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Enjoy hassle-free, low-cost travel when you take the train from Rome to Bologna Centrale. You'll have your pick of providers with high-speed services available throughout the day from Trenitalia on their super-comfortable Frecciarossa services and from Italo, who offer a range of luxury onboard services. This includes reclining leather seats, WiFi and even the latest blockbuster films. Relax as you fly through the Italian countryside, with journey times far quicker than driving.
Step on the train in central Rome and find yourself within Bologna's walled historic center in just over two hours, with no need for long check-ins or baggage restrictions. Bologna is the birthplace of Bolognese sauce, so be sure to tantalize your taste buds with this world-famous dish. Enjoy a spot of culture and you'll understand why Bologna is both a European City of Culture and also a UNESCO City of Music. Bikers should also know that Bologna is the home of legendary Italian motorbike manufacturer, Ducati. Check out our guide to visiting the Ducati factory. Then, when you're worn out from all your exploring, kick back and relax in one of the best hotels in Bologna.
If we've got your taste buds tickled, why not book your Rome to Bologna Centrale train with us today? Read on for FAQs as well as low ticket prices available with a choice of high-speed rail providers, seat classes and departure times.
It takes an average of 2h 12m to travel from Rome to Bologna Centrale by train, over a distance of around 189 miles (305 km). There are normally 48 trains per day traveling from Rome to Bologna Centrale and tickets for this journey start from $13.52 when you book in advance.
First train | 5:20 am | |
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Last train | 10:27 pm | |
Departure station | Rome | |
Arrival station | Bologna Centrale | |
Journey time | From 1h 58m | |
Distance | 189 miles (305 km) | |
Frequency | 48 trains per day | |
Changes | Direct trains available | |
Price | From $13.52 | |
Train and bus operators | Marino, Itabus, Trenitalia, Flixbus, Italo, Autoservizi Salemi |
Frecciarossa trains are Trenitalia's flagship high-speed trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). The "red arrow" trains are distinguished by their comfort, their ultra-modern design and their reduced impact on the environment. All Frecciarossa trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection and four levels of service – Standard, Premium (with drinks and welcome snacks served on arrival, as well as a morning newspaper), Business (with drinks and snacks, morning newspaper and larger seats) and Executive (with Fast Track, access to FrecciaClub lounges in train selected stations, and gourmet meals served to your seat). From December 2021, you can also travel with Frecciarossa from Milan to Paris via Turin, Modane and Chambéry. The trains are operated by Trenitalia France and have 4 levels of service - Standard, Business, Executive and Meeting Room - and two types of carriages: Silence Area, for those who want to travel in total tranquillity, and Allegro Area, for those who want to chat with their fellow passengers.
Italo is a high-speed train operator that runs services between many of the major cities across Italy. All Italo trains are modern, air conditioned, and have free WiFi available for all travellers. There are four comfort classes, or "ambiances", as Italo like to call them – Smart (the cheapest price), Comfort (with wider seats and extra legroom), Prima (with a welcome selection of food and drink, fast track boarding and extra space), and Executive Club (with all Prima services, extra-wide seats, access to Italo Club lounges and personal entertainment screens at your seat).
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.
Trenitalia's Intercity trains run on standard lines outside the high-speed network, offering more than 90 trains a day that guarantee long and medium distance connections, ensuring wide coverage of the rail network. All Intercity trains are modern and comfortable with plenty of seats, retractable tables, power sockets, air conditioning, courtesy lights and plenty of luggage space. Intercity Night trains allow you to travel overnight in cabins with beds, berths or seating.
With Frecciarossa Standard, you’ll enjoy high-quality services including eco-leather reclining seats, folding tables and free WiFi at a reasonable price.
Providing all the perks of First Class for the price of Second Class, Frecciarossa Premium offers more legroom and baggage space, as well as a welcome service supplying a complimentary sweet or salty snack and a drink. You can also order your meal via the EasyBistrò paid service available on board.
If you’re travelling for work, Frecciarossa Business is the ideal option for you – it offers more legroom, glass dividers for more privacy, EasyBistrò meal service and a private 4-seat compartment called Salottino. A free snack box is also served to your seat.
Frecciarossa Executive can accommodate up to 10 single armchairs and offers plenty of legroom, wider reclining leather seats, free entry to FRECCIALounge at the main train stations, an exclusive open bar and Michelin-starred menu by the renowned Italian TV chef Carlo Cracco.
Although Smart is Italo’s standard and cheapest class, you won’t miss out on the fantastic service! This class provides you with the following amenities:
In addition to all the perks of Italo Smart, Italo Prima also provides a little extra, such as a dedicated Fast Track service and a welcome service.
If you want to travel in style, upgrade to Italo Club Executive and enjoy dedicated catering service, personal screens, and free access to Italo Club Lounge.
Travel in Second Class Easy and enjoy seats with folding tables, power outlets and a bar carriage in the middle of the train.
In addition to all the amenities in Second Class Easy, you'll get to enjoy more spacious seats and legroom in First Class Plus.
If you're traveling on a budget, buy a ticket for a basic seat – you'll find a spacious and comfortable seat with a fold-down table, as well as a minibar service.
This couchette can host up to 4 people and offers plenty of amenities, including complimentary beauty and grooming products, bedding, and breakfast served in the morning.
In this cabin, you'll enjoy a whole breakfast menu, a wake-up service and a more comfortable bed. Single, double or 3-berth compartments are available.
The Excelsior cabin Superior can host up to 2 people. Enjoy the perks of the Deluxe cabin Relax, as well as a welcome drink and a private bathroom with washbasin, shower and mirror.
If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60, which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232, which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).
Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power outlets you can find at your seat.
While there’s no bar or restaurant car on Italo trains, you can use the vending machines on board to get snacks and drinks during your journey.
Priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility are available on Italo trains. They’re usually located next to an accessible toilet. All accessible toilets also have tactile and Braille signs.
Air-conditioning is available on all Italo trains, as well as power outlets at every seat.
You can get snacks and drinks from the vending machines available in car 3. Gluten-free and lactose-free options are available too.
At the moment, Intercity trains do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.
If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60 which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232, which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).
Air-conditioning is available on all Intercity trains.
A minibar trolley service is available on all Intercity Notte trains – you can choose from a wide range of snacks and drinks. Vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options are available too.
Unfortunately, free WiFi is not available on Intercity Notte trains.
Intercity Notte trains have a car with designated spaces for 2 passengers with a wheelchair and 2 companions. You’ll find a wheelchair symbol outside the car.
Depending on the class you’ll be traveling in, you’ll get to enjoy additional perks, including a wake-up service, breakfast, bedding and more.
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Rome to Bologna Centrale by booking early.§
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
The average journey time by train between Rome and Bologna Centrale is 2 hours and 12 minutes, with around 48 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
The fastest journey time by train from Rome to Bologna Centrale is 1 hour and 58 minutes.
Train tickets from Rome to Bologna Centrale can start from as little as $13.52 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Rome to Bologna Centrale without having to change trains. There are 48 direct trains from Rome to Bologna Centrale each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
The first train from Rome to Bologna Centrale leaves at 05:20. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
The last train from Rome to Bologna Centrale leaves at 22:27. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
Trains travelling from Rome to Bologna Centrale cover a distance of around 189 miles (305 km) during the journey.