- 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
$173
Average price
$196
Fastest journey
10 h 14 m
Average duration
10 h 29 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
656 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Bologna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Bologna will cost around $196 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $173.
It's difficult to get from Frankfurt am Main to Bologna without transferring at least once.
ICE 529 · RJ 87
ICE 103 · ICE 593 · RJ 87
ICE 529 · RJ 87
ICE 575 · ICE 565 · RJ 89
ICE 623 · RJ 89
ICE 623 · RJ 89
ICE 529 · RJ 87
ICE 103 · ICE 593 · RJ 87
ICE 529 · RJ 87
ICE 575 · ICE 565 · RJ 89Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Frankfurt am Main to Bologna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $51. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 11m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.7 - 1.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $51, and a flight costs an average of $168.
Distance: 407 miles (656 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$233 Average price | $79 Average price Cheapest | $350 Average price | $260 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 46m Average total duration 10h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 35m Average total duration 16h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 11m Average total duration Fastest 2h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 39m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.0 - 3.9kg 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 Frankfurt am Main to Bologna:
A bus is $154 (€125) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Frankfurt am Main to Bologna costing on average $233 (€188).
A bus is $272 (€220) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Frankfurt am Main to Bologna costing on average $350 (€283).
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 16m.
Bus takes on average 16h 5m.
Tickets start at around $233 (€188) compared to roughly $260 (€210) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $27 (€22). The journey takes 10h 16m versus 9h 39m 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 Frankfurt am Main to Bologna trains for today, Tuesday, June 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 529 · RJ 87 | On time 9:41 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 10h35 | 8:16 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
ICE 103 · ICE 593 · RJ 87 | Delayed 7:55 AM 9:51 AMFrankfurt Airport long-distance station | 10h25 | 8:16 PM Bologna Centrale | 2 transfers | |
ICE 529 · RJ 87 | Delayed 8:02 AM 9:57 AMFrankfurt (Main) Hbf | 10h19 | 8:16 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
ICE 623 · RJ 89 | On time 11:57 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 10h14 | 10:11 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 Frankfurt am Main to Bologna run on average 3 times per day, taking around 10h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $71 (€57) but you can travel from only $51 (€41) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 407 miles (656 km) distance in 10h 5m.
Distance 407 miles (656 km) |
Average train duration 10h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price $71 (€57) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 10h 5m |
First train 12:20 AM |
Last train 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 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 Frankfurt am Main 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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