- 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
$141
Average price
$171
Fastest journey
4 h 51 m
Average duration
4 h 51 m
Trains per day
22
Distance
385 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Bologna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Bologna will cost around $171 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $141.
Of the 22 trains that leave Zurich for Bologna on Tue, Jun 02, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 02 the direct trains cover the 385 km distance in an average of 4 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 51 m .
On Tue, Jun 02 the slowest trains will take 4 h 51 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 23+
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2479
EuroCity 27+
Regionale Veloce 3045 · Regionale Veloce TTPER 2485
EuroCity 15+
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2467
EuroCity 31+
Regionale TTPER 2465 · Regionale TTPER 17415
EuroCity 37
EuroCity 13+
FRECCIAROSSA 9587
EuroCity 11+
FRECCIAROSSA 9527
EuroCity 151+
FRECCIAROSSA 9551
EuroCity 31+
FRECCIAROSSA 9535
EuroCity 23+
FRECCIAROSSA 9563Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Bologna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 53m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $25, and a flight costs an average of $140.
Distance: 239 miles (385 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$143 Average price | $48 Average price Cheapest | $339 Average price | $193 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 0m Average total duration 5h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 43m Average total duration 8h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 53m Average total duration Fastest 1h 53m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 2.3kg 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 Zurich to Bologna:
A bus is $95 (€77) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Bologna costing on average $143 (€116).
A bus is $291 (€235) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Bologna costing on average $339 (€274).
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 30m.
Bus takes on average 8h 13m.
The journey is about 6m faster (5h 30m by train vs 5h 36m by car) and roughly $49 (€40) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($143 (€116) vs $193 (€156)). 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.
Direct services run with Trenitalia.
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 Zurich to Bologna trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EuroCity 11+ FRECCIAROSSA 9527 | 6:33 AM Zurich HB | 4h51 | 11:24 AM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 13+ FRECCIAROSSA 9587 | 7:33 AM Zurich HB | 4h51 | 12:24 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 13+ Intercity 609 | 7:33 AM Zurich HB | 6h23 | 1:56 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 31+ Regionale TTPER 2465 · Regionale TTPER 17415 | 8:33 AM Zurich HB | 6h37 | 3:10 PM Bologna Centrale | 2 transfers | |
EuroCity 31+ FRECCIAROSSA 9535 | 8:33 AM Zurich HB | 4h51 | 1:24 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 31+ Regionale 16057 | 8:33 AM Zurich HB | 6h51 | 3:24 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 15+ Regionale Veloce TTPER 2467 | 9:33 AM Zurich HB | 6h37 | 4:10 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 15+ FRECCIAROSSA 9539 | 9:33 AM Zurich HB | 4h51 | 2:24 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 153 | 10:33 AM Zurich HB | 6h30 | 5:03 PM Bologna Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
EuroCity 153+ FRECCIAROSSA 9321 | 10:33 AM Zurich HB | 5h36 | 4:09 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 19+ Intercity 613 | 11:33 AM Zurich HB | 6h21 | 5:54 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 19+ FRECCIAROSSA 9547 | 11:33 AM Zurich HB | 4h51 | 4:24 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 151+ FRECCIAROSSA 9551 | 12:33 PM Zurich HB | 4h51 | 5:24 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 21+ Intercity 599 | 1:33 PM Zurich HB | 6h29 | 8:02 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 21+ FRECCIAROSSA 9555 | 1:33 PM Zurich HB | 4h51 | 6:24 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 37 | 2:33 PM Zurich HB | 5h55 | 8:28 PM Bologna Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
EuroCity 37+ FRECCIAROSSA 9559 | 2:33 PM Zurich HB | 4h51 | 7:24 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 23+ Regionale Veloce TTPER 2479 | 3:33 PM Zurich HB | 6h37 | 10:10 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 23+ FRECCIAROSSA 9563 | 3:33 PM Zurich HB | 4h51 | 8:24 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 25+ FRECCIAROSSA 9573 | 5:33 PM Zurich HB | 5h01 | 10:34 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 25+ InterCityNotte 765 | 5:33 PM Zurich HB | 6h02 | 11:35 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 27+ Regionale Veloce 3045 · Regionale Veloce TTPER 2485 | 6:33 PM Zurich HB | 6h00 | 12:33 AM Bologna Centrale | 2 transfers | |
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 Zurich to Bologna run on average 18 times per day, taking around 5h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $80 (€65) but you can travel from only $25 (€20) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 20:50. The fastest train covers the 239 miles (385 km) distance in 4h 51m.
Distance 239 miles (385 km) |
Average train duration 5h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $80 (€65) |
Trains per day 18 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 51m |
First train 12:20 AM |
Last train 8:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 77 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 Zurich 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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