- Must visit
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
Major state gallery with important Emilian paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries, including works by Giotto, Raffaello, and the Carracci.
Cheapest price
$174
Average price
$195
Fastest journey
12 h 35 m
Average duration
14 h 49 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
838 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Catania to Bologna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Catania to Bologna will cost around $195 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $174.
It's difficult to get from Catania to Bologna without transferring at least once.
InterCityNotte 1960+
Intercity 588
InterCityNotte 37502+
FRECCIAROSSA 9612
InterCityNotte 1960+
FRECCIAROSSA 9520
Intercity 724+
InterCityNotte 774
InterCityNotte 1960+
FRECCIAROSSA 9520
InterCityNotte 37502+
FRECCIAROSSA 9612
InterCityNotte 1960+
Intercity 588
Intercity 724+
InterCityNotte 774Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Catania to Bologna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $37. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 56m. 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 $37, and a flight costs an average of $18.
Distance: 520 miles (838 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$146 Average price | $148 Average price | $70 Average price Cheapest | $86 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 34m Average total duration 13h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 56m Average total duration Fastest 1h 56m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 15h 21m Average total duration 14h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 2.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | 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 Catania to Bologna:
A bus is $77 (€62) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Catania to Bologna costing on average $146 (€118).
A bus is $78 (€63) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Catania to Bologna costing on average $148 (€119).
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Train takes on average 13h 4m.
Bus takes on average 14h 51m.
Tickets start at around $146 (€118) compared to roughly $86 (€69) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-60.34 (€-48.71). The journey takes 13h 4m versus 12h 5m 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 Catania to Bologna trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, June 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Intercity 724+ InterCityNotte 774 | 11:33 AM Catania Centrale | 16h48 | 4:21 AM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
InterCityNotte 37502+ FRECCIAROSSA 9612 | 7:51 PM Catania Centrale | 14h02 | 9:53 AM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
InterCityNotte 1960+ FRECCIAROSSA 9520 | 10:58 PM Catania Centrale | 12h35 | 11:33 AM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
InterCityNotte 1960+ Intercity 588 | 10:58 PM Catania Centrale | 15h49 | 2:47 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
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 Catania to Bologna run on average 7 times per day, taking around 13h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $62 (€50) but you can travel from only $18 (€15) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:44. The fastest train covers the 520 miles (838 km) distance in 14h 2m.
Distance 520 miles (838 km) |
Average train duration 13h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $62 (€50) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 14h 2m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:44 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 84 days |
Discover the best of Bologna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bologna trip today.
Major state gallery with important Emilian paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries, including works by Giotto, Raffaello, and the Carracci.
Bologna's leading modern and contemporary art museum, known for rotating exhibitions and the Morandi collection.
Important archaeological museum with Egyptian, Etruscan, Greek, and Roman collections in a historic palazzo near Piazza Maggiore.
Bologna's main square and social heart, surrounded by major civic buildings and a natural starting point for exploring the historic center.
Historic central district of narrow lanes behind Piazza Maggiore, popular for its atmosphere, old shops, and lively street scenes.
Famous porticoed route climbing from the city to San Luca, ideal for a memorable walk and one of Bologna's defining urban experiences.
Fresh egg tagliatelle served with Bologna’s classic slow-cooked meat ragù. It is one of the city’s signature dishes and a benchmark of traditional home cooking.
Small ring-shaped pasta filled with meat, traditionally served in rich capon or beef broth. It is a festive Bolognese specialty closely tied to local culinary identity.
Layered pasta baked with ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano Reggiano, often made with green spinach pasta sheets. It is a classic Sunday and holiday dish in Bologna.
Respected modern trattoria focused on high-quality regional ingredients, excellent pasta, and carefully prepared traditional Emilian dishes.
Well-known pasta shop and eatery specializing in fresh handmade stuffed pasta and traditional sauces, ideal for an informal authentic meal.
Historic Bolognese trattoria known for handmade pasta, tortellini, and other classic local dishes in a warm, traditional setting.
Moderate for Italy: budget eats are reasonable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service is often included or covered by coperto. Tipping is not required; round up or leave EUR 1-5 for good service. Taxis can be rounded up.
Official public transport app
Bologna Centrale -> Piazza Maggiore, Bologna
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Catania 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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