- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Birmingham to Bologna
Showing times and prices for Jun 19
Cheapest price
$473
Average price
$473
Fastest journey
22 h 2 m
Average duration
22 h 2 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
1316 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Birmingham to Bologna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Bologna will cost around $473 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $473.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Birmingham to Bologna without transferring at least 4 times.
9:47 AM22h02Birmingham7:49 AMBologna$4731One-way4 transfers
- 9:47 AM22h02Birmingham7:49 AMBologna$4731One-way4 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, flight, and bus for Birmingham to Bologna
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Bologna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $117. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 1m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $117, and a train costs an average of $473.
Distance: 817 miles (1316 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$473 Average price | $183 Average price Cheapest | $248 Average price | $337 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
22h 37m Average total duration 22h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 28h 7m Average total duration 27h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 1m Average total duration Fastest 3h 1m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 17h 32m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Birmingham to Bologna is a bus with an average price of $183 (€150).
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Bologna:
A bus is $66 (€54) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Birmingham to Bologna costing on average $248 (€204).
A bus is $291 (€238) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Bologna costing on average $473 (€388).
The fastest way to travel from Birmingham to Bologna is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 1m.
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Train takes on average 22h 7m.
Bus takes on average 27h 37m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Birmingham and Bologna including taking a train, flight, and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Birmingham to Bologna among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $473 (€388) compared to roughly $337 (€276) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-136.46 (€-111.83). The journey takes 22h 7m versus 17h 32m 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.
Live departures
Birmingham to Bologna train times
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Bologna trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:21 PM Birmingham | 21h33 | 3:54 PM Bologna | 4 transfers | |
| Friday, June 19 | |||||
| 9:47 AM Birmingham | 22h02 | 7:49 AM Bologna | 4 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Birmingham to Bologna by train, flight, or bus
Compare train, flight, and bus 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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Jun 19
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Why should you book Birmingham to Bologna trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast operates all trains services from Birmingham to Bologna.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Birmingham to Bologna.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train, flight and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Birmingham to Bologna.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, flight and bus to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham to Bologna.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Birmingham to Bologna
United Kingdom
Italy
Trains from Birmingham to Bologna run on average 1 times per day, taking around 22h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $473 (€388) but you can travel from only $95 (€78) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 17:56. The fastest train covers the 817 miles (1316 km) distance in 21h 7m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $95 (€78)
Distance 817 miles (1316 km) |
Average train duration 22h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $473 (€388) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 21h 7m |
First train 4:25 AM |
Last train 5:56 PM |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $95 (€78)
Train companies: Avanti West Coast from Birmingham to Bologna trainsAvanti West Coast trains will get you between Birmingham and Bologna from $95 (€78). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
21h 7m
Cheapest Price
$473 (€388)
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
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
MAMbo - Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna
Bologna’s leading modern and contemporary art museum, with strong permanent collections and rotating exhibitions in a large converted industrial space.
- Recommended
Museo Civico Archeologico
A major archaeological museum with Etruscan, Egyptian, Greek and Roman collections, housed in a historic palace near Piazza Maggiore.
- Must visit
Piazza Maggiore
Bologna’s main square and social heart, surrounded by major civic and religious buildings, ideal for first-time visitors and people-watching.
- Must visit
Portico di San Luca
The world-famous covered walkway leading toward the San Luca sanctuary, popular for scenic walks, photography and local tradition.
- Must visit
Piazza Santo Stefano
One of the city’s most elegant and photogenic squares, fronting the Santo Stefano complex and loved for its atmospheric character.
Tagliatelle Al Ragù
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.
Tortellini In Brodo
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.
Lasagne Alla Bolognese
Layered baked pasta with ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano Reggiano, often made with green spinach pasta sheets. It is a signature Emilia-Romagna Sunday dish.
Trattoria Di Via Serra
Highly regarded neighborhood trattoria known for careful ingredient sourcing and excellent handmade pasta, with a cozy and authentic feel.
Drogheria Della Rosa
Well-known romantic restaurant serving refined Emilian and Bolognese cuisine in an intimate former pharmacy space with polished service.
Osteria Dell'Orsa
Very popular traditional osteria known for classic Bolognese pasta dishes in a lively, casual setting close to the university area.
Euro
Moderate by Italian standards: food and coffee are reasonable, while central hotels cost more in peak season.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for pizza, panini, or street food.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person for a casual restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 1.30-2.50 for espresso or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
Roger
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 1.50
- Day pass
- EUR 6.00
To the city center
Bologna Centrale, Bologna -> Piazza Maggiore, Bologna
- Distance
- 1.5 km
- Travel time
- 20 min
- Single urban tickets on TPER are time-limited and can be bought in the Roger app, at ticket machines, or authorized retailers. Validate paper tickets when boarding.
- On many Bologna buses, contactless card payment is available onboard. Use the same card consistently if fare capping or checks apply.
FAQs: Trains from Birmingham to Bologna
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham 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.
Train ticket prices from Birmingham to Bologna can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $473 (€388), while the average price is around $473 (€388).
The train from Birmingham to Bologna runs once a day and takes approximately 21h 7m.
The first train from Birmingham to Bologna leaves at 4:25 AM.
The distance by train from Birmingham to Bologna is 817 miles (1316 km).
The last train from Birmingham to Bologna leaves at 5:56 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Birmingham to Bologna.
There is no direct train service currently available from Birmingham to Bologna.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Birmingham to Bologna.
The cheapest way to get from Birmingham to Bologna is by flight, with a cost of around $95 (€78).
The train journey from Birmingham to Bologna, involving connections through scenic areas like the Swiss Alps or the French countryside, offers picturesque views of rolling hills, charming villages, and stunning mountain landscapes, providing a visually pleasing experience.
A day trip from Birmingham to Bologna is not feasible as the journey takes 21h 7m and the distance is 817 miles (1316 km). The frequency of trains per day is 1.
In Bologna, you can explore Piazza Maggiore, the bustling central square surrounded by historic buildings and lively cafes. Climb the Two Towers for panoramic city views, and visit the Basilica di San Petronio, a grand church with stunning architecture. Discover the Archiginnasio of Bologna, a historic university building featuring a remarkable anatomical theater. Don't miss the Mercato di Mezzo, where you can enjoy local delicacies and fresh produce. Additionally, explore Santo Stefano, a fascinating complex known as the Seven Churches with unique architectural features.
Three days in Bologna is generally sufficient to explore its historic sites, enjoy its renowned cuisine, and experience its vibrant culture.
Yes, you can take the train from Birmingham to Bologna.
Bologna is within the Schengen Area. Passport and visa requirements depend on your nationality. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Bologna include Florence, Venice, Rimini, Verona, Ravenna.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Birmingham to Bologna among Omio's users.
Currently, UK citizens do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period) for tourism or business in the Schengen Area. However, the new ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is scheduled to launch in late 2026. Once active, this digital travel authorization will be a mandatory pre-travel requirement for all UK passport holders.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
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 train connections from Birmingham
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Most popular trains to and from Bologna and Birmingham
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