- Must visit
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
The city’s main fine arts museum, known for important Emilian paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries, including works by Giotto, Raphael and the Carracci.
Cheapest price
$54
Average price
$79
Fastest journey
2 h 54 m
Average duration
2 h 54 m
Trains per day
21
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 $79 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $54.
Of the 21 trains that leave Lugano for Bologna on Sun, Jun 21, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 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 Sun, Jun 21 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 27+
Regionale Veloce 3045 · Regionale Veloce TTPER 2485
EuroCity 151+
Regionale TTPER 2473 · Regionale TTPER 17419
EuroCity 123+
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2479
EuroCity 301+
Regionale TTPER 2465 · Regionale TTPER 17415
EuroCity 37
FRECCIAROSSA 9539+
EuroCity 15
EuroCity 13+
FRECCIAROSSA 9587
EuroCity 11+
FRECCIAROSSA 9527
FRECCIAROSSA 9563+
EuroCity 123
FRECCIAROSSA 9547+
EuroCity 19Omio 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 prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 22m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, and a train costs an average of $32.
Distance: 155 miles (251 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$58 Average price | $29 Average price Cheapest | $146 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 52m Average total duration Fastest 3h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 2m Average total duration 4h 32m Onboard + 30m 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 |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 $29 (€24) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lugano to Bologna costing on average $58 (€48).
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 32m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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.
Direct services run with Trenitalia, Italo.
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 Lugano to Bologna trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EuroCity 11+ FRECCIAROSSA 9527 | 8:30 AM Lugano FLP | 2h54 | 11:24 AM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 13+ Regionale TRENORD 2623 · Regionale 3467 | 9:30 AM Lugano FLP | 5h28 | 2:58 PM Bologna Centrale | 2 transfers | |
EuroCity 13+ FRECCIAROSSA 9587 | 9:30 AM Lugano FLP | 2h54 | 12:24 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 301+ Intercity 611 | 10:30 AM Lugano FLP | 5h07 | 3:37 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 301+ Regionale TTPER 2465 · Regionale TTPER 17415 | 10:30 AM Lugano FLP | 4h40 | 3:10 PM Bologna Centrale | 2 transfers | |
EuroCity 301+ FRECCIAROSSA 9535 | 10:30 AM Lugano FLP | 2h54 | 1:24 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+ Intercity 613 | 1:30 PM Lugano FLP | 4h24 | 5:54 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 19+ FRECCIAROSSA 9547 | 1:30 PM Lugano FLP | 2h54 | 4:24 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+ FRECCIAROSSA 9551 | 2:30 PM Lugano FLP | 2h54 | 5:24 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 21+ FRECCIAROSSA 9555 | 3:30 PM Lugano FLP | 2h54 | 6:24 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 37+ FRECCIAROSSA 9559 | 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+ FRECCIAROSSA 9563 | 5:30 PM Lugano FLP | 2h54 | 8:24 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 173+ FRECCIAROSSA 9567 | 6:10 PM Lugano FLP | 3h14 | 9:24 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 25+ FRECCIAROSSA 9573 | 7:30 PM Lugano FLP | 3h04 | 10:34 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 25+ InterCityNotte 765 | 7:30 PM Lugano FLP | 4h05 | 11:35 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 | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 17 times per day, taking around 3h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $32 (€26) but you can travel from only $19 (€16) 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 1h 38m.
Distance 155 miles (251 km) |
Average train duration 3h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 (€26) |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 1h 38m |
First train 12:20 AM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Bologna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bologna trip today.
The city’s main fine arts museum, known for important Emilian paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries, including works by Giotto, Raphael and the Carracci.
Bologna’s leading modern and contemporary art museum, with strong permanent collections and rotating exhibitions in a large converted industrial space.
A major archaeological museum with Etruscan, Egyptian, Greek and Roman collections, housed in a historic palace near Piazza Maggiore.
Bologna’s main square and social heart, surrounded by major civic and religious buildings, ideal for first-time visitors and people-watching.
The world-famous covered walkway leading toward the San Luca sanctuary, popular for scenic walks, photography and local tradition.
One of the city’s most elegant and photogenic squares, fronting the Santo Stefano complex and loved for its atmospheric character.
Fresh egg pasta ribbons served with Bologna’s traditional slow-cooked meat ragù. It is one of the city’s most iconic dishes and differs from the tomato-heavy versions found abroad.
Small ring-shaped pasta filled with meat and served in rich capon or beef broth. This is a classic Bolognese comfort dish, especially tied to festive family meals.
Layered baked pasta with ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano Reggiano, often made with green spinach pasta sheets. It is a signature Emilia-Romagna Sunday dish.
Highly regarded neighborhood trattoria known for careful ingredient sourcing and excellent handmade pasta, with a cozy and authentic feel.
Well-known romantic restaurant serving refined Emilian and Bolognese cuisine in an intimate former pharmacy space with polished service.
Very popular traditional osteria known for classic Bolognese pasta dishes in a lively, casual setting close to the university area.
Moderate by Italian standards: food and coffee are reasonable, while central hotels cost more in peak season.
Service is often included or covered by coperto. Tipping is not required; round up or leave EUR 1-5 for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up.
Official public transport app
Bologna Centrale, Bologna -> Piazza Maggiore, Bologna
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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need