- Must visit
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
Major art museum with important Emilian paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries, including works by Giotto, Raphael, and the Carracci.
Cheapest price
$62
Average price
$103
Fastest journey
15 h 40 m
Average duration
17 h
Buses per day
6
Distance
838 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Catania to Bologna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Catania to Bologna will cost around $103 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $62.
Of the 6 buses that leave Catania for Bologna on Sun, May 31, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 31 the direct buses cover the 838 km distance in an average of 17 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 15 h 40 m .
On Sun, May 31 the slowest buses will take 17 h 40 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.
2126
2126
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
2126
FlixBus · FlixBus
2126
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Catania to Bologna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $37. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 56m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.8kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $37, and a flight costs an average of $18.
Distance: 520 miles (838 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$70 Average price Cheapest | $148 Average price | $147 Average price | $86 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
15h 21m Average total duration 14h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 56m Average total duration Fastest 1h 56m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 34m Average total duration 13h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.8 - 2.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.8kg 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 Catania to Bologna:
A bus is $77 (€62) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Catania to Bologna costing on average $147 (€118).
A bus is $78 (€63) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Catania to Bologna costing on average $148 (€119).
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Train takes on average 13h 4m.
Bus takes on average 14h 51m.
Tickets start at around $70 (€56) compared to roughly $86 (€69) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $16 (€13). The journey takes 14h 51m versus 12h 5m 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 Itabus, Autoservizi Salemi, FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, Infobus.
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 09:25AM | Arrival Time 03:55AM | Duration 18h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 15h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 17h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 17h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $119 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 17h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 17h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $96 |
The table below shows live departures for Catania to Bologna buses for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:25 AM Catania, Via D'Amico | 18h30 | 3:55 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 6:40 PM Catania, Via D'Amico | 15h40 | 10:20 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 0 transfersDirect | |
2126 | 7:55 PM Catania, Aeroporto di Catania-Fontanarossa (P2 Breve Sosta) | 17h20 | 1:15 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:10 PM Catania, Via D'Amico | 17h20 | 1:30 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
2126 | 8:15 PM Catania, Via D'Amico | 17h00 | 1:15 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:55 PM Catania, Via D'Amico | 17h40 | 5:35 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 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 Catania to Bologna run on average 7 times per day, taking around 14h 51m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $37 (€30) but you can travel from only $18 (€15) by flight.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:01, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 520 miles (838 km) distance in 15h 40m.
Distance 520 miles (838 km) |
Average bus duration 14h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 (€30) |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 15h 40m |
First bus 12:01 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Bologna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bologna trip today.
Major art museum with 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, known for rotating exhibitions and the Morandi collection.
Important archaeological museum with Egyptian, Etruscan, Greek, and Roman collections in a historic central building.
Bologna’s main square and social heart, surrounded by major historic buildings and lively throughout the day.
Famous covered walkway climbing toward San Luca, ideal for a scenic walk and one of Bologna’s defining urban features.
Historic central district of narrow lanes near Piazza Maggiore, valued for atmosphere, porticoes, and classic Bologna street life.
Fresh egg tagliatelle served with Bologna’s classic slow-cooked meat ragù. It is one of the city’s signature dishes and more traditional than spaghetti bolognese.
Small ring-shaped pasta filled with meat and served in rich capon or beef broth. A deeply traditional Bolognese dish, especially associated with festive meals.
Layered pasta made with green spinach sheets, ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano Reggiano. It is a classic Sunday and holiday dish in Bologna.
Well-known pasta shop and eatery specializing in fresh stuffed pasta, tagliatelle, and quick traditional lunches in a central informal space.
Elegant fine dining restaurant in a historic setting, known for refined Emilian cuisine and tasting menus with polished service.
Historic traditional trattoria known for handmade pasta, tortellini, and classic Bolognese dishes in a warm, old-school setting.
Moderate for Italy: food and coffee are reasonable, while central hotels cost more in peak season.
Service is usually included or covered by coperto. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for great service is appreciated; small change for taxis is enough.
Official public transport app
Bologna Centrale, Bologna -> Piazza Maggiore, Bologna
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Catania 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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