- Must visit
Museo Nazionale della Siritide
The main museum of ancient Herakleia displays Greek and Roman finds from the Siritide, making it the essential cultural visit in Policoro.
Cheapest price
$40
Average price
$79
Fastest journey
10 h 35 m
Average duration
12 h 10 m
Buses per day
10
Distance
647 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bologna to Policoro is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bologna to Policoro will cost around $79 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
Of the 10 buses that leave Bologna for Policoro on Wed, Aug 05, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct buses cover the 647 km distance in an average of 12 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 35 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest buses will take 13 h 45 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.
2409 · 4411
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
131
203
131
203
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bologna to Policoro among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 28m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $18, and a flight costs an average of $25.
Distance: 402 miles (647 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$47 Average price Cheapest | $103 Average price | $102 Average price | $224 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 52m Average total duration 11h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 28m Average total duration Fastest 1h 28m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 19m Average total duration 9h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.6 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | 1.9 - 3.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | 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 Policoro:
A bus is $55 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bologna to Policoro costing on average $102.
A bus is $56 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bologna to Policoro costing on average $103.
Other travel options to Policoro take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 49m.
Bus takes on average 11h 22m.
Tickets start at around $47 compared to roughly $224 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $177. The journey takes 11h 22m versus 8h 20m 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, BlaBlaCar, AutoLinee Moretti.
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 BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:10AM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 16h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:35AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 12h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 01:29AM | Duration 14h34 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator Marino Autolinee | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 11h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 07:49AM | Duration 15h29 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 16h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 22h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $148 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 22h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 13h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator Intersaj | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 07:14AM | Duration 9h59 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:54PM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 16h51 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator Marino Autolinee | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 08:35AM | Duration 10h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator Marino Autolinee | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:54PM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 16h51 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $87 |
The table below shows live departures for Bologna to Policoro buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2409 · 4411 | 10:55 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 14h34 | 1:29 AM Policoro, Terminal Bus (Via Bologna) | 1 transfer | |
203 | 11:30 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 11h20 | 10:50 PM Policoro, Terminal Bus (Via Bologna) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:00 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 16h00 | 9:00 AM Policoro, Terminal Bus (Via Bologna) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus | 8:45 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 13h00 | 9:45 AM Policoro, Terminal Bus (Via Bologna) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:45 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 22h10 | 6:55 PM Policoro, Terminal Bus (Via Bologna) | 1 transfer | |
SI-BO-MI | 9:15 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 9h59 | 7:14 AM Policoro, Terminal Bus (Via Bologna) | 0 transfersDirect | |
131 | 10:00 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 10h35 | 8:35 AM Policoro, Terminal Bus (Via Bologna) | 0 transfersDirect | |
039 | 11:40 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 9h50 | 9:30 AM Policoro, Terminal Bus (Via Bologna) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:54 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 16h51 | 4:45 PM Policoro, Terminal Bus (Via Bologna) | 2 transfers | |
| Wednesday, August 5 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:00 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 16h20 | 6:20 PM Policoro, Terminal Bus (Via Bologna) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:35 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 13h45 | 6:20 PM Policoro, Terminal Bus (Via Bologna) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:35 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 12h10 | 4:45 PM Policoro, Terminal Bus (Via Bologna) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, 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 Policoro run on average 8 times per day, taking around 11h 22m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $18 if you book in advance.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:16, the last at 23:54. The fastest bus covers the 402 miles (647 km) distance in 9h 50m.
Distance 402 miles (647 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 9h 50m |
First bus 12:16 AM |
Last bus 11:54 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Policoro — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Policoro trip today.
The main museum of ancient Herakleia displays Greek and Roman finds from the Siritide, making it the essential cultural visit in Policoro.
An archaeological exhibition area tied to the ancient city site, useful for understanding the urban history before or after the museum visit.
A small civic display space used for temporary exhibitions and local heritage initiatives, offering a more community-focused cultural stop.
A vast protected coastal woodland with walking and cycling routes, wildlife habitats, and shaded access toward the Ionian shore.
The archaeological park setting around ancient Herakleia offers open views, paths, and a strong sense of the area's classical past.
The town's beach area is popular for long walks, sea views, and easy access to the Ionian coast, especially lively in the warmer months.
Crisp sweet peppers from Basilicata, fried until brittle and used as a snack or topping. They are a signature regional flavor often paired with pasta or cod.
Fresh pasta with crunchy peperoni cruschi and often breadcrumbs or cheese. It is one of Basilicata's best-known traditional pasta dishes.
Slow-cooked lamb with potatoes, herbs, and local seasoning. This hearty inland dish reflects the pastoral cooking traditions of Basilicata.
Established seafood restaurant in Policoro known for fresh fish dishes and a polished but relaxed setting popular for local coastal dining.
Well-known traditional restaurant serving Lucanian and southern Italian dishes in a casual atmosphere suited to families and groups.
Popular pizzeria and restaurant offering classic pizzas and local staples in an informal setting, suitable for an easy dinner in town.
More affordable than major Italian beach towns. Hotels, meals, and local transport are usually reasonable, with lower restaurant and summer lodging prices than top tourist hotspots.
Service is often included or modest. Rounding up or leaving €1-2 in cafés is enough; 5-10% in restaurants is appreciated for great service. Taxi tipping is optional, usually by rounding up.
Are you thinking of taking a trip down to Policoro from Bologna? Whether you are heading south for business or pleasure, bus travel would be an ideal choice. The two cities are about 401 miles (646 km) apart. Therefore, it would take an average of around 10 h 55min to get there by bus. Usually, there is one direct train per day from Bologna to Policoro, so you need to be keen on the departure time.
There is an average of one departure per day from Bologna to Policoro each day. That translates to around seven departures per week. However, the exact number of departures is dependent on the actual travel date. Usually, the bus leaves Bologna for Policoro at around 10:50 a.m. If you are not an early bird, then you, indeed, are in luck.
Bologna and Policoro are not what we could call nearby cities. To get to Policoro, you would have to cover a whole 401 miles (646 km) – so buckle up and get comfortable. The average train duration is around 10 h 55 min, although that depends on the particular bus you board and whether you are traveling to Policoro on a weekday or the weekend. Understandably, the journey is long – and you don’t have to stress over spending even more time on transfers since buses from Bologna to Policoro are direct.

Bologna Old Sanctuary. Source: Shutterstock
Departure station: There are a couple of bus stations in Bologna from which you can start your journey to Policoro. These include Bologna Centrale, Autostazione, and Imola highway exit. However, most passengers begin their journey at Bologna Centrale. It is only around 0.9 miles (1.4 km) away from the city center of Bologna. The station is well equipped with amenities such as washrooms. It is also accessible to travelers with limited mobility.
Arrival station: When traveling from Bologna to Policoro by bus, you will arrive at the Policoro (Terminal Bus via Bologna) station. It’s only about 0.2 miles (274 m) away from the city center of Policoro. The station also has a wide range of amenities and is easily accessible to passengers with limited mobility.
You can comfortably travel from Bologna to Policoro by buswith providers like Marino Autolinee or BlaBlaCar. On either of these buses, expect to spend around 10 h 55 min to get from Bologna to Policoro.
Marino buses are famous for journeys running from North to South Italy, like Bologna to Policoro. There is only one bus that runs from Bologna to Policoro daily and would take you an average of about 10 h 55 min. although Marino usually provides nighttime buses for longer routes, you might not find one from Bologna to Policoro since there is only one departure. Be sure to check their latest timetable of Omio to plan accordingly.
BlaBlaCar is another reputable bus service provider from Bologna to Policoro. Traveling on BlaBlaCar buses from Bologna to Policoro is incredibly convenient since they use specific technology to fill out empty seats. Just like on a Marine bus, it would take you an average of about 10 h 55 min to get to Policoro from Bologna.
Concerns about the environment and sustainability have been gaining traction in the recent past. Therefore, it’s more important now than ever before for travelers to understand the benefits of embracing sustainable travel – such as reducing their carbon footprint. One of the ways you can promote sustainable travel by boarding a bus – it’s more environmentally friendly than driving or flying because buses use considerably less fuel and release lower amounts of carbon dioxide into the air. By taking a bus from Bologna to Policoro, you could decrease your carbon footprint by up to 13 times.
Marino Autolinee buses come with a range of services on board. If you’d like to bring some luggage to Policoro, you are allowed to have one piece of hand luggage (40x30x15 cm) and two pieces of luggage not exceeding 12 kg and 140 cm (HxLxW). You can also bring one pet, which doesn’t weigh more than 10 kg, and remember to keep it insider a carrier. Besides, it’s possible to transport a bicycle, if it substitutes one of the large luggage. Marino buses allow minors aged between 14 and 18 to travel unaccompanied, provided they present written permission from their parents or guardians. Similarly, BlaBlaCar buses strive to ensure that all passengers enjoy a smooth ride. To start with, all their buses are accessible to passengers with limited mobility or using a wheelchair. They also allow you to bring a foldable bicycle aboard—BlaBlaCar guaranteed space for one piece of luggage in the hold of the bus. You would have to pay for extra space. Unfortunately, you cannot bring your pet onboard unless it’s a guide dog. To add icing to the cake, kids that are up to two years old get a 50% discount, while those between 2 and 11 years old get a 25% discount. BlaBlaCar buses also have features like personal air conditioning, extra legroom and adjustable seating, toilets, and charging sockets. Some buses also have free Wi_Fi. Besides, their drivers are very friendly and ready to help with anything you might need.
Every traveler would appreciate a chance to save some a few pennies on bus tickets from Bologna to Policoro. One way you could bag affordable tickets is by booking your tickets in advance – you can book tickets for your Bologna to Policoro through Omio up to a few months in advance. You might also consider traveling from Bologna to Policoro on a slower train and be flexible with travel dates. Additionally, check Omio to see if providers along the Bologna_Policoro route like BlaBlaCar have any special offers running.

Policoro Crops. Source: Shutterstock
Policoro is this hidden gem in southern Italy, where adventure awaits – it’s particularly good for a family escape. Don’t let the quietness fool you into believing it’s a dull destination. although it’s not as touristy as Rome or Milan, it has its charm. While it would be an excellent place to relax and watch the rest of the world spin past, you can go all in and explore the place inside out. The downtown area has several museums and boutiques worth checking out. The food here is worth your money. Whether you’d like a five_course dinner at a restaurant or some hot coffee from a café across the street, Policoro has it all. And before you live, find some time to go into one of the small shops in Policoro and get a souvenir. You can also find art galleries if you want to immerse yourself in artistic aesthetics. Some of the top family_friendly experiences in Policoro include taking a Monopoli tour among legends and gastronomy and a food tour and workshop in Bari. Here are some of the top tourist attractions you can’t miss in Policoro:
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bologna to Policoro 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 Policoro, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bologna to Policoro buses use the Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) to Policoro, Terminal Bus (Via Bologna) station pair. Use this guide to compare Bologna and Policoro 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