There are 8 ways to get from Madrid to Bologna by plane, train, bus or car
Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner.
Recommended option
Fly to Bologna • 4h 58m
Cheapest option
Fly to Pisa, train • 7h 8m
6 alternative options
Fly to Florence, train • 5h 55m
Fly to Venice, train • 7h 4m
Train • 15h 48m
Bus via Milan • 28h 45m
Bus • 31h 45m
Drive • 16h 20m
Questions & Answers
The cheapest way to get from Madrid to Bologna is to fly which costs €40 - €190 and takes 4h 58m.
The quickest way to get from Madrid to Bologna is to fly which costs €40 - €190 and takes 4h 58m.
No, there is no direct bus from Madrid to Bologna. However, there are services departing from Madrid and arriving at Bologna via Milan. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 28h 45m.
No, there is no direct train from Madrid to Bologna. However, there are services departing from Madrid-Puerta De Atocha and arriving at Bologna Centrale via Barcelona-Sants, Valence Tgv Rhone-Alpes Sud, Chambery Challes Les Eaux and Milano Centrale. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 15h 48m.
The distance between Madrid and Bologna is 1312 km. The road distance is 1718.6 km.
The best way to get from Madrid to Bologna without a car is to train which takes 15h 48m and costs €170 - €400.
It takes approximately 4h 58m to get from Madrid to Bologna, including transfers.
Madrid to Bologna bus services, operated by ALSA, depart from Madrid station.
Madrid to Bologna train services, operated by Renfe AVE, depart from Madrid-Puerta De Atocha station.
The best way to get from Madrid to Bologna is to fly which takes 4h 58m and costs €40 - €190. Alternatively, you can train, which costs €170 - €400 and takes 15h 48m, you could also bus via Milan, which costs €240 - €390 and takes 28h 45m.
- Distance: 1312.3 km
- Duration: 4h 58m
What companies run services between Madrid, Spain and Bologna, Italy?
Iberia, Ryanair and six other airlines fly from Madrid to Bologna hourly. Alternatively, you can take a train from Madrid to Bologna via Barcelona-Sants, Valence Tgv Rhone-Alpes Sud, Chambery Challes Les Eaux, and Milano Centrale in around 15h 48m.
- Website
- vueling.com
Flights from Madrid to Bologna
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 20m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €50 - €420
Flights from Madrid to Bologna via Barcelona
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 5m
- When
- Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
- Estimated price
- €90 - €390
Flights from Madrid to Florence
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 21m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €65 - €350
Flights from Madrid to Florence via Barcelona
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 27m
- When
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- €45 - €280
Flights from Madrid to Venice
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 28m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €50 - €280
- Website
- iberia.com
Flights from Madrid to Bologna
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 20m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €50 - €420
Flights from Madrid to Bologna via Barcelona
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 5m
- When
- Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
- Estimated price
- €90 - €390
Flights from Madrid to Florence
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 21m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €65 - €350
Flights from Madrid to Venice
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 28m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €50 - €280
- Website
- ryanair.com
Flights from Madrid to Bologna
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 20m
- When
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- €35 - €310
Flights from Madrid to Bologna via Ibiza
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 10m
- When
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- €35 - €310
Flights from Madrid to Bologna via Palma Mallorca
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 27m
- When
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday
- Estimated price
- €35 - €310
Flights from Madrid to Venice
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 25m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €30 - €250
Flights from Madrid to Venice via Vienna
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 30m
- When
- Tuesday
- Estimated price
- €30 - €250
Flights from Madrid to Pisa
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 10m
- When
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- €30 - €220
Flights from Madrid to Pisa via Palma Mallorca
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 55m
- When
- Sunday
- Estimated price
- €30 - €220
Flights from Madrid to Pisa via Ibiza
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 55m
- When
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday
- Estimated price
- €30 - €220
Flights from Madrid to Pisa via Eindhoven
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 15m
- When
- Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- €30 - €220
- Website
- airfrance.com
Flights from Madrid to Bologna via Paris Charles de Gaulle
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 1m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €130 - €500
Flights from Madrid to Florence via Paris Charles de Gaulle
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 51m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €130 - €650
Flights from Madrid to Venice via Paris Charles de Gaulle
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 57m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €140 - €600
- Website
- alitalia.com
Flights from Madrid to Bologna via Rome
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 50m
- When
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- €80 - €370
Flights from Madrid to Florence via Rome
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 55m
- When
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- €85 - €370
Flights from Madrid to Venice via Rome
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 55m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €60 - €340
- Website
- lufthansa.com
Flights from Madrid to Bologna via Frankfurt
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 30m
- When
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- €140 - €350
Flights from Madrid to Venice via Frankfurt
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 52m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €120 - €480
- Website
- britishairways.com
Flights from Madrid to Bologna via London Heathrow
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 30m
- When
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- €160 - €650
Flights from Madrid to Venice via London Heathrow
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 25m
- When
- Sunday
- Estimated price
- €140 - €650
- Website
- brusselsairlines.com
Flights from Madrid to Venice via Brussels
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 2m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €130 - €550
- Website
- klm.com
Flights from Madrid to Florence via Amsterdam Schiphol
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 30m
- When
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- €120 - €550
- Website
- transavia.com
Flights from Madrid to Venice via Paris Orly
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 50m
- When
- Monday and Wednesday
- Estimated price
- €65 - €360
Trenitalia’s high-speed Frecce trains run on specialised tracks and have a greater level of service and comfort than InterCity and regional trains. There are three types of Frecce trains: Frecciarossa, (the fastest; connects major Italian cities); Frecciargento (mostly connect Rome to other Italian cities); and Frecciabianca (the slowest Frecce trains). Frecciarossa trains offer four classes of service, all with free Wi-Fi: Standard, Premium, Business and Executive. All Frecce tickets include a seat reservation and must be purchased before boarding the train.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +39 06 68475475
- Website
- trenitalia.com
Train from Firenze S.M.N. to Bologna Centrale
- Ave. Duration
- 38 min
- Frequency
- Every 30 minutes
- Estimated price
- €11 - €45
- Website
- https://www.trenitalia.com/en/frecce.html
- Schedules at
- https://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en?revia=yes&existOptimizePrice=1&country=overseas&initialAvail=ON&S={fromName}&Z={toName}&start=1
- Super Economy
- €11 - €15
- Base Standard
- €25 - €35
- Base Premium
- €30 - €45
Train from Venezia Mestre to Bologna Centrale
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 21m
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- €14 - €55
- Website
- https://www.trenitalia.com/en/frecce.html
- Schedules at
- https://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en?revia=yes&existOptimizePrice=1&country=overseas&initialAvail=ON&S={fromName}&Z={toName}&start=1
- Super Economy
- €14 - €20
- Base Standard
- €30 - €45
- Base Premium
- €35 - €55
Train from Milano Centrale to Bologna Centrale
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 6m
- Frequency
- Every 30 minutes
- Estimated price
- €18 - €65
- Website
- https://www.trenitalia.com/en/frecce.html
- Schedules at
- https://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en?revia=yes&existOptimizePrice=1&country=overseas&initialAvail=ON&S={fromName}&Z={toName}&start=1
- Super Economy
- €18 - €25
- Base Standard
- €35 - €50
- Base Premium
- €45 - €65
Private train company Italotreno operates high-speed trains in Italy on the same tracks as Trenitalia. The routes service 21 stations across the country, including popular routes Milan-Florence, Rome-Venice and Bologna-Naples. Choose from four classes of service, all with free Wi-Fi: Smart, Comfort, Prima and Club Executive. Italo also operates Italobus – an integrated train-bus service that takes passengers from the main train stations to other Italian cities.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +39 06 8937 1892
- Website
- italotreno.it
Train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Bologna Centrale Station
- Ave. Duration
- 38 min
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- €9 - €40
- Website
- https://www.italotreno.it/it
- Website
- https://www.italotreno.it/en
- Smart Economy
- €14 - €19
- Smart Low Cost
- €9 - €11
- Smart Flex
- €28 - €40
Train from Mestre to Bologna Centrale
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 19m
- Frequency
- Every 3 hours
- Estimated price
- €12 - €45
- Website
- https://www.italotreno.it/it
- Website
- https://www.italotreno.it/en
- Smart Economy
- €16 - €23
- Smart Low Cost
- €12 - €16
- Smart Flex
- €30 - €45
Train from Milano Centrale Station to Bologna Centrale
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 24m
- Frequency
- Every 3 hours
- Estimated price
- €16 - €55
- Website
- https://www.italotreno.it/it
- Website
- https://www.italotreno.it/en
- Smart Economy
- €19 - €26
- Smart Low Cost
- €16 - €20
- Smart Flex
- €35 - €55
The primary train operator in Italy, Trenitalia was created in the year 2000. Trenitalia offers national rail connections in Italy as well as international connections to Austria, France, Germany and Switzerland. The company operates regional and long-distance trains, as well as high-speed trains called Frecce that travel on specialised tracks on speeds of up to 360km/h. Trenitalia tickets are available online, in stations across the country or from many travel agents that offer bookings.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +39 06 68475475
- Website
- trenitalia.com
Train from Firenze S.M.N. to Bologna Centrale
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 44m
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Estimated price
- €6 - €14
- Website
- https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html
- 1st Class
- €12 - €14
Train from Venezia Mestre to Bologna Centrale
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 53m
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- €10 - €21
- Website
- https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html
- 1st Class
- €19 - €21
Train from Pisa Centrale to Firenze S.M.N.
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 22m
- Frequency
- Every 30 minutes
- Estimated price
- €5 - €12
- Website
- https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html
- 1st Class
- €10 - €12
Train from Chambery Challes Les Eaux to Milano Centrale
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 13m
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Estimated price
- €22 - €45
- Website
- https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html
- 1st Class
- €41 - €45
Frequently asked questions
Trenitalia’s Intercity (IC) trains are slower than the high-speed Frecce trains but are still a good way to travel between major cities and towns, with routes including Rome to Naples, Venice to Bologna and Milan to Genoa. Tickets usually open for booking 90 days ahead of travel, and you’ll need make a seat reservation before boarding. All IC trains have 1st and 2nd class carriages as well as a bar buffet car, air conditioning and power sockets. InterCity trains that run at night are called InterCity Notte (ICN).
Contact Details
- Phone
- +39 06 68475475
- Website
- trenitalia.com
Train from Firenze S.M.N. to Bologna Centrale
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 21m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- €7 - €10
- Website
- https://www.trenitalia.com/
- 2nd Class
- €7 - €10
Train from Venezia Mestre to Bologna Centrale
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 47m
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Estimated price
- €10 - €15
- Website
- https://www.trenitalia.com/
- 2nd Class
- €10 - €15
Train from Milano Centrale to Bologna Centrale
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 20m
- Frequency
- 5 times a day
- Estimated price
- €14 - €20
- Website
- https://www.trenitalia.com/
- 2nd Class
- €14 - €20
Rome2rio's guide to Renfe AVE
Contact Details
- Phone
- +34 91 232 03 20
- Website
- renfe.com
Train from Madrid-Puerta De Atocha to Barcelona-Sants
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 30m
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- €60 - €120
- Website
- https://www.renfe.com/es/en
- Promo
- €60 - €80
- Promo+
- €68 - €73
- Flexible
- €90 - €120
Spain's excellent and extensive rail system connects cities across Spain and into neighbouring countries. Renfe's high-speed AVE trains can reach speeds of up to 350km/h, making travel between major cities very efficient. All medium- and long-distance trains require a seat reservation; ticket sales for these trains usually open 30-60 days before travel. Most Renfe trains have two classes: Turista (2nd class) and Preferente (1st class), although some AVE trains offer Turista Plus. There is free WiFi for Preferente passengers and for those with a +Renfe loyalty card.
Rome2rio's guide to Renfe Viajeros
Contact Details
- Phone
- +34 91 232 03 20
- Website
- renfe.com
Train from Madrid-Puerta De Atocha to Barcelona-Sants
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 16m
- Frequency
- 4 times a day
- Estimated price
- €35 - €50
- Website
- https://www.renfe.com/es/en
- Phone
- +34 902 320 320
- comunicacion@renfe.es
- Website
- renfe-sncf.com
Train from Barcelona-Sants to Valence Tgv Rhone-Alpes Sud
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 31m
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Estimated price
- €55 - €80
- Website
- renfe-sncf.com
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France’s state-owned railway company is a fast and efficient way of travelling around the country, with over 14,000 trains operating daily. SNCF runs the country’s extensive rail network, including the high-speed TGV network, regional TER trains and local Intercités. It also operates international routes including Eurostar and Thalys, as well as the low-cost, long-distance Ouigo services that run on limited routes across France. Book up to 3 months in advance for the cheapest fares. The railway network consists of about 32,000km in total, of which 1800km are high-speed lines and 14,500km are electrified.
Rome2rio's guide to SNCF
Contact Details
- Phone
- +33 1 84 94 36 35
- Website
- sncf.com
Train from Valence Tgv Rhone-Alpes Sud to Chambery Challes Les Eaux
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 52m
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- €20 - €35
- Website
- https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/
- 2nd Class
- €20 - €28
- Rail 1st Class
- €28 - €35
The national railway company of Switzerland, Swiss Railways operates trains throughout the country and adjacent European nations including Germany, France, Italy and Austria. Tickets are sold in two classes - First and Second - with most long-distance trains offering a bistro car serving beverages and snacks. Individual tickets can be bought easily at stands, while a variety of travel passes are on offer to suit different travel needs.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +41 848 44 66 88
- Website
- sbb.ch
Train from Valence TGV Rhône-Alpes Sud to Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 52m
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- €50 - €95
- Website
- https://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html
A Spanish subsidiary of National Express, ALSA provides bus and coach services across Spain and neighbouring countries including Portugal, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Poland and Malta. Founded in 1923, ALSA values service and the customer experience. Buses are equipped with communal TV screens showing movies, individual behind-seat screens, ALSA radio, app for books and music, and free WiFi. ALSA services are accessible to people with disabilities, and guide dogs are welcome on all journeys. There are three types of tickets on offer (Frequent Traveller Pass, Share Pass and ALSA Pass), along with discounts for senior citizens, students and children.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +34 910 207 007
- alsa@alsa.es
- Website
- alsa.es
Bus from Madrid to Milano
- Ave. Duration
- 25h 30m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- €240 - €350
- Website
- https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/home
One of Europe’s leading bus companies, Flixbus serves 2000+ destinations in 29 countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Austria, the Netherlands and Croatia and into Scandinavia and eastern Europe, as well as some US cities. Coaches have toilets, free WiFi and power outlets, plus snacks and drinks for purchase on board. Flixbus is a good choice for the budget-conscious traveller; purchase tickets in advance for the cheapest fares (note: there is no option to reserve a seat in advance).
Rome2rio's guide to FlixBus
Contact Details
- Phone
- +49 30 300 137 300
- service@flixbus.com
- Website
- flixbus.de
Bus from Milan to Bologna
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 45m
- Frequency
- Every 2 hours
- Estimated price
- €18 - €26
- Website
- https://www.flixbus.co.uk
- Book at
- https://shop.global.flixbus.com/
Bus from Verona to Bologna
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 45m
- Frequency
- 5 times a day
- Estimated price
- €13 - €19
- Website
- https://www.flixbus.co.uk
- Book at
- https://shop.global.flixbus.com/
Frequently asked questions
- Phone
- +39 06 88 93 82 32
- Website
- itabus.it
Bus from Milan Lampugnano to Bologna Autostazione
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 50m
- Frequency
- Every 4 hours
- Estimated price
- €10 - €14
- Website
- Itabus
- Phone
- +39 080 3112335
- info@marinobus.it
- Website
- marinobus.it
Bus from Milan Lampugnano to Bologna Terminal Bus 200 MT Da Stazione FS
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 35m
- Frequency
- 3 times a day
- Estimated price
- €23 - €35
- Website
- Marino Autolinee
- Phone
- +39 0965 630 028
- prenotazioni@autolineefederico.it
- Website
- autolineefederico.it
Bus from Milano Lampugnano to Bologna Autostazione
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 30m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- €9 - €12
- Website
- Autolinee Federico
- Phone
- 080 579 0211
- info@marozzivt.it
- Website
- marozzivt.it
Bus from Milano to Bologna
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 15m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- €14 - €20
- Website
- Marozzi VT
As the bus subsidiary of French railway SNCF, Ouibus offers eco-friendly coaches serving 35 French cities and 10 European cities at affordable fares. Ouibus journeys are safe and comfortable, with the four-star coaches offering power outlets, restrooms and WiFi. All Ouibus stations are located close to town centres for easy access to public transport. Getting on one of the 130 daily journeys is easy - electronic travel documents include your ticket and a personalised mini-guide with handy information.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +33 1 71 53 01 80
- Website
- blablacar.fr
Bus from Milan to Bologna
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 50m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- €14 - €21
- Website
- https://www.blablacar.co.uk/
- Phone
- 07001 8282
- booking@union-ivkoni.com
- Website
- union-ivkoni.com
Bus from Madrid Mendez Alvaro Estacion Sur to Verona Viale Girolamo Cardinale
- Ave. Duration
- 29h
- Frequency
- 3 times a week
- Estimated price
- €60 - €90
- Website
- http://en.union-ivkoni.com/
Want to know more about travelling around Italy
Rome2rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.
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Read the travel guideMore Questions & Answers
The quickest flight from Madrid Airport to Bologna Airport is the direct flight which takes 2h 20m.
Madrid to Bologna bus services, operated by FlixBus, arrive at Bologna station.
Madrid to Bologna train services, operated by Trenitalia Frecce, arrive at Bologna Centrale station.
Yes, the driving distance between Madrid to Bologna is 1719 km. It takes approximately 16h 20m to drive from Madrid to Bologna.
Vueling Airlines, Alitalia, British Airways and four other airlines offer flights from Madrid Airport to Bologna Airport.
There are 233+ hotels available in Bologna. Prices start at €87 per night.
The best way to get from Madrid to Madrid Airport is to train which takes 26 min and costs .