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Route guide

Florence Bologna

81 km · Italy to Italy · Fastest: 1h by train · Cheapest: €10+ by car

How to travel from Florence to Bologna

There are 3 ways to travel between Florence and Bologna — compare duration, price and operators below.

🚄Train
€20–55
Duration: 30m
via Trenitalia (Frecciarossa), Italo
~1.1 kg CO2 per passenger
🚌Bus
€11–26
Duration: 1h 9m
via FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus
~2.3 kg CO2 per passenger
✈️Flight

Not practical for this route.

🚗Car
€10–18
Duration: 54m
~14 kg CO2 per passenger

Where they are on the map

FlorenceBologna
Florence and Bologna highlighted among the 50 European cities we cover. Map is schematic, not to scale.

Travel tips for this route

Florence to Bologna — every option in detail

Florence to Bologna by train

Trains between Florence and Bologna run within the Italy national rail network. The typical end-to-end journey is around 30m.

Operators on this corridor include Trenitalia (Frecciarossa), Italo.

Train fares are dynamic — typical range is €20 to €55. Advance-purchase tickets (1–2 months ahead) almost always beat walk-up prices.

On routes under 600 km like this one, train often beats flight door-to-door once you factor in airport check-in and transfers.

Florence to Bologna by bus

Long-distance coaches connect Florence and Bologna with a typical journey of 1h 9m. Buses are usually the slowest mode for this corridor but consistently the cheapest.

Operators include FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.

Fares start from around €11 when booked in advance, rising to €26 for last-minute travel.

Most modern coaches offer Wi-Fi, USB charging and reclining seats. Overnight services exist on longer corridors and can save a hotel night.

Florence to Bologna by flight

Flight is not a typical choice for this 81 km route.

Florence to Bologna by car

The driving distance from Florence to Bologna is approximately 93 km. At motorway speeds, plan on around 54m of driving plus stops.

Fuel-only running cost is in the €10–18 range for a typical car. Toll roads may apply, especially in France, Italy, Spain, Austria and Switzerland — budget extra accordingly.

Climate footprint: approximately 14 kg CO₂ per passenger assuming 1.5 occupants per car.

About this route

The distance between Florence and Bologna is approximately 81 kilometres. Direct or connecting trains link the two cities through the European rail network. Long-distance coaches offer a budget-friendly alternative on this route. Estimates below reflect typical operator schedules and fare ranges; book in advance for the best prices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to travel from Florence to Bologna?+

The fastest way is by train, taking around 30m on average. Slower options (such as bus or car) can take 2–3× longer depending on the route.

What is the cheapest way to get from Florence to Bologna?+

Car is typically the cheapest option, with fares starting around €10. Booking 2–4 weeks ahead usually gives the best prices.

Are there direct trains from Florence to Bologna?+

Yes — both cities are within Italy and connected by the national rail network. Journey time is around 30m.

How far is Florence from Bologna?+

The straight-line distance is approximately 81 kilometres (50 miles). The actual travel distance by road or rail is usually 10–25% longer.

Is there a bus from Florence to Bologna?+

Yes. Long-distance coach operators run this route with fares from around €11. Journey time is approximately 1h 9m.