Rome → Bologna by train
Most Rome–Milan trains stop in Bologna, which is why frequency is excellent all day long.
Who runs this route
| Operator | Type | Where to book |
|---|---|---|
| FrecciarossaTrenitalia | High speed | Trenitalia or Omio |
| ItaloNTV | High speed | Italo or Omio |
Check live times & fares
Compare Trenitalia and Italo in one search — prices rise as seats sell.
Timetable at a glance
Services run 2–3 per hour, first departure around 05:35 and last around 21:33. 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
Roma Termini
Metro A/B meet under Termini; taxis use the official rank on Piazza dei Cinquecento.
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 Rome and Bologna for less money but roughly double the time — the budget backstop. Driving: around 380 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 Rome to Bologna?
The typical journey time is 2 h 00 min – 2 h 25 min. Frequency: 2–3 per hour.
How much does the Rome to Bologna train cost?
Advance fares start around €24.90. Buying last-minute, expect up to €70.
Which stations does the Rome–Bologna train use?
Departures use Roma Termini 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 05:35, last around 21:33 — exact times vary by day, check before travel.
Is the train the best way to get from Rome to Bologna?
Most Rome–Milan trains stop in Bologna, which is why frequency is excellent all day long.