- Must visit
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
Leading city museum with major Italian paintings from the Middle Ages to modern times, essential for understanding Bologna's art history.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Zurich to Bologna
Showing times and prices for Jul 15
Cheapest price
$95
Average price
$99
Fastest journey
9 h 30 m
Average duration
11 h 3 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
385 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Zurich to Bologna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Bologna will cost around $99 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $95.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Zurich to Bologna without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus8:45 AM9h30Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof)6:15 PMBologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)$951One-way1 transfer- FlixBus · FlixBus3:50 PM12h35Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof)4:25 AMBologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)$1031One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus8:45 AM9h30Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof)6:15 PMBologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)$951One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus3:50 PM12h35Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof)4:25 AMBologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)$1031One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Zurich to Bologna
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Bologna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 53m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $24, and a flight costs an average of $137.
Distance: 239 miles (385 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$47 Average price Cheapest | $141 Average price | $333 Average price | $189 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 43m Average total duration 8h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 0m Average total duration 5h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 53m Average total duration Fastest 1h 53m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.2 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Zurich to Bologna is a bus with an average price of $47 (€39).
This is compared to other travel options from Zurich to Bologna:
A bus is $93 (€77) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Bologna costing on average $141 (€116).
A bus is $285 (€235) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Bologna costing on average $333 (€274).
The fastest way to travel from Zurich to Bologna is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 53m.
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 30m.
Bus takes on average 8h 13m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Zurich and Bologna including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Zurich to Bologna among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $47 (€39) compared to roughly $189 (€156) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $142 (€117). The journey takes 8h 13m versus 5h 36m 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 Itabus, FlixBus, BlaBlaCar.
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.
Zurich to Bologna Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Marino Autolinee | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 04:25AM | Duration 12h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator RegioJet a.s. | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 09:15AM | Duration 36h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $138 |
Live departures
Zurich to Bologna bus times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Bologna buses for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:50 PM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 12h35 | 4:25 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, July 15 | |||||
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:45 AM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 9h30 | 6:15 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 prices and tickets Zurich to Bologna by train, bus, or flight
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.
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Why should you book Zurich to Bologna buses with Omio?
Itabus as well as FlixBus or Marino Autolinee offer buses services from Zurich to Bologna.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Zurich to Bologna.
Why book with Omio vs Itabus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Itabus, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Marino Autolinee to find the best option for your trip from Zurich to Bologna.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Itabus with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Zurich to Bologna.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Marino Autolinee to find the best option for your trip from Zurich to Bologna.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Zurich to Bologna.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Zurich to Bologna
Switzerland
Italy
Buses from Zurich to Bologna run on average 3 times per day, taking around 8h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $24 (€20) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:35, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 239 miles (385 km) distance in 8h 40m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 239 miles (385 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€20) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 8h 40m |
First bus 12:35 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 2 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: Itabus, FlixBus, Marino Autolinee, BlaBlaCar from Zurich to BolognaYou can travel by bus between Zurich to Bologna with Itabus, FlixBus, Marino Autolinee, BlaBlaCar for as low as $24 (€20). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Itabus
About
Itabus is a leading bus company in Italy, providing reliable and comfortable transportation services to its customers. Itabus operates a fleet of modern buses, ranging from luxury coaches to standard buses, all equipped with air conditioning, comfortable seating, and onboard entertainment.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 25m
Cheapest Price
$24 (€20)
Itabus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
Additional luggage
5€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Dedicated seating areas; Accessible restrooms.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 10m
Cheapest Price
$28 (€23)
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Marino Autolinee
About
MarinoBus is an Italian bus company with more than 200 destinations and 6,000 connections across Italy and Europe. Originally focused on Basilicata and Apulia, its network has expanded to cover the rest of Italy as well as Switzerland, France, Germany, and Luxembourg. All MarinoBus coaches are equipped with spacious reclining seats, air conditioning, onboard restrooms, WiFi, minibars, and color TVs. For your next trip, you can book the standard ticket, which includes one piece of hand luggage and up to two checked bags per passenger
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 40m
Cheapest Price
$37 (€31)
Marino Autolinee frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 10kg (55x40x20 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag up to 20 kg.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 50% fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible restrooms.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.
BlaBlaCar
About
BlaBlaCar is a French online marketplace for carpooling, connecting drivers with empty seats and passengers traveling to the same destination to share costs. Founded in 2006, it operates in Europe and Latin America, boasting 26 million active members. The platform also includes BlaBlaCar Bus, an intercity bus service. BlaBlaCar's name comes from its rating system for drivers' chattiness: "Bla" for quiet, "BlaBla" for talkative, and "BlaBlaBla" for very chatty. The company aims to be the leading marketplace for shared travel, offering affordable and sustainable solutions by combining carpooling with bus journeys.
Luggage & cancellation policy
BlaBlaCar frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Bologna
Things to do in Bologna
Discover the best of Bologna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bologna trip today.
- Recommended
Museo Civico Archeologico
Archaeological museum with rich Egyptian, Etruscan, Greek, and Roman collections in a central historic palace.
- Recommended
Museo Civico Medievale
Museum of Bologna's urban history using objects, rooms, and multimedia to trace the city from antiquity to today.
- Must visit
Piazza Maggiore
Bologna's main square, surrounded by landmark buildings and always lively, ideal for architecture, people-watching, and orientation.
- Must visit
Quadrilatero
Historic market quarter with narrow lanes, medieval character, and vibrant street life just behind Piazza Maggiore.
- Must visit
Portico di San Luca
Long portico route climbing toward San Luca, UNESCO-listed and perfect for a memorable urban walk with changing views.
Tagliatelle Al Ragù
Handmade egg pasta ribbons traditionally served with slow-cooked ragù. A defining Bolognese dish protected by local culinary tradition.
Tortellini In Brodo
Small ring-shaped stuffed pasta, usually filled with pork and Parmigiano Reggiano, served in rich capon or beef broth. A classic festive dish.
Lasagne Verdi Alla Bolognese
Green spinach pasta layered with ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano. Bologna's traditional baked lasagna is richer and more refined than many versions abroad.
I Portici Restaurant
Elegant Michelin-starred restaurant serving refined Emilian cuisine in a polished, intimate space within central Bologna.
Salumeria Simoni
Traditional deli and wine bar famed for mortadella, cheeses, fresh pasta, and informal counter dining in the Quadrilatero market area.
Trattoria Da Me
Historic trattoria known for classic Bolognese pasta, cured meats, and traditional dining rooms with a warm, old-city atmosphere.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Italy: stays and dining are cheaper than Rome or Milan, while transit is affordable and tourist-center prices stay manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or street food.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. Service may be included. Round up or leave €1-2 at cafes, 5-10% in restaurants for great service, and round up taxi fares.
Roger
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.50
- Day pass
- €6.00
To the city center
Bologna Stazione Centrale -> Piazza Maggiore, Bologna
- Distance
- 1.4 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Contactless bank card payment is available on TPER buses in Bologna; buy before boarding if using paper or app tickets.
- Validate paper tickets when boarding. City tickets are time-limited, so check the validity shown on the ticket or in the app.
FAQs: Bus from Zurich to Bologna
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Zurich to Bologna can start from as little as $24 (€20) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Zurich to Bologna is $47 (€39) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Zurich to Bologna is 8h 40m to travel the 239 miles (385 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Zurich to Bologna leaves at 12:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Zurich to Bologna leaves at 11:30 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Zurich to Bologna with Itabus, FlixBus, BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Zurich to Bologna, you can count on Itabus, FlixBus, Marino Autolinee, BlaBlaCar for the best way to get you to Bologna. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Zurich and Bologna and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Zurich , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai), Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof), Winterthur, Lagerhausstrasse / Archstrasse, Dübendorf, Sportanlage Dürrbach, Uster, Sportanlage, Wetzikon, ZH, Bahnhof . When arriving in Bologna , you can end your journey in bus stations like Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre), Casalecchio di Reno, Stazione Casalecchio Garibaldi, Modena, Terminal via Gottardi .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai), which is located around 0 miles (1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre), located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Bologna from Zurich is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Zurich to Bologna is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Zurich and Bologna including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Zurich to Bologna for bus company Itabus, FlixBus, Marino Autolinee.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Zurich to Bologna:
- Marino Autolinee
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible restrooms.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Itabus
- Assistance
- Dedicated seating areas
- Accessible restrooms.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Bologna are:
- Piazza Maggiore, a central square surrounded by historic buildings and a hub for local events
- Two Towers, iconic medieval towers offering panoramic views of the city
- Basilica di San Petronio, a grand Gothic church known for its unfinished facade and impressive interior
- Archiginnasio of Bologna, a historic university building with a stunning anatomical theater and library
- Santo Stefano, a complex of religious buildings known as the Seven Churches with unique architectural features.
The best things to do in Bologna include:
- Piazza Maggiore, the central square surrounded by historic buildings and lively cafes
- Two Towers, iconic medieval towers offering panoramic views of the city
- Basilica di San Petronio, a grand church with impressive architecture and art
- Archiginnasio of Bologna, a historic university building with a stunning anatomical theater
- Mercato di Mezzo, a bustling market offering local delicacies and fresh produce.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Itabus, FlixBus, Marino Autolinee.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Zurich to Bologna depends on the bus companies:
- Marino Autolinee
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 50% fee.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- Itabus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Zurich to Bologna.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Zurich to Bologna:
- Marino Autolinee
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg (55x40x20 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Itabus
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Zurich to Bologna:
- Marino Autolinee
- 10€ per additional bag up to 20 kg.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Itabus
- 5€ per additional bag.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Zurich to Bologna. The following conditions apply:
- Marino Autolinee
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
- Itabus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Zurich to Bologna with the following bus company: Itabus, FlixBus, Marino Autolinee
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Zurich to Bologna with the following bus company: Itabus, FlixBus, Marino Autolinee.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Zurich to Bologna with the following bus company: Itabus, FlixBus, Marino Autolinee.
Since both Zurich and Bologna are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Zurich to Bologna among Omio's users.
Italy uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards for most payments, especially in cities and larger establishments, but carrying some cash is advisable for small shops, markets, and rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Bologna, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like train stations and popular tourist spots. Scams involving fake charity collectors or unofficial taxi drivers offering overpriced rides can also occur. It's advisable to use licensed taxis and keep personal belongings secure to avoid common safety issues.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular bus connections from Zurich
More options for your journey from Zurich to Bologna
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bologna and Zurich
Most popular bus connections to Bologna
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