- Must visit
Museo Regionale Interdisciplinare di Messina
Messina’s main museum preserves major Sicilian artworks, including masterpieces by Caravaggio and Antonello-linked treasures, essential for art lovers.
Cheapest price
$41
Average price
$77
Fastest journey
13 h 55 m
Average duration
15 h 15 m
Buses per day
12
Distance
784 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bologna to Messina is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bologna to Messina will cost around $77 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $41.
Of the 12 buses that leave Bologna for Messina on Mon, Aug 24, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 24 the direct buses cover the 784 km distance in an average of 15 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 13 h 55 m .
On Mon, Aug 24 the slowest buses will take 16 h 35 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.
FlixBus
2409 · 4181
2723 · 4181
2409 · 4411
3887
FlixBus
S121 · S201
2125
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bologna to Messina among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $33. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 37m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $33, and a train costs an average of $43.
Distance: 487 miles (784 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$51 Average price | $119 Average price | $33 Average price Cheapest | $97 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 59m Average total duration 14h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 47m Average total duration 13h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 37m Average total duration Fastest 1h 37m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.8 - 2.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.3 - 4.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Bologna to Messina:
A bus is $21 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bologna to Messina costing on average $84.
A bus is $64 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bologna to Messina costing on average $127.
Other travel options to Messina take longer:
Train takes on average 13h 57m.
Bus takes on average 14h 34m.
Tickets start at around $63 compared to roughly $97 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $34. The journey takes 14h 34m versus 10h 46m 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 FlixBus, Itabus, 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 FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 18h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 03:05AM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 16h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 21h05 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 19h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 04:10AM | Duration 17h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 04:10AM | Duration 16h50 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 15h45 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator Salemi | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 14h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $117 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 15h45 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 15h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 13h55 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator Salemi | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 14h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:25PM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 13h55 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 13h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 08:50AM | Duration 15h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 16h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 16h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 15h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 15h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 16h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 18h15 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:54PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 19h56 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator OneBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 14h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $179 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 18h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:54PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 19h56 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $72 |
The table below shows live departures for Bologna to Messina buses for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:40 PM Bologna | 18h15 | 4:55 PM Messina | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, August 24 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:00 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 18h50 | 7:50 PM Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) | 1 transfer | |
3887 | 3:05 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 16h40 | 7:45 PM Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) | 0 transfersDirect | |
2409 · 4181 | 10:55 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 17h15 | 4:10 AM Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) | 1 transfer | |
2409 · 4411 | 10:55 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 19h55 | 6:50 AM Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) | 1 transfer | |
2723 · 4181 | 11:20 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 16h50 | 4:10 AM Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) | 1 transfer | |
2125 | 2:00 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 15h45 | 5:45 AM Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) | 0 transfersDirect | |
S121 · S201 | 2:30 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 14h10 | 4:40 AM Messina | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 4:25 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 13h55 | 6:20 AM Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Messina run on average 9 times per day, taking around 14h 34m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $35 if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:35, the last at 23:54. The fastest bus covers the 487 miles (784 km) distance in 13h 55m.
Distance 487 miles (784 km) |
Average bus duration 14h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 13h 55m |
First bus 12:35 AM |
Last bus 11:54 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Messina — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Messina trip today.
Messina’s main museum preserves major Sicilian artworks, including masterpieces by Caravaggio and Antonello-linked treasures, essential for art lovers.
A church museum displaying liturgical art, silverwork, and historic objects tied to Messina Cathedral and the city’s religious heritage.
A small local gallery and exhibition space used for cultural displays, suitable for visitors seeking contemporary community art in Messina.
Messina’s main cathedral square is the city’s ceremonial heart, ideal for seeing the Duomo, fountain, and clock tower together.
This scenic viewpoint area beside Cristo Re offers one of the best panoramas over Messina, the harbor curve, and Calabria beyond.
This central piazza is dominated by Orion Fountain and elegant facades, making it one of the city’s most photogenic public spaces.
A layered baked pasta timbale with ragù, eggplant, cheese, and sometimes meatballs. A festive Sicilian classic closely tied to family Sunday meals.
A crisp fried rice ball, usually filled with ragù, peas, and cheese. A beloved Sicilian street food found in bars and bakeries across Messina.
Soft sweet brioche served with granita, especially for breakfast. In Messina it is a warm-weather ritual and a signature part of Sicilian café culture.
Refined Michelin-starred dining with creative Sicilian seafood and tasting menus in an elegant setting inside Hotel Messenion.
Historic pastry café famed for granita, brioche, gelato, and Sicilian breakfast classics. A traditional stop with a strong local reputation.
Well-known seafood restaurant serving swordfish, shellfish, and classic Sicilian fish dishes in a polished but welcoming atmosphere.
Moderate for Italy. Rooms and meals are often cheaper than in Rome or Milan, while local buses and ferries stay reasonably priced for tourists.
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave €1-2 at cafes, 5-10% in restaurants for good service, and round up taxi fares.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bologna to Messina 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 Messina, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bologna to Messina buses use the Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) to Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) station pair. Use this guide to compare Bologna and Messina 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need