- Must visit
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
Leading city museum with major Italian paintings from the Middle Ages to modern times, essential for understanding Bologna's art history.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
€48
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€75
Fastest journey on Sep 19
2 h 54 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
2 h 54 m
Trains on Sep 19
41
Distance
251 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lugano to Bologna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lugano to Bologna will cost around €75 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €48.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 41 trains from Lugano to Bologna, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 251 km distance in an average of 2 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 54 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 2 h 54 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
EuroCity 19+
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2471
EuroCity 123+
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2479
EuroCity 27+
Regionale Veloce 3045 · Regionale Veloce TTPER 2485
EuroCity 151+
Regionale TTPER 2473 · Regionale TTPER 17419
EuroCity 153
EuroCity 11+
FRECCIAROSSA 9527
EuroCity 13+
FRECCIAROSSA 9587
EuroCity 21+
FRECCIAROSSA 9555
EuroCity 123+
FRECCIAROSSA 9563
EuroCity 151+
FRECCIAROSSA 9551Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lugano to Bologna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €27 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 34m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €27, while a flight costs an average of €501.
Distance: 155 miles (251 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€48 Average price | €27 Average price Cheapest | €501 Average price | €120 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 34m Average total duration Fastest 3h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 13m Average total duration 4h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 27m Average total duration 3h 27m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg 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 Lugano to Bologna:
A bus is €21 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lugano to Bologna costing on average €48.
A bus is €474 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lugano to Bologna costing on average €501.
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Flight takes on average 3h 27m.
Bus takes on average 4h 43m.
The journey is about 11m faster (3h 4m by train vs 3h 15m by car) and roughly €72 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (€48 vs €120). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Lugano to Bologna trains for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EuroCity 151+ 9993 | 2:30 PM Lugano FLP | 4h19 | 6:49 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 151+ 9951 | 2:30 PM Lugano FLP | 3h24 | 5:54 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9551+ EuroCity 151 | 2:30 PM Lugano FLP | 2h54 | 5:24 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 151+ Regionale TTPER 2473 · Regionale TTPER 17419 | 2:30 PM Lugano FLP | 4h40 | 7:10 PM Bologna Centrale | 2 transfers | |
EuroCity 151+ 9955 | 2:30 PM Lugano FLP | 4h24 | 6:54 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 21+ 9993 | 3:30 PM Lugano FLP | 3h19 | 6:49 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9555+ EuroCity 21 | 3:30 PM Lugano FLP | 2h54 | 6:24 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 21+ 9997 | 3:30 PM Lugano FLP | 4h19 | 7:49 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 21+ 9955 | 3:30 PM Lugano FLP | 3h24 | 6:54 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9559+ EuroCity 37 | 4:30 PM Lugano FLP | 2h54 | 7:24 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 37 | 4:30 PM Lugano FLP | 3h58 | 8:28 PM Bologna Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
EuroCity 123+ 9961 | 5:30 PM Lugano FLP | 3h24 | 8:54 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 123+ Regionale Veloce TTPER 2479 | 5:30 PM Lugano FLP | 4h40 | 10:10 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 123+ 9963 | 5:30 PM Lugano FLP | 4h24 | 9:54 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9563+ EuroCity 123 | 5:30 PM Lugano FLP | 2h54 | 8:24 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9567+ EuroCity 173 | 6:10 PM Lugano FLP | 3h14 | 9:24 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 173+ 9963 | 6:10 PM Lugano FLP | 3h44 | 9:54 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 27+ Regionale Veloce 3045 · Regionale Veloce TTPER 2485 | 8:30 PM Lugano FLP | 4h03 | 12:33 AM Bologna Centrale | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
EuroCity 11+ 9927 | 8:30 AM Lugano FLP | 3h24 | 11:54 AM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 11+ 9935 | 8:30 AM Lugano FLP | 5h24 | 1:54 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 11+ FRECCIAROSSA 9527 | 8:30 AM Lugano FLP | 2h54 | 11:24 AM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 11+ 9931 | 8:30 AM Lugano FLP | 4h24 | 12:54 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 13+ Intercity 609 | 9:30 AM Lugano FLP | 4h26 | 1:56 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 13+ FRECCIAROSSA 9587 | 9:30 AM Lugano FLP | 2h54 | 12:24 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 13+ 9939 | 9:30 AM Lugano FLP | 5h24 | 2:54 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 13+ 9931 | 9:30 AM Lugano FLP | 3h24 | 12:54 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 13+ 9935 | 9:30 AM Lugano FLP | 4h24 | 1:54 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 301+ 9935 | 10:30 AM Lugano FLP | 3h24 | 1:54 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 301+ 9939 | 10:30 AM Lugano FLP | 4h24 | 2:54 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 301+ 6143 | 10:30 AM Lugano FLP | 5h24 | 3:54 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 301+ FRECCIAROSSA 9535 | 10:30 AM Lugano FLP | 2h54 | 1:24 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 15+ 9939 | 11:30 AM Lugano FLP | 3h24 | 2:54 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 15+ 6143 | 11:30 AM Lugano FLP | 4h24 | 3:54 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 15+ 9947 | 11:30 AM Lugano FLP | 5h24 | 4:54 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 15+ FRECCIAROSSA 9539 | 11:30 AM Lugano FLP | 2h54 | 2:24 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 153 | 12:30 PM Lugano FLP | 4h33 | 5:03 PM Bologna Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
EuroCity 19+ 9951 | 1:30 PM Lugano FLP | 4h24 | 5:54 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 19+ Regionale Veloce TTPER 2471 | 1:30 PM Lugano FLP | 4h40 | 6:10 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 19+ 9955 | 1:30 PM Lugano FLP | 5h24 | 6:54 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 19+ 9947 | 1:30 PM Lugano FLP | 3h24 | 4:54 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 19+ FRECCIAROSSA 9547 | 1:30 PM Lugano FLP | 2h54 | 4:24 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 Lugano to Bologna run on average 29 times per day, taking around 3h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €15 but you can travel from only €4 by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 155 miles (251 km) distance in 2h 24m.
Distance 155 miles (251 km) |
Average train duration 3h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price €15 |
Trains per day 29 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 24m |
First train 12:20 AM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Bologna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bologna trip today.
Leading city museum with major Italian paintings from the Middle Ages to modern times, essential for understanding Bologna's art history.
Archaeological museum with rich Egyptian, Etruscan, Greek, and Roman collections in a central historic palace.
Museum of Bologna's urban history using objects, rooms, and multimedia to trace the city from antiquity to today.
Bologna's main square, surrounded by landmark buildings and always lively, ideal for architecture, people-watching, and orientation.
Historic market quarter with narrow lanes, medieval character, and vibrant street life just behind Piazza Maggiore.
Long portico route climbing toward San Luca, UNESCO-listed and perfect for a memorable urban walk with changing views.
Handmade egg pasta ribbons traditionally served with slow-cooked ragù. A defining Bolognese dish protected by local culinary tradition.
Small ring-shaped stuffed pasta, usually filled with pork and Parmigiano Reggiano, served in rich capon or beef broth. A classic festive dish.
Green spinach pasta layered with ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano. Bologna's traditional baked lasagna is richer and more refined than many versions abroad.
Elegant Michelin-starred restaurant serving refined Emilian cuisine in a polished, intimate space within central Bologna.
Traditional deli and wine bar famed for mortadella, cheeses, fresh pasta, and informal counter dining in the Quadrilatero market area.
Historic trattoria known for classic Bolognese pasta, cured meats, and traditional dining rooms with a warm, old-city atmosphere.
Moderate for Italy: stays and dining are cheaper than Rome or Milan, while transit is affordable and tourist-center prices stay manageable.
Tipping is optional. Service may be included. Round up or leave €1-2 at cafes, 5-10% in restaurants for great service, and round up taxi fares.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lugano 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.

Most Lugano to Bologna trains use the Lugano FLP to Bologna Centrale station pair, with some services arriving at Bologna Mazzini. Use this guide to compare Lugano and Bologna train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Lugano FLP has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Ristorante Grand Café Al Porto, Ristorante Trani
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Lugano FLP. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Lugano FLP. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lugano FLP: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lugano FLP: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano FLP: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Lugano Dante Center, Hotel Federale Lugano, Hotel Pestalozzi Lugano.
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 Mazzini is 3 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna Mazzini has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food options include: CA.FÉ MAZZINI, Gelateria Mazzini
Ticket office support is available at Bologna Mazzini.
Available at Bologna Mazzini: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bologna Mazzini: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna Mazzini: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Camplus Mazzini, Hotel Blumen, Hotel Sant'Orsola City House.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need