- Must visit
Acropolis Museum
World-class museum for Acropolis finds, with superb archaic sculptures and Parthenon marbles displayed in a striking modern building.
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Bologna to Athens among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $237 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 20m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $237, while a flight costs an average of $491.
Distance: 783 miles (1261 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$237 Average price Cheapest | $491 Average price | $578 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
42h 32m Average total duration 42h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 20m Average total duration Fastest 4h 20m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 19h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Bologna to Athens:
A bus is $254 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bologna to Athens costing on average $491.
Other travel options to Athens take longer:
Bus takes on average 42h 2m.
Tickets start at around $237 compared to roughly $578 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $341. The journey takes 42h 2m versus 19h 59m 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.
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.
Compare bus and flight 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 Bologna to Athens run on average 1 times per day, taking around 42h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $154 but you can travel from only $27 by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:40, the last at 17:35. The fastest bus covers the 783 miles (1261 km) distance in 34h 46m.
Distance 783 miles (1261 km) |
Average bus duration 42h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $154 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 34h 46m |
First bus 12:40 AM |
Last bus 5:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Athens — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Athens trip today.
World-class museum for Acropolis finds, with superb archaic sculptures and Parthenon marbles displayed in a striking modern building.
Greece’s premier archaeology museum, spanning prehistory to late antiquity. Essential for masterpieces from across the country.
Outstanding museum of Cycladic art and ancient Greek culture. Known for elegant figurines and thoughtful contemporary presentation.
Athens’ oldest neighborhood charms with neoclassical houses, lanes, and easy access to major ancient sites and traditional atmosphere.
Busy square and market district known for street life, shopping, and strong transport links. Ideal for feeling the city’s energy.
Central ceremonial square before Parliament. A practical hub for visitors and a prime place to watch the guard-changing ritual.
Moussaka is a baked casserole of eggplant, minced meat, potato, and béchamel, iconic in Greek home cooking and tavern menus.
Souvlaki is grilled skewered pork or chicken, a classic Athens street food, usually served with pita, onions, and tzatziki.
Spanakopita is a flaky pie filled with spinach, herbs, and feta, a beloved everyday snack found in bakeries across Athens.
Michelin-starred restaurant offering refined modern Greek cuisine and Acropolis views in an elegant setting.
Long-standing Psiri taverna serving classic Greek dishes, live music, and a warm traditional atmosphere.
Historic central market taverna known for grilled meats and traditional meze in a lively, old Athens setting.
Moderate for Europe; hotels in peak season rise, but dining and transit stay fairly reasonable for tourists.
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants, round taxi fares up, and leave small change at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bologna to Athens 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 Athens, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bologna to Athens buses use the Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) to Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού) station pair. Use this guide to compare Bologna and Athens bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) is 1 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Autostazione (in the station), Trattoria del Rosso (0.5 km), Osteria Broccaindosso (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre).
Available at Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre): Elevators, ramps.
Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού) is 3 km from Athens city centre. Public transport options include:
Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού). ATMs are available at Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού).
Ticket office support is available at Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού).
Available at Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Athens, Lagoumitzi / Ilia Iliou (Αθήνα, Λαγουμιτζή / Ηλία Ηλιού): Ramps available for wheelchair access.
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