- Must visit
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
The city’s main fine arts museum, known for important Emilian paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries, including works by Giotto, Raphael and the Carracci.
Cheapest price
$12
Average price
$18
Fastest journey
5 h 20 m
Average duration
5 h 20 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
263 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Alba to Bologna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Alba to Bologna will cost around $18 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $12.
Of the 2 buses that leave Alba for Bologna on Sun, Jun 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 263 km distance in an average of 5 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 20 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 5 h 20 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Alba to Bologna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 4h 1m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a train costs an average of $30.
Distance: 163 miles (263 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$14 Average price Cheapest | $35 Average price | $90 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 31m Average total duration Fastest 4h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 1m Average total duration 4h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Alba to Bologna:
A bus is $21 (€17) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Alba to Bologna costing on average $35 (€28).
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 31m.
Tickets start at around $14 (€12) compared to roughly $90 (€74) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $76 (€62). The journey takes 4h 1m versus 3h 16m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by BlaBlaCar.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Marino Autolinee | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator Marino Autolinee | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator Granda Bus | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 10:35AM | Duration 16h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $0.00 |
The table below shows live departures for Alba to Bologna buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:00 PM Alba | 5h20 | 10:20 PM Bologna | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Alba to Bologna run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 1m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:10, the last at 18:00. The fastest bus covers the 163 miles (263 km) distance in 5h 20m.
Distance 163 miles (263 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 5h 20m |
First bus 4:10 AM |
Last bus 6:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Bologna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bologna trip today.
The city’s main fine arts museum, known for important Emilian paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries, including works by Giotto, Raphael and the Carracci.
Bologna’s leading modern and contemporary art museum, with strong permanent collections and rotating exhibitions in a large converted industrial space.
A major archaeological museum with Etruscan, Egyptian, Greek and Roman collections, housed in a historic palace near Piazza Maggiore.
Bologna’s main square and social heart, surrounded by major civic and religious buildings, ideal for first-time visitors and people-watching.
The world-famous covered walkway leading toward the San Luca sanctuary, popular for scenic walks, photography and local tradition.
One of the city’s most elegant and photogenic squares, fronting the Santo Stefano complex and loved for its atmospheric character.
Fresh egg pasta ribbons served with Bologna’s traditional slow-cooked meat ragù. It is one of the city’s most iconic dishes and differs from the tomato-heavy versions found abroad.
Small ring-shaped pasta filled with meat and served in rich capon or beef broth. This is a classic Bolognese comfort dish, especially tied to festive family meals.
Layered baked pasta with ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano Reggiano, often made with green spinach pasta sheets. It is a signature Emilia-Romagna Sunday dish.
Highly regarded neighborhood trattoria known for careful ingredient sourcing and excellent handmade pasta, with a cozy and authentic feel.
Well-known romantic restaurant serving refined Emilian and Bolognese cuisine in an intimate former pharmacy space with polished service.
Very popular traditional osteria known for classic Bolognese pasta dishes in a lively, casual setting close to the university area.
Moderate by Italian standards: food and coffee are reasonable, while central hotels cost more in peak season.
Service is often included or covered by coperto. Tipping is not required; round up or leave EUR 1-5 for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up.
Official public transport app
Bologna Centrale, Bologna -> Piazza Maggiore, Bologna
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Alba to Bologna by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Bologna, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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