- 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
$176
Average price
$210
Fastest journey
1 d 4 h 10 m
Average duration
1 d 6 h 22 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 $210 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $176.
It's difficult to get from Madrid to Bologna without transferring at least once.
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FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · 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 $105. 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 $105, and a train costs an average of $250.
Distance: 815 miles (1312 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$174 Average price Cheapest | $215 Average price | $250 Average price | $347 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 $41 (€33) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Bologna costing on average $215 (€173).
A bus is $77 (€62) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Bologna costing on average $250 (€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 Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 32h20 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 32h05 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 31h20 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $131 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:05PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 28h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $151 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 03:05AM | Duration 30h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 34h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $149 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 31h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $134 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 30h51 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $155 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Bologna buses for today, Wednesday, May 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:05 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 28h15 | 11:20 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:50 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 30h15 | 3:05 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 2 transfers | |
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 | |
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 $105 (€85) but you can travel from only $60 (€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 $105 (€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.
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 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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