- Must visit
Museo Civico Castello Ursino
Civic museum inside Castello Ursino with medieval art, paintings, archaeology, and collections that trace Catania’s history from antiquity onward.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$133
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$175
Fastest journey on Sep 18
11 h 48 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
12 h 52 m
Trains on Sep 18
8
Distance
838 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bologna to Catania is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bologna to Catania will cost around $175 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $133.
It's difficult to get from Bologna to Catania without transferring at least once.
InterCityNotte 770+
Intercity 723
FRECCIAROSSA 9613+
Intercity 727
Intercity 594+
InterCityNotte 1959
Intercity 594+
InterCityNotte 1959+
Regionale 5385
FRECCIAROSSA 9437+
InterCityNotte 1959
FRECCIAROSSA 9613+
Intercity 727
FRECCIAROSSA 9653+
InterCityNotte 1955+
Regionale 12951
FRECCIAROSSA 9653+
InterCityNotte 1955
FRECCIAROSSA 9437+
InterCityNotte 1959+
Regionale 5385
FRECCIAROSSA 9437+
InterCityNotte 1959Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bologna to Catania among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $66 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 23m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.3 - 0.8kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $66, while a flight costs an average of $271.
Distance: 520 miles (838 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$66 Average price Cheapest | $95 Average price | $271 Average price | $99 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 50m Average total duration 13h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 18h 7m Average total duration 17h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 23m Average total duration Fastest 2h 23m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 11h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 2.1kg 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 Bologna to Catania:
A train is $29 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bologna to Catania costing on average $95.
A train is $204 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bologna to Catania costing on average $271.
Other travel options to Catania take longer:
Train takes on average 13h 20m.
Bus takes on average 17h 37m.
Tickets start at around $66 compared to roughly $99 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $33. The journey takes 13h 20m versus 11h 56m 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 Bologna to Catania trains for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Intercity 594+ InterCityNotte 1959 | 5:25 PM Bologna Centrale | 17h32 | 10:57 AM Catania Centrale | 1 transfer | |
Intercity 594+ InterCityNotte 1959+ Regionale 5385 | 5:25 PM Bologna Centrale | 17h12 | 10:37 AM Catania Centrale | 2 transfers | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9325+ InterCityNotte 1955+ Regionale 12953 | 6:12 PM Bologna Centrale | 13h21 | 7:33 AM Catania Centrale | 2 transfers | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9325+ InterCityNotte 1955 | 6:12 PM Bologna Centrale | 13h28 | 7:40 AM Catania Centrale | 1 transfer | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9437+ InterCityNotte 1959 | 9:02 PM Bologna Centrale | 13h55 | 10:57 AM Catania Centrale | 1 transfer | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9437+ InterCityNotte 1959+ Regionale 5385 | 9:02 PM Bologna Centrale | 13h35 | 10:37 AM Catania Centrale | 2 transfers | |
InterCityNotte 1963 | 11:05 PM Bologna Centrale | 15h27 | 2:32 PM Catania Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, September 18 | |||||
InterCityNotte 770+ Intercity 723 | 1:33 AM Bologna Centrale | 15h36 | 5:09 PM Catania Centrale | 1 transfer | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9613+ Intercity 727 | 9:37 AM Bologna Centrale | 11h48 | 9:25 PM Catania Centrale | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Bologna to Catania run on average 49 times per day, taking around 13h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 but you can travel from only $21 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:39. The fastest train covers the 520 miles (838 km) distance in 9h 52m.
Distance 520 miles (838 km) |
Average train duration 13h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 |
Trains per day 49 |
Fastest train 9h 52m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:39 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Catania — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Catania trip today.
Civic museum inside Castello Ursino with medieval art, paintings, archaeology, and collections that trace Catania’s history from antiquity onward.
Museum in Bellini’s birthplace with manuscripts, portraits, period furnishings, and exhibits dedicated to the celebrated Catanian composer’s life.
University museum combining displays on Etna, volcanology, zoology, and science, ideal for understanding the natural setting around Catania.
Catania’s main square and Baroque showpiece, framed by the cathedral, Elephant Fountain, and historic palaces, making it the city’s essential starting point.
Elegant Baroque street lined with churches and palaces, often considered one of Sicily’s most beautiful urban ensembles for a short historic walk.
Lively historic fish market area behind Piazza Duomo, famous for its sensory atmosphere, street life, and authentic glimpse of everyday Catania.
Crisp fried rice ball filled with ragù, peas and cheese. A Sicilian street food staple, especially iconic in Catania bakeries and bars.
Pasta alla Norma combines pasta with fried eggplant, tomato sauce, salted ricotta and basil. It is Catania’s signature dish, named after Bellini’s opera.
Fresh horse meat, often grilled as polpette or steaks. It is a long-standing Catania specialty, especially around the city’s traditional meat stalls.
Historic pastry and café stop famous for granita, cannoli and Sicilian breakfast. A classic casual venue with strong local identity.
Refined Sicilian dining in central Catania, serving seasonal local ingredients and polished regional recipes in an elegant setting.
Historic seafood restaurant by the fish market, known for ultra-fresh catch and classic Catania dishes in a lively traditional setting.
Moderate for Italy: stays and dining are usually cheaper than Rome or Milan, while tourist areas and summer rates raise hotel and restaurant prices. Local buses stay low-cost.
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants for good service, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes if served at table.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bologna to Catania 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 Catania, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bologna to Catania trains use the Bologna Centrale to Catania Centrale station pair. Use this guide to compare Bologna and Catania train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bologna Centrale is 1 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna Centrale has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, A Cafè, VyTA Boulangerie, Venchi, Scambio, Juice Bar, KFC, Dispensa Emilia, Lavazza, Mokà, & more
Free Wi-Fi. . ATMs are aTM is located in the main hall.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00. Information desks are customer service center is on the ground floor and open every day from 06:30 to 23:00.
Luggage storage is luggage facility, open daily from 07:00 to 22:00, is located in front of binario 7 Ovest (Track 7 West).
Available at Bologna Centrale: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bologna Centrale: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna Centrale: Accessible facilities including barrier-free restrooms, elevators and ramps. Sala Blu mobility assistance available from 07:45 to 22:30 with advanced one-hour notice.
Nearby hotels include Starhotels Excelsior, Millenn Hotel Bologna, UNA Hotels.
Bologna, Aeroporto is 5 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna, Aeroporto has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple options on site
Free wifi throughout the station. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Bologna, Aeroporto.
Available at Bologna, Aeroporto: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna, Aeroporto: Fully accessible for disabled individuals.
Bologna San Ruffillo is 4 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna San Ruffillo has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Bologna San Ruffillo.
Available at Bologna San Ruffillo: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bologna San Ruffillo: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna San Ruffillo: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include San Ruffillo House, Hotel Il Guercino, Hotel Porta San Mamolo.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need