- Must visit
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
Major art museum with important Emilian paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries, including works by Giotto, Raffaello, and the Carracci.
Cheapest price
$119
Average price
$124
Fastest journey
7 h 3 m
Average duration
7 h 47 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
447 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Bologna Centrale is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Bologna Centrale will cost around $124 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $119.
Of the 2 trains that leave Basel for Bologna Centrale on Fri, Jun 19, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 447 km distance in an average of 7 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 3 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 8 h 31 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 Basel to Bologna Centrale among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $45. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 25m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $45, and a train costs an average of $87.
Distance: 277 miles (447 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$155 Average price | $63 Average price Cheapest | $133 Average price | $204 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 55m Average total duration Fastest 6h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 48m Average total duration 8h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 50m Average total duration 11h 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Basel to Bologna Centrale:
A bus is $70 (€57) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Basel to Bologna Centrale costing on average $133 (€108).
A bus is $92 (€75) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basel to Bologna Centrale costing on average $155 (€127).
Other travel options to Bologna Centrale take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 18m.
Flight takes on average 11h 50m.
Tickets start at around $155 (€127) compared to roughly $204 (€167) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $49 (€40). The journey takes 6h 25m versus 6h 14m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Bologna Centrale trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:30 PM Basel | 7h03 | 10:33 PM Bologna Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from Basel to Bologna Centrale run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $87 (€71) but you can travel from only $45 (€37) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 09:07, the last at 16:30. The fastest train covers the 277 miles (447 km) distance in 6h 20m.
Distance 277 miles (447 km) |
Average train duration 6h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $87 (€71) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 6h 20m |
First train 9:07 AM |
Last train 4:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Discover the best of Bologna Centrale — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bologna Centrale trip today.
Major art museum with important Emilian paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries, including works by Giotto, Raffaello, and the Carracci.
Important archaeological museum with Egyptian, Etruscan, Greek, and Roman collections in a historic central building.
Bologna’s leading modern and contemporary art museum, known for rotating exhibitions and the Morandi collection.
Bologna’s main square and social heart, surrounded by major historic buildings and a top starting point for exploring.
The city’s celebrated portico walk leading toward San Luca, especially popular for scenic walks and photos.
Beautiful square in front of the Santo Stefano complex, loved for its elegant and photogenic atmosphere.
Fresh egg tagliatelle served with Bologna’s classic slow-cooked meat ragù. It is one of the city’s signature dishes and a cornerstone of local Sunday cooking.
Small hand-folded pasta filled with pork, prosciutto, and Parmigiano Reggiano, traditionally served in rich capon or beef broth. It is especially linked to festive meals in Bologna.
Bolognese-style lasagna made with green spinach pasta sheets, ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano Reggiano. It is a classic celebratory baked pasta from the city.
Well-regarded traditional restaurant celebrated for seasonal ingredients, handmade pasta, and authentic regional dishes. Intimate setting with a strong reputation among food lovers.
Charming long-running restaurant set in a distinctive historic space, serving Bolognese and Italian classics with polished hospitality. Good for a relaxed but memorable dinner.
Historic trattoria known for classic Bolognese cooking such as tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù, and lasagne. Warm, traditional atmosphere and a longstanding local reputation.
Moderate for Italy: cafes and casual meals are reasonable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service is often included or modest. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for very good restaurant service is appreciated. Round up taxis slightly.
Official public transport app
Bologna Centrale, Bologna -> Piazza Maggiore, Bologna
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Bologna Centrale by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Bologna Centrale, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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