- Recommended
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
The city’s main fine art gallery, known for major works from the Bolognese school including Giotto, Raffaello, and the Carracci. A strong choice for understanding Bologna’s artistic heritage.
Cheapest price
$163
Average price
$185
Fastest journey
1 d 6 h 51 m
Average duration
1 d 9 h 10 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
1300 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid Barajas Airport to Bologna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid Barajas Airport to Bologna will cost around $185 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $163.
Of the 3 buses that leave Madrid Barajas Airport for Bologna on Sat, Jul 11, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 11 the direct buses cover the 1300 km distance in an average of 1 d 9 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 6 h 51 m .
On Sat, Jul 11 the slowest buses will take 1 d 10 h 20 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 flight as it is the most popular option from Madrid Barajas Airport to Bologna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $39. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 48m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $39, and a bus costs an average of $119.
Distance: 807 miles (1300 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$175 Average price | $169 Average price Cheapest | $469 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
27h 12m Average total duration 26h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 48m Average total duration Fastest 2h 48m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 17h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid Barajas Airport to Bologna:
A flight is $6 (€5) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Bologna costing on average $175 (€144).
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Bus takes on average 26h 42m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). 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 {directProviders}.
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 Alsa | Departure Time 12:14AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 33h06 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $159 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 32h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $146 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 32h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $159 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 32h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $126 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 31h55 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $126 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 29h55 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $126 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 29h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $150 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 27h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $126 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 27h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $150 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 35h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $168 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 34h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $119 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 31h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $161 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:59PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 30h51 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $184 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 34h20 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $140 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 48h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $244 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:25PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 47h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $145 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 31h00 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $137 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 34h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $184 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 07:05AM | Duration 31h06 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $181 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid Barajas Airport to Bologna buses for today, Friday, July 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:59 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 30h51 | 4:50 AM Bologna | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:00 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 34h20 | 8:20 AM Bologna | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:05 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 48h10 | 10:15 PM Bologna | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, July 11 | |||||
![]() | 9:00 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 34h20 | 7:20 AM Bologna | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 Madrid Barajas Airport to Bologna run on average 2 times per day, taking around 26h 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $119 (€98) but you can travel from only $39 (€32) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 19:50, the last at 22:50. The fastest bus covers the 807 miles (1300 km) distance in 30h 51m.
Distance 807 miles (1300 km) |
Average bus duration 26h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $119 (€98) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 30h 51m |
First bus 7:50 PM |
Last bus 10:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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 art gallery, known for major works from the Bolognese school including Giotto, Raffaello, and the Carracci. A strong choice for understanding Bologna’s artistic heritage.
Bologna’s leading modern and contemporary art museum, with rotating exhibitions and a respected permanent collection. Popular with visitors seeking a more current cultural scene.
A well-regarded archaeology museum with Etruscan, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman collections. It is especially valuable for learning about Bologna’s ancient roots.
Bologna’s main square is the natural starting point for exploring the historic center, surrounded by major civic and religious buildings. It is the city’s social and visual heart.
The long portico route leading to San Luca is one of Bologna’s signature walking experiences. It is highly popular for architecture, exercise, and scenic city views.
A historic central district of narrow lanes near Piazza Maggiore, known for its lively atmosphere and traditional urban character. Even with food shops around, it is primarily a classic walking area.
Fresh egg tagliatelle served with Bologna’s classic slow-cooked meat ragù. It is one of the city’s most iconic and traditional dishes.
Small stuffed pasta, usually filled with pork, mortadella, and Parmigiano Reggiano, served in rich capon or beef broth. A hallmark of Bolognese festive cooking.
Layered spinach pasta baked with ragù, béchamel, and cheese. Bologna’s traditional green lasagna is a celebrated local specialty.
Well-regarded traditional restaurant with a refined approach to Emilian classics, quality ingredients, and a cozy neighborhood feel.
Upscale dining venue in a grand historic setting, offering a fine-dining interpretation of regional Italian cuisine.
Classic Bolognese trattoria known for handmade pasta, tortellini in brodo, and a traditional, welcoming atmosphere.
Moderate by Italian standards: food is fair value, but central hotels and tourist spots cost more.
Service is usually included or modest. Rounding up or leaving EUR 1-2 at cafes is common; 5-10% in restaurants for great service.
Official public transport app
Bologna Centrale, Bologna -> Piazza Maggiore, Bologna
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid Barajas Airport 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 Madrid Barajas Airport to Bologna buses use the Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses to Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid Barajas Airport 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