The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Bologna
Cheapest price
$143
Average price
$169
Fastest journey
4 h 51 m
Average duration
4 h 51 m
Trains per day
18
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 $169 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $143.
Of the 18 trains that leave Zurich for Bologna on Mon, May 11, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 11 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 Mon, May 11 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 15+
Regionale Veloce TTPER 24679:33 AM6h37Zurich HB4:10 PMBologna Centrale$1431One-way1 transfer
EuroCity 27+
Regionale Veloce 3045 · Regionale Veloce TTPER 24856:33 PM6h00Zurich HB12:33 AMBologna Centrale$1431One-way2 transfers
EuroCity 23+
Regionale Veloce TTPER 24793:33 PM6h37Zurich HB10:10 PMBologna Centrale$1431One-way1 transfer
EuroCity 151+
Regionale TTPER 2473 · Regionale TTPER 1741912:33 PM6h37Zurich HB7:10 PMBologna Centrale$1431One-way2 transfers
EuroCity 372:33 PM5h55Zurich HB8:28 PMBologna Centrale$1551One-way0 transfers
EuroCity 13+
FRECCIAROSSA 95877:33 AM4h51Zurich HB12:24 PMBologna Centrale$1941One-way1 transfer
EuroCity 151+
FRECCIAROSSA 955112:33 PM4h51Zurich HB5:24 PMBologna Centrale$1861One-way1 transfer
EuroCity 11+
FRECCIAROSSA 95276:33 AM4h51Zurich HB11:24 AMBologna Centrale$1861One-way1 transfer
EuroCity 33+
FRECCIAROSSA 954310:33 AM4h51Zurich HB3:24 PMBologna Centrale$1861One-way1 transfer
EuroCity 37+
FRECCIAROSSA 95592:33 PM4h51Zurich HB7:24 PMBologna Centrale$1941One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Zurich to Bologna
Omio 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 $23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 57m. 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 $23, and a flight costs an average of $97.
Distance: 239 miles (385 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$132 Average price | $43 Average price Cheapest | $308 Average price | $196 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 19m Average total duration 2h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 44m Average total duration 9h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 57m Average total duration Fastest 1h 57m 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 $89 (€71) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Bologna costing on average $132 (€105).
A bus is $265 (€210) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Bologna costing on average $308 (€245).
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 49m.
Bus takes on average 9h 14m.
The journey is about 2h 47m faster (2h 49m by train vs 5h 36m by car) and roughly $65 (€51) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($132 (€105) vs $196 (€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.
Live departures
Zurich to Bologna train times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Bologna trains for today, Sunday, May 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EuroCity 25+ InterCityNotte 765 | 5:33 PM Zurich HB | 6h02 | 11:35 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, May 11 | |||||
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 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 33+ FRECCIAROSSA 9543 | 10:33 AM Zurich HB | 4h51 | 3:24 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+ Regionale TTPER 2473 · Regionale TTPER 17419 | 12:33 PM Zurich HB | 6h37 | 7:10 PM Bologna Centrale | 2 transfers | |
EuroCity 151+ FRECCIAROSSA 9551 | 12:33 PM Zurich HB | 4h51 | 5:24 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 21+ FRECCIAROSSA 9555 | 1:33 PM Zurich HB | 4h51 | 6:24 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
EuroCity 21+ Intercity 599 | 1:33 PM Zurich HB | 6h29 | 8:02 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 | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Zurich to Bologna by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
May 11
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May 17
May 18
May 19
May 20
May 21
May 22
May 23
May 24
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May 30
May 31
Why should you book Zurich to Bologna trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Trenitalia?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Trenitalia, but also compare tickets for the likes of SBB or Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) to find the best option for your trip from Zurich to Bologna.
- 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 Trenitalia with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Zurich to Bologna.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Zurich to Bologna.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Zurich to Bologna?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Bologna
Trains from Zurich to Bologna run on average 18 times per day, taking around 2h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $66 (€53) but you can travel from only $23 (€18) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, 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 2h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $66 (€53) |
Trains per day 18 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 51m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 8:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 77 days |
Train companies: Trenitalia, SBB, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) from Zurich to Bologna trainsTrenitalia, SBB, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) trains will get you between Zurich and Bologna from $23 (€18). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Trenitalia
SBB
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
FAQs: Trains from Zurich to 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Zurich to Bologna
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Gessnerallee and Sihlquai.
- Restaurant Au Premier
- Brasserie Federal
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich
- Hotel St. Gotthard
- Central Plaza Hotel
- Cost CHF 12
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- 1,300 places, mostly covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 3-18 for long-distance trains
- Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms 21-24
- Hall 3: underground S-Bahn platforms 41-44
- Tram: Lines 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S2, S3, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S11, S12, S15, S16, S24
- Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi.
- Luggage facility, open daily from 07:00 to 22:00, is located in front of binario 7 Ovest (Track 7 West).
- Burger King
- A Cafè
- VyTA Boulangerie
- Venchi
- Scambio
- Juice Bar
- KFC
- Dispensa Emilia
- Lavazza
- Mokà
- & more
- 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.
- Starhotels Excelsior
- Millenn Hotel Bologna
- UNA Hotels
- Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00
- Customer service center is on the ground floor and open every day from 06:30 to 23:00.
- Bus lines: 21, 25, 30, 36, 61, 62, 77, BLQ
- Monorail lines: Marconi Express
- Train lines: FR, FA, FB, IC, ICN, R, Italo, ÖBB EC, EN
- 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Saturday
- Closed on Sunday
- Parking is available near the station, with spaces for short-term and long-term parking.
- CA.FÉ MAZZINI
- Gelateria Mazzini
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- €1
- Hotel Camplus Mazzini
- Hotel Blumen
- Hotel Sant'Orsola City House
- The station has a simple layout with two platforms serving regional trains.
- Bus: Several local bus lines available
- Elevators, ramps.
More options for your journey from Zurich to Bologna
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