4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Bologna
Cheapest price
$250
Average price
$250
Fastest journey
1 d 10 h 42 m
Average duration
1 d 10 h 42 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
1312 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Bologna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Bologna will cost around $250 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $250.
It's difficult to get from Madrid to Bologna without transferring at least 3 times.
9:07 PM34h42Madrid7:49 AMBologna$2501One-way3 transfers
- 9:07 PM34h42Madrid7:49 AMBologna$2501One-way3 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Madrid to Bologna
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Bologna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $105. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 18m. 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 $105, and a train costs an average of $250.
Distance: 815 miles (1312 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$250 Average price | $215 Average price | $173 Average price Cheapest | $347 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
35h 20m Average total duration 34h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 18m Average total duration Fastest 3h 18m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 26h 49m Average total duration 26h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 44m 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Bologna:
A bus is $41 (€33) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Bologna costing on average $215 (€173).
A bus is $77 (€62) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Bologna costing on average $250 (€202).
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Bus takes on average 26h 19m.
Train takes on average 34h 50m.
Tickets start at around $250 (€202) compared to roughly $347 (€280) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $96 (€78). The journey takes 34h 50m versus 17h 44m 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.
Compare prices and tickets Madrid to Bologna 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.
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Why should you book Madrid to Bologna trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs AVE?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare AVE with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Madrid to Bologna.
Why book with Omio over Rome2rio, Raileurope or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Madrid to Bologna.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Madrid to Bologna
Spain
Italy
Trains from Madrid to Bologna run on average 1 times per day, taking around 34h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $250 (€202) but you can travel from only $60 (€48) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 17:10. The fastest train covers the 815 miles (1312 km) distance in 34h 42m.
Distance 815 miles (1312 km) |
Average train duration 34h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $250 (€202) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 34h 42m |
First train 12:10 AM |
Last train 5:10 PM |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 56 days |
Train companies: AVE from Madrid to Bologna trainsAVE trains will get you between Madrid and Bologna from $60 (€48). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
AVE
FAQs: Trains from Madrid to Bologna
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid 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.
More options for your journey from Madrid to Bologna
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bologna and Madrid
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