- Must visit
Museo Regionale Interdisciplinare di Messina (MuMe)
The city’s main museum, known for important works by Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina, plus archaeology and sculpture collections that explain local history.
Cheapest price
$42
Average price
$49
Fastest journey
13 h 55 m
Average duration
16 h 38 m
Buses per day
4
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 $49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.
Of the 4 buses that leave Bologna for Messina on Mon, May 25, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 25 the direct buses cover the 784 km distance in an average of 16 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 13 h 55 m .
On Mon, May 25 the slowest buses will take 21 h 5 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 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 | $118 Average price | $33 Average price Cheapest | $95 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 flight is $18 (€15) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bologna to Messina costing on average $51 (€41).
A flight is $85 (€69) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bologna to Messina costing on average $118 (€95).
Other travel options to Messina take longer:
Train takes on average 13h 17m.
Bus takes on average 14h 29m.
Tickets start at around $51 (€41) compared to roughly $95 (€77) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $45 (€36). The journey takes 14h 29m 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 Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 21h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 21h40 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 19h55 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 15h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator Salemi | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 14h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $116 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 15h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 15h45 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 13h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:25PM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 13h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 13h55 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 16h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 16h30 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 16h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 16h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 18h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:54PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 19h56 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 18h15 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:54PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 19h56 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $70 |
The table below shows live departures for Bologna to Messina buses for tomorrow, Monday, May 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:45 AM Bologna | 21h05 | 4:50 AM Messina | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:00 PM Bologna | 15h45 | 3:45 AM Messina | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:00 PM Bologna | 15h45 | 4:45 AM Messina | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:25 PM Bologna | 13h55 | 5:20 AM Messina | 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 29m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) if you book in advance.
There are 2 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 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 2 |
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 Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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.
The city’s main museum, known for important works by Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina, plus archaeology and sculpture collections that explain local history.
A historic early-20th-century gallery valued for its architecture and elegant interior. It is often visited as both a cultural stop and a photogenic city landmark.
A contemporary exhibition space in a historic fortification area, occasionally hosting art and cultural displays with strong views over the harbor.
The city’s main square and the best place to experience the cathedral, clock tower show, and some of Messina’s most important monuments together.
The scenic northeastern tip of the city where the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas meet, popular for coastal views, photography, and social-media-friendly scenery.
A pleasant waterfront promenade for walking, sea views, and watching ferry traffic across the Strait, especially popular in the evening.
Stuffed rice balls, usually filled with ragù, ham and cheese, or butter and mozzarella, then breaded and fried. A Sicilian street-food classic found throughout Messina.
A traditional Messina stuffed turnover, typically filled with escarole, tuma cheese, anchovies, and tomato, then baked or fried. It is one of the city’s signature savory foods.
Thin rolls of meat stuffed with breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs, then grilled. This is a beloved local specialty often served in homes and traditional trattorie.
Recognized seafood-focused restaurant with contemporary Sicilian cooking, especially local fish and swordfish, served in a modern atmosphere.
Established fine-dining restaurant known for refined Sicilian seafood dishes, elegant presentation, and a polished atmosphere in central Messina.
Well-known traditional restaurant popular for classic Messina and Sicilian specialties, including seafood and hearty local pasta dishes, in a casual setting.
Prices are moderate by Italian standards. Cafes and casual meals are reasonable, while seafront dining and summer stays cost more.
Service is often included or covered by coperto. Tipping is not required, but leaving EUR 1-2 at cafes or 5-10% for great restaurant service is appreciated.
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.

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