Florence → Bologna by train
The high-speed tunnel makes this a 37-minute hop — Bologna is arguably Florence's easiest food day trip. The Regionale takes about 1 h 30 min via Prato for around €12.
Who runs this route
| Operator | Type | Where to book |
|---|---|---|
| FrecciarossaTrenitalia | High speed | Trenitalia or Omio |
| ItaloNTV | High speed | Italo or Omio |
| RegionaleTrenitalia | Regional, no seat reservation | Trenitalia app or station machine |
Check live times & fares
Compare Trenitalia and Italo in one search — prices rise as seats sell.
Timetable at a glance
Services run 3–5 per hour, first departure around 06:00 and last around 22:30. Exact times shift with the seasonal timetable — treat these as planning anchors and confirm the day before you travel.
Buying tickets: when and where
High-speed fares work like airline fares: the earliest bookers pay the least. Open sales start about 4 months out; booking 2–3 weeks ahead usually lands close to the lowest fare, while same-day walk-up tickets can cost two to three times more.
Tickets are digital — show the QR code from the app or a printout. On Regionale services with paper tickets, validate in the green machines before boarding. High-speed and Intercity tickets are train-specific; Regionale tickets are flexible within their validity window.
The stations
Firenze Santa Maria Novella
The station is a 10-minute walk from the Duomo — you rarely need a taxi.
Bologna Centrale
High-speed trains use the underground AV platforms — follow the red signs, it's a real walk.
Alternatives, honestly compared
Bus: FlixBus and Itabus connect Florence and Bologna for less money but roughly double the time — the budget backstop. Driving: around 97 km on autostrade; add tolls, fuel and city ZTL zones (limited-traffic areas with cameras), which make cars a liability in historic centres. Flying only makes sense with checked bags and airport-side hotels — city-centre to city-centre, the train wins on this route.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Florence to Bologna?
The typical journey time is 37 min. Frequency: 3–5 per hour.
How much does the Florence to Bologna train cost?
Advance fares start around €14.90. Buying last-minute, expect up to €30.
Which stations does the Florence–Bologna train use?
Departures use Firenze Santa Maria Novella and arrive at Bologna Centrale.
Do I need to book in advance?
High-speed fares work like airline fares: the earliest bookers pay the least. Open sales start about 4 months out; booking 2–3 weeks ahead usually lands close to the lowest fare, while same-day walk-up tickets can cost two to three times more.
What is the first and last departure?
First departure around 06:00, last around 22:30 — exact times vary by day, check before travel.
Is the train the best way to get from Florence to Bologna?
The high-speed tunnel makes this a 37-minute hop — Bologna is arguably Florence's easiest food day trip. The Regionale takes about 1 h 30 min via Prato for around €12.