- 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
$122
Average price
$179
Fastest journey
1 d 4 h 10 m
Average duration
1 d 5 h 58 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
1312 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid 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 to Bologna will cost around $179 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $122.
It's difficult to get from Madrid to Bologna without transferring at least once.
54152 · 4787
3160 · 94763
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
54152 · 4787
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Bologna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $103. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.3 - 3.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $103, and a train costs an average of $246.
Distance: 815 miles (1312 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$170 Average price Cheapest | $211 Average price | $246 Average price | $340 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
26h 49m Average total duration 26h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 18m Average total duration Fastest 3h 18m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 35h 20m Average total duration 34h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.3 - 3.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 3.9 - 7.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Madrid to Bologna:
A bus is $40 (€33) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Bologna costing on average $211 (€173).
A bus is $75 (€62) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Bologna costing on average $246 (€202).
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Bus takes on average 26h 19m.
Train takes on average 34h 50m.
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, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $165 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 32h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $155 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 32h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $155 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 32h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $141 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 31h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $141 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 30h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $165 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 30h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $165 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 08:35AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 30h20 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $122 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 29h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $141 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 29h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $165 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 27h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $141 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 27h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $165 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 31h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $106 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:05PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 28h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:55PM | Arrival Time 03:10AM | Duration 29h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 34h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $152 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 31h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $139 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 30h51 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $171 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Bologna buses for today, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:55 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 31h20 | 11:15 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:05 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 28h10 | 11:15 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:55 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 29h15 | 3:10 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 2 transfers | |
3160 · 94763 | 10:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 34h50 | 9:20 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 31h15 | 6:50 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:59 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 30h51 | 6:50 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, July 12 | |||||
54152 · 4787 | 8:35 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 30h20 | 2:55 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 Madrid to Bologna run on average 4 times per day, taking around 26h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $103 (€85) but you can travel from only $59 (€48) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:14, the last at 23:54. The fastest bus covers the 815 miles (1312 km) distance in 28h 10m.
Distance 815 miles (1312 km) |
Average bus duration 26h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $103 (€85) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 28h 10m |
First bus 12:14 AM |
Last bus 11:54 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 63 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 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 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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