- 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
€126
Average price
€165
Fastest journey
13 h 21 m
Average duration
13 h 44 m
Trains per day
21
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 €165 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €126.
It's difficult to get from Bologna to Catania without transferring at least 2 times.
Intercity 594+
InterCityNotte 1959+
Regionale 5385
FRECCIAROSSA 9437+
InterCityNotte 1959+
Regionale 5385
FRECCIAROSSA 9325+
InterCityNotte 1955+
Regionale 12953
8929+
FRECCIAROSSA 9325+
InterCityNotte 1955+
Regionale 12953
8913+
FRECCIAROSSA 9325+
InterCityNotte 1955+
Regionale 12953
FRECCIAROSSA 9325+
InterCityNotte 1955+
Regionale 12953
FRECCIAROSSA 9437+
InterCityNotte 1959+
Regionale 5385
9951+
FRECCIAROSSA 9325+
InterCityNotte 1955+
Regionale 12953
8923+
FRECCIAROSSA 9325+
InterCityNotte 1955+
Regionale 12953
8963+
FRECCIAROSSA 9325+
InterCityNotte 1955+
Regionale 12953Omio 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 bus with prices starting from €30. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 27m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.8kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €30, and a train costs an average of €37.
Distance: 520 miles (838 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€115 Average price | €54 Average price Cheapest | €106 Average price | €81 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 48m Average total duration 12h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 59m Average total duration 13h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 27m Average total duration Fastest 4h 27m Onboard + 3h 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 bus is €52 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bologna to Catania costing on average €106.
A bus is €61 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bologna to Catania costing on average €115.
Other travel options to Catania take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 18m.
Bus takes on average 13h 29m.
Tickets start at around €115 compared to roughly €81 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-34.01. The journey takes 12h 18m 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, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:25 PM Bologna | 18h07 | 9:32 AM Catania | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:25 PM Bologna | 18h07 | 10:32 AM Catania | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:27 PM Bologna | 15h37 | 10:04 AM Catania | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:00 PM Bologna | 17h44 | 2:44 PM Catania | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:05 PM Bologna | 15h27 | 12:32 PM Catania | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:05 PM Bologna | 16h39 | 2:44 PM Catania | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:33 PM Bologna | 15h36 | 3:09 PM Catania | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 8 times per day, taking around 12h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €37 but you can travel from only €17 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 11h 48m.
Distance 520 miles (838 km) |
Average train duration 12h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price €37 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 11h 48m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:39 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 84 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 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