- Must visit
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
Major art museum with important Emilian paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries, including works by Giotto, Raphael, and the Carracci.
Cheapest price
$119
Average price
$164
Fastest journey
6 h 35 m
Average duration
6 h 51 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
406 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Munich to Bologna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Munich to Bologna will cost around $164 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $119.
Of the 12 trains that leave Munich for Bologna on Sun, May 31, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 31 the direct trains cover the 406 km distance in an average of 6 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 35 m .
On Sun, May 31 the slowest trains will take 7 h 41 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.
RJ 1183+
Regionale Veloce 3845
EC 1281+
8963
RJ 85+
Regionale Veloce 3847
RJ 1183+
Regionale 3843
RJ 85+
Regionale Veloce 3845
RJ 1183
RJ 1183
RJ 89
RJ 87
RJ 1183+
8963Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Munich to Bologna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $38. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 30m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $38, and a flight costs an average of $163.
Distance: 252 miles (406 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$132 Average price | $59 Average price Cheapest | $400 Average price | $109 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 19m Average total duration 7h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 30m Average total duration 15h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration Fastest 2h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 2.4kg 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 Munich to Bologna:
A bus is $73 (€58) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Munich to Bologna costing on average $132 (€106).
A bus is $341 (€274) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Munich to Bologna costing on average $400 (€322).
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 49m.
Bus takes on average 15h 0m.
Tickets start at around $132 (€106) compared to roughly $109 (€88) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-22.52 (€-18.13). The journey takes 7h 49m versus 6h 41m 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 Munich to Bologna trains for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EC 1281+ Regionale 3841 | On time 7:32 AM Munich Hbf | 8h33 | 4:05 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EC 1281+ Intercity 611 | On time 7:32 AM Munich Hbf | 8h05 | 3:37 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EC 1281+ Regionale 3843 | On time 7:32 AM Munich Hbf | 10h33 | 6:05 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
RJ 1183 | 9:33 AM Munich Hbf | 6h35 | 4:08 PM Bologna Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJ 85+ Regionale Veloce 3845 | On time 11:32 AM Munich Hbf | 8h33 | 8:05 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
RJ 85+ Regionale Veloce 3847 | On time 11:32 AM Munich Hbf | 11h13 | 10:45 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
RJ 85+ FRECCIAROSSA 8529 | On time 11:32 AM Munich Hbf | 8h12 | 7:44 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
RJ 87 | On time 1:32 PM Munich Hbf | 6h44 | 8:16 PM Bologna Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJ 89 | On time 3:32 PM Munich Hbf | 6h39 | 10:11 PM Bologna Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Munich to Bologna run on average 4 times per day, taking around 7h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $43 (€35) but you can travel from only $38 (€31) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 22:54. The fastest train covers the 252 miles (406 km) distance in 6h 25m.
Distance 252 miles (406 km) |
Average train duration 7h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $43 (€35) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 6h 25m |
First train 12:20 AM |
Last train 10:54 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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.
Major art museum with 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, known for rotating exhibitions and the Morandi collection.
Important archaeological museum with Egyptian, Etruscan, Greek, and Roman collections in a historic central building.
Bologna’s main square and social heart, surrounded by major historic buildings and lively throughout the day.
Famous covered walkway climbing toward San Luca, ideal for a scenic walk and one of Bologna’s defining urban features.
Historic central district of narrow lanes near Piazza Maggiore, valued for atmosphere, porticoes, and classic Bologna street life.
Fresh egg tagliatelle served with Bologna’s classic slow-cooked meat ragù. It is one of the city’s signature dishes and more traditional than spaghetti bolognese.
Small ring-shaped pasta filled with meat and served in rich capon or beef broth. A deeply traditional Bolognese dish, especially associated with festive meals.
Layered pasta made with green spinach sheets, ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano Reggiano. It is a classic Sunday and holiday dish in Bologna.
Well-known pasta shop and eatery specializing in fresh stuffed pasta, tagliatelle, and quick traditional lunches in a central informal space.
Elegant fine dining restaurant in a historic setting, known for refined Emilian cuisine and tasting menus with polished service.
Historic traditional trattoria known for handmade pasta, tortellini, and classic Bolognese dishes in a warm, old-school setting.
Moderate for Italy: food and coffee are reasonable, while central hotels cost more in peak season.
Service is usually included or covered by coperto. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for great service is appreciated; small change for taxis is enough.
Official public transport app
Bologna Centrale, Bologna -> Piazza Maggiore, Bologna
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Munich 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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