- 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
$22
Average price
$48
Fastest journey
7 h 35 m
Average duration
8 h 51 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
215 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Macerata to Bologna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Macerata to Bologna will cost around $48 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $22.
Of the 4 buses that leave Macerata for Bologna on Mon, Jun 01, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 01 the direct buses cover the 215 km distance in an average of 8 h 51 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 35 m .
On Mon, Jun 01 the slowest buses will take 10 h 50 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 train as it is the most popular option from Macerata to Bologna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $21. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 45m. 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 train costs an average of $21, and a bus costs an average of $17.
Distance: 133 miles (215 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$35 Average price | $30 Average price Cheapest | $76 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 15m Average total duration Fastest 2h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration 3h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg 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 Macerata to Bologna:
A train is $5 (€4) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Macerata to Bologna costing on average $35 (€28).
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 23m.
You'll arrive about 17m sooner (2h 45m by bus vs 3h 2m by car) and save roughly $41 (€33) compared to fuel and tolls ($35 (€28) vs $76 (€61)). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by BlaBlaCar.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Frecciarossa | Departure Time 05:54AM | Arrival Time 12:15PM | Duration 6h21 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator Regionale | Departure Time 05:54AM | Arrival Time 01:26PM | Duration 7h32 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 01:35PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 02:00AM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
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 Macerata to Bologna run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $17 (€13) if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 133 miles (215 km) distance in 6h 15m.
Distance 133 miles (215 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 (€13) |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 6h 15m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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.
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 Macerata 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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