- Must visit
Museo del Prado
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Bologna to Madrid
Showing times and prices for Aug 29
Cheapest price
$294
Average price
$294
Fastest journey
1 d 3 h 7 m
Average duration
1 d 3 h 7 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
1312 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bologna to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bologna to Madrid will cost around $294 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $294.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Bologna to Madrid without transferring at least 3 times.
1:11 PM27h07Bologna4:18 PMMadrid$2941One-way3 transfers
- 1:11 PM27h07Bologna4:18 PMMadrid$2941One-way3 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Bologna to Madrid
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Bologna to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.3 - 3.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, and a flight costs an average of $29.
Distance: 815 miles (1312 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$491 Average price | $124 Average price Cheapest | $485 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
6h 14m Average total duration Fastest 4h 14m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 27h 37m Average total duration 27h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
- CO2 emissions | 3.9 - 7.9kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 3.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Bologna to Madrid is a bus with an average price of $124.
This is compared to other travel options from Bologna to Madrid:
A bus is $366 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bologna to Madrid costing on average $491.
The fastest way to travel from Bologna to Madrid is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 14m.
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Bus takes on average 27h 7m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bologna and Madrid including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Bologna to Madrid among Omio's users.
Live departures
Bologna to Madrid train times
The table below shows live departures for Bologna to Madrid trains for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:11 PM Bologna | 27h07 | 4:18 PM Madrid | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bologna to Madrid by train, bus, or flight
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.
Fri
Aug 28
Aug 28
Sat
Aug 29
Aug 29
Sun
Aug 30
Aug 30
Mon
Aug 31
Aug 31
Tue
Sep 01
Sep 01
Wed
Sep 02
Sep 02
Thu
Sep 03
Sep 03
Fri
Sep 04
Sep 04
Sat
Sep 05
Sep 05
Sun
Sep 06
Sep 06
Mon
Sep 07
Sep 07
Tue
Sep 08
Sep 08
Wed
Sep 09
Sep 09
Thu
Sep 10
Sep 10
Fri
Sep 11
Sep 11
Sat
Sep 12
Sep 12
Sun
Sep 13
Sep 13
Mon
Sep 14
Sep 14
Tue
Sep 15
Sep 15
Wed
Sep 16
Sep 16
Thu
Sep 17
Sep 17
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bologna to Madrid
Italy
Spain
Take a train from Bologna to Madrid and enjoy the approximately 815 miles (1312 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 17:10.
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
Bus from $19
Distance 815 miles (1312 km) |
First train 12:10 AM |
Last train 5:10 PM |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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
Bus from $19
Complete guide to Madrid
Things to do in Madrid
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Leading modern art museum best known for Picasso’s Guernica, plus major works by Dalí and Miró.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
Celebrated collection of European masters from Van Eyck to Hopper in a refined palace setting.
- Must visit
El Retiro Park
Madrid’s most famous park offers gardens, a boating lake, monuments, and relaxed walks in the city center.
- Must visit
Gran Vía
Lively grand avenue known for architecture, shopping, theaters, and nonstop energy from day to night.
- Must visit
Paseo del Prado
Elegant boulevard linking major museums and landmarks, ideal for a classic central Madrid walk.
Cocido Madrileño
A hearty chickpea stew with meats, vegetables, and broth, especially traditional in Madrid and often served in stages.
Bocadillo de Calamares
Crisp fried squid rings served in a baguette roll. This iconic Madrid street food is especially linked to bars around Plaza Mayor.
- Gluten-free
Callos a la Madrileña
Tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla in a rich sauce. A classic old Madrid tavern dish with deep local roots.
DSTAgE
Refined two-Michelin-star dining focused on seasonal Spanish produce, with elegant modern cooking in a polished fine-dining room.
Malacatín
Traditional Madrid restaurant known for cocido madrileño served in stages, with an old-school dining room and loyal local following.
Sobrino de Botín
Historic century-old tavern famed for roast suckling pig and Castilian dishes in a classic, wood-lined setting near Plaza Mayor.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels vary, dining is reasonable, and public transport is good value for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple menú.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €1.80-3.50 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest: round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, small change is enough.
Tarjeta Transporte
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.50
- Day pass
- €8.40
To the city center
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes -> Puerta del Sol, Madrid
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Madrid buses allow contactless bank card payment onboard, but Metro tickets are usually bought from station machines with card or cash.
- A 10-trip ticket can cost less per ride than single tickets if you plan several Metro or bus journeys.
FAQs: Trains from Bologna to Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bologna to Madrid 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 Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The first train from Bologna to Madrid leaves at 12:10 AM.
The distance by train from Bologna to Madrid is 815 miles (1312 km).
The last train from Bologna to Madrid leaves at 5:10 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Bologna to Madrid.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Bologna to Madrid.
The cheapest way to get from Bologna to Madrid is by flight, with a cost of around $29.
The train journey from Bologna to Madrid offers a mix of scenic views, especially as it traverses the Italian countryside and the picturesque landscapes of southern France, providing glimpses of charming villages, rolling hills, and vineyards.
In Madrid, you can explore Puerta del Sol, a bustling public square known for its iconic clock and vibrant atmosphere, and savor gourmet foods at Mercado de San Miguel. Discover the vibrant nightlife in the Malasaña district, enjoy a traditional flamenco show, or visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid. For cultural sights, visit the Prado Museum, the Royal Palace of Madrid, and Retiro Park. Don't miss Plaza Mayor and the lively Gran Vía for shopping and theaters.
For a well-rounded experience in Madrid, plan to spend at least 3 to 4 days. This allows time to explore major attractions like the Prado Museum, Royal Palace, Retiro Park, and enjoy the local cuisine and vibrant neighborhoods.
Yes, you can take the train from Bologna to Madrid.
Since both Bologna and Madrid are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Madrid include Toledo, Segovia, Valladolid, Ávila, Cuenca.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Bologna to Madrid among Omio's users.
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.
Spain uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, while cash may be preferred for small purchases, markets, and rural locations.
In Madrid, the main safety concerns for travelers include pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, and on public transportation. Common scams involve distraction techniques, such as someone asking for signatures on petitions or offering friendship bracelets, to steal valuables. Travelers should also be cautious of unlicensed taxi drivers and always use official transport services. Staying vigilant in busy tourist spots and keeping belongings secure helps minimize risks.
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.
More options for your journey from Bologna to Madrid
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Madrid and Bologna
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
