- Must visit
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
The city’s main fine arts museum, known for important Emilian paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries, including works by Giotto, Raphael and the Carracci.
Cheapest price
$165
Average price
$183
Fastest journey
6 h 20 m
Average duration
7 h 18 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
448 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Bologna 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 will cost around $183 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $165.
Of the 7 trains that leave Basel for Bologna on Sun, Jun 21, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 448 km distance in an average of 7 h 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 20 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 8 h 3 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 among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $35. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 20m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $35, and a flight costs an average of $83.
Distance: 278 miles (448 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$166 Average price | $62 Average price Cheapest | $268 Average price | $204 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 10m Average total duration 6h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 53m Average total duration 8h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 20m Average total duration Fastest 2h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Basel to Bologna:
A bus is $104 (€85) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basel to Bologna costing on average $166 (€136).
A bus is $206 (€168) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Basel to Bologna costing on average $268 (€219).
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 40m.
Bus takes on average 8h 23m.
Tickets start at around $166 (€136) compared to roughly $204 (€167) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $37 (€31). The journey takes 6h 40m 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 trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:30 AM Basel | 8h28 | 1:58 PM Bologna | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:07 AM Basel | 8h03 | 5:10 PM Bologna | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:04 AM Basel | 8h06 | 6:10 PM Bologna | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:07 AM Basel | 8h03 | 6:10 PM Bologna | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:04 PM Basel | 6h20 | 7:24 PM Bologna | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:30 PM Basel | 7h03 | 10:33 PM Bologna | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:30 PM Basel | 7h03 | 11:33 PM Bologna | 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 run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $84 (€69) but you can travel from only $35 (€29) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 278 miles (448 km) distance in 6h 20m.
Distance 278 miles (448 km) |
Average train duration 6h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $84 (€69) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 6h 20m |
First train 12:20 AM |
Last train 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 4 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 arts museum, known for 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, with strong permanent collections and rotating exhibitions in a large converted industrial space.
A major archaeological museum with Etruscan, Egyptian, Greek and Roman collections, housed in a historic palace near Piazza Maggiore.
Bologna’s main square and social heart, surrounded by major civic and religious buildings, ideal for first-time visitors and people-watching.
The world-famous covered walkway leading toward the San Luca sanctuary, popular for scenic walks, photography and local tradition.
One of the city’s most elegant and photogenic squares, fronting the Santo Stefano complex and loved for its atmospheric character.
Fresh egg pasta ribbons served with Bologna’s traditional slow-cooked meat ragù. It is one of the city’s most iconic dishes and differs from the tomato-heavy versions found abroad.
Small ring-shaped pasta filled with meat and served in rich capon or beef broth. This is a classic Bolognese comfort dish, especially tied to festive family meals.
Layered baked pasta with ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano Reggiano, often made with green spinach pasta sheets. It is a signature Emilia-Romagna Sunday dish.
Highly regarded neighborhood trattoria known for careful ingredient sourcing and excellent handmade pasta, with a cozy and authentic feel.
Well-known romantic restaurant serving refined Emilian and Bolognese cuisine in an intimate former pharmacy space with polished service.
Very popular traditional osteria known for classic Bolognese pasta dishes in a lively, casual setting close to the university area.
Moderate by Italian standards: food and coffee are reasonable, while central hotels cost more in peak season.
Service is often included or covered by coperto. Tipping is not required; round up or leave EUR 1-5 for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up.
Official public transport app
Bologna Centrale, Bologna -> Piazza Maggiore, Bologna
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Bologna 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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