- Must visit
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
The city’s main fine arts museum, known for important Emilian paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries, including works by Giotto, Raphael and the Carracci.
Cheapest price
$31
Average price
$48
Fastest journey
5 h 5 m
Average duration
5 h 31 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
251 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Lugano to Bologna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lugano to Bologna will cost around $48 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
Of the 8 buses that leave Lugano for Bologna on Fri, Jun 19, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct buses cover the 251 km distance in an average of 5 h 31 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 5 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest buses will take 6 h 10 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
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
2495 · 3825
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
2495
2495 · 3825Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lugano to Bologna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 22m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, and a train costs an average of $32.
Distance: 155 miles (251 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$29 Average price Cheapest | $58 Average price | $147 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 2m Average total duration 4h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 52m Average total duration Fastest 3h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Lugano to Bologna:
A bus is $29 (€24) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lugano to Bologna costing on average $58 (€48).
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 32m.
Tickets start at around $29 (€24) compared to roughly $147 (€120) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $118 (€96). The journey takes 4h 32m versus 3h 15m 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, Itabus.
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 04:00AM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator Marino Autolinee | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 02:45AM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Trenitalia | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 06:53AM | Duration 9h23 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $62 |
The table below shows live departures for Lugano to Bologna buses for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:15 AM Lugano, Via Ciani | 6h50 | 12:05 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 9:15 AM Lugano, Via Ciani | 5h05 | 2:20 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:15 PM Lugano, Via Ciani | 5h15 | 6:30 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:40 PM Lugano, Via Ciani | 5h10 | 12:50 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
2495 | 8:50 PM Lugano, Via Ciani | 5h55 | 2:45 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 0 transfersDirect | |
2495 · 3825 | 8:50 PM Lugano, Via Ciani | 6h10 | 3:00 AM 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 and bus 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 Lugano to Bologna run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 32m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 (€16) if you book in advance.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:50, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 155 miles (251 km) distance in 4h 40m.
Distance 155 miles (251 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€16) |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 4h 40m |
First bus 12:50 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Bologna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bologna trip today.
The city’s main fine arts museum, known for 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, with strong permanent collections and rotating exhibitions in a large converted industrial space.
A major archaeological museum with Etruscan, Egyptian, Greek and Roman collections, housed in a historic palace near Piazza Maggiore.
Bologna’s main square and social heart, surrounded by major civic and religious buildings, ideal for first-time visitors and people-watching.
The world-famous covered walkway leading toward the San Luca sanctuary, popular for scenic walks, photography and local tradition.
One of the city’s most elegant and photogenic squares, fronting the Santo Stefano complex and loved for its atmospheric character.
Fresh egg pasta ribbons served with Bologna’s traditional slow-cooked meat ragù. It is one of the city’s most iconic dishes and differs from the tomato-heavy versions found abroad.
Small ring-shaped pasta filled with meat and served in rich capon or beef broth. This is a classic Bolognese comfort dish, especially tied to festive family meals.
Layered baked pasta with ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano Reggiano, often made with green spinach pasta sheets. It is a signature Emilia-Romagna Sunday dish.
Highly regarded neighborhood trattoria known for careful ingredient sourcing and excellent handmade pasta, with a cozy and authentic feel.
Well-known romantic restaurant serving refined Emilian and Bolognese cuisine in an intimate former pharmacy space with polished service.
Very popular traditional osteria known for classic Bolognese pasta dishes in a lively, casual setting close to the university area.
Moderate by Italian standards: food and coffee are reasonable, while central hotels cost more in peak season.
Service is often included or covered by coperto. Tipping is not required; round up or leave EUR 1-5 for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up.
Official public transport app
Bologna Centrale, Bologna -> Piazza Maggiore, Bologna
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lugano 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.

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