
| €3.99 | 06:39 | — | — |
Marino Bus
Daily| Price | Departs | Arrives | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| €15.00 | 05:15 | 07:40 | 2h 25m |
| €15.00 | 05:15 | 07:40 | 2h 25m |
| €15.00 | 05:15 | 07:40 | 2h 25m |
| €15.00 | 05:15 | 08:20 | 3h 5m |
| €15.00 | 05:15 | 07:40 | 2h 25m |
| €15.00 | 02:10 | 04:25 | 2h 15m |
| €15.00 | 05:15 | 07:40 | 2h 25m |
| €15.00 | 05:15 | 07:40 | 2h 25m |
Trenitalia
Daily| Price | Departs | Arrives | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| €12.90 | 09:06 | 12:28 | 3h 22m |
| €14.90 | 09:06 | 12:28 | 3h 22m |
| €14.90 | 08:26 | 12:28 | 4h 2m |
| €18.10 | 06:58 | 09:45 | 2h 47m |
| €18.10 | 06:58 | 09:45 | 2h 47m |
| €18.10 | 06:58 | 09:45 | 2h 47m |
| €18.10 | 07:33 | 10:35 | 3h 2m |
| €18.10 | 07:50 | 10:45 | 2h 55m |
Italo
Daily| Price | Departs | Arrives | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| €16.90 | 08:41 | 09:45 | 1h 4m |
| €16.90 | 08:41 | 09:45 | 1h 4m |
| €16.90 | 09:11 | 10:15 | 1h 4m |
| €16.90 | 20:41 | 21:45 | 1h 4m |
| €16.90 | 08:41 | 09:45 | 1h 4m |
| €16.90 | 19:11 | 20:15 | 1h 4m |
| €16.90 | 09:11 | 10:15 | 1h 4m |
| €16.90 | 08:41 | 09:45 | 1h 4m |
Bologna to Milan is one of Italy's busiest train corridors — 210 km in just 1 hour by Frecciarossa high-speed train. This route is so well-served that it's practically a commuter connection, with trains every 15–30 minutes at peak times. The bus takes 3 hours but costs as little as €5. This guide explains all your options and when each one makes sense.
Bologna to Milan: options compared
| High-speed train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
| Journey time | 1h – 1h 15m | 2h 45m – 3h 30m |
| Cheapest price | from €9 | from €5 |
| Operators | Trenitalia (Frecciarossa), Italo | FlixBus, Itabus, Marinobus |
| Departure | Bologna Centrale | Bologna Autostazione (near Centrale) |
| Arrival (Milan) | Milano Centrale | Milano Lampugnano or Centrale area |
| Best for | Speed, business travel | Budget travelers, early bookers |
Train from Bologna to Milan
The Frecciarossa and Italo high-speed trains make this one of Italy's most efficient journeys. With Super Economy fares from €9, the train often costs less than a bus with comparable advance booking. Services run from roughly 05:30 to 22:30, with peak-hour departures every 10–15 minutes.
Trenitalia vs Italo: Both operators run comparable Frecciarossa/Italo high-speed services. Prices are similar and competitive — compare on this page for your specific date. Trenitalia has slightly more departures in off-peak hours.
Bologna is a major hub: If you're connecting through Bologna from another route (Florence, Venice, Naples), the Bologna Centrale station is large but well-organized. Allow 15–20 minutes for connections between platforms.
Bus from Bologna to Milan
FlixBus, Itabus, and Marinobus run coaches via the A1 motorway. Departure is from Bologna Autostazione (bus station), directly beside Bologna Centrale. Arrival in Milan is typically at Lampugnano (Metro M1) or near Centrale. Journey: 3 hours in normal traffic, longer on busy weekends.
When the bus makes sense: If the train's Super Economy fares are sold out and regular prices are €25+, a bus at €5–12 is a genuine saving. For flexible travelers who can book 2–3 weeks ahead, the bus is very good value on this corridor.
Bologna: what to know
Bologna Centrale is one of Italy's busiest stations — a major interchange for routes to Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan. It has good facilities: food, luggage storage, ATMs, and a large shopping area. The historic city centre is about 30 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by bus from the station.
Getting to/from Bologna city centre
- Walk: 2 km (~30 min) to Piazza Maggiore via Viale Pietramellara and the porticoes
- Bus: TPER lines 30, 32, 36 from outside station (~10 min to city centre)
- Taxi: rank outside the main entrance, fixed fares apply within the city
Booking tips
- Super Economy train fares from €9 are excellent value — book 2–4 weeks ahead; they sell out fast for peak departures
- Last-minute train tickets (same day) can cost €30–60 — much higher than advance fares. Book as soon as your plans are confirmed
- Friday evenings (17:00–21:00 departures) are the most popular — book early or travel at a different time
- Bologna is a food destination worth a stopover: tortellini in brodo, mortadella, and tagliatelle al ragù are the local classics
- If you're flying into or out of Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), there's an Aerobus shuttle to/from Centrale (€6, 30 min) — useful for connecting to Milan
Written by
Marco Rossi
Travel writer based in Florence, Italy. Has covered Italian transport routes for independent travelers since 2015. Updated June 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to travel from Bologna to Milan?▾
Travel from Bologna to Milan starts from €3 by bus or €14 by train. Train prices can reach €16 for last-minute bookings, so book in advance for the best deals on this route.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Bologna to Milan?▾
The cheapest option is bus, with fares starting from €3 (Itabus, Flixbus, Marinobus). Trains start from €14 (Trenitalia, Italo) and are much faster. For the lowest prices on either mode, book as early as possible.
Is it worth taking the train from Bologna to Milan?▾
Yes — the train is a convenient option between Bologna and Milan, offered by Trenitalia, Italo from €14. Trains in Italy are punctual and city-centre to city-centre, avoiding airport transfers.
What transport options are available from Bologna to Milan?▾
You can travel from Bologna to Milan by bus and train. Prices start from €3. Compare all fares on this page — results are updated daily from live booking systems.
Should I book tickets from Bologna to Milan in advance?▾
Yes — booking early is the best way to get cheap tickets from Bologna to Milan. Prices typically start from €3 when booked weeks ahead and rise significantly for last-minute purchases. For travel during peak season (June–August) or public holidays, book at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
What is the best time to travel from Bologna to Milan?▾
Travel from Bologna to Milan is most convenient on weekday mornings (6–9am) and early afternoons, when services are most frequent. Avoid Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons when trains and buses are busiest. Shoulder season (April–May and September–October) offers lower prices and fewer crowds.
Can I bring luggage on the trains from Bologna to Milan?▾
Yes, Trenitalia and Italo trains allow standard luggage free of charge. Trains permit 2 standard bags in overhead racks — no strict weight limit but large items should go in the luggage area. FlixBus and other coaches include one checked bag in the hold. Private transfers accommodate any amount of luggage — confirm with the operator when booking.
Is there a direct train from Bologna to Milan?▾
Yes, direct trains run between Bologna and Milan with Trenitalia, Italo. No changes are required on this route. Tickets can be purchased on the operator's website or compared on this page to find the lowest available fare.
How do I book transport from Bologna to Milan?▾
Compare all options on this page — prices are pulled live from operators' systems. Click any price to go directly to the operator's booking page. Payment is made on the operator's site (Trenitalia, Italo, FlixBus, etc.) — ItalyFare charges no booking fees. You can also book at the station on the day, but prices are usually higher without advance purchase.
Are there discounts for the Bologna to Milan route?▾
Yes — several discounts apply on Bologna to Milan services. Children under 4 travel free on most trains; ages 4–11 get up to 50% off. Trenitalia and Italo offer youth (under 26) and senior (over 60) discount cards. Booking well in advance usually gives the biggest saving regardless of age.
CO2 emissions per passenger
Train saves ~95% CO2 vs flying (215 km route)
Sources: EEA, ADEME. Average occupancy assumed.
Onboard amenities
| Operator | WiFi | Power | Luggage | Quiet zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | ✓ | ✓ | 1×23 kg + carry-on | – |
| Itabus | ✓ | ✓ | 1×25 kg + carry-on | – |
| Marino Bus | Some routes | Some routes | 1 bag + carry-on | – |
| Trenitalia | Frecciarossa | Frecciarossa/Frecciargento | No limit, overhead rack | Frecciarossa |
| Italo | ✓ | ✓ | No limit, overhead rack | Smart class |
Best day to travel from Bologna to Milan
Cheapest day: Monday (from €3)
Based on 3,021 offers. Prices vary — book in advance for the cheapest fare.