High-speed trains make the Tuscan capital an easy day trip from the Emilia-Romagna capital. Learn about taking the train from Bologna to Florence.
Florence is one of the most popular places to go in Italy, but some visitors need a break from the Renaissance capital after a day of sightseeing. That is why saying in Bologna as your home base and visiting Florence from there is a good idea. Thankfully, the high-speed trains serve the Bologna to Florence route.
The two cities are only 67 miles (108 km) apart, which would take about 1 hour and 20 minutes to drive. The train cuts this travel time by more than half, and it gives you the ability to relax on your journey, rather than being preoccupied with driving.
Frequent Trains from Bologna to Florence
The capitals of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna are connected by Trenitalia’s high-speed Alta Velocità (AV) trains, with both the Frecciarossa and Frecciargento models. There are 59 trains from Bologna Centrale station to Firenze Santa Maria Novella station each day, and the trip takes only 35-40 minutes.
There are also slower trains connecting the two cities, but they turn the journey into a 2-6 hour one. Since ticket prices on the fast AV trains cost $17-26, it would not be beneficial to take the slower trains.
The Italo train service also links Bologna Centrale with Firenza Santa Maria Novella station, and the direct trip between the two takes only 35 minutes.
Note that weekends and holidays typically mean less frequent service and sometimes longer travel times.
Direct Trains from Bologna to Florence
There are plenty of direct trains from Bologna to Florence making the 35-minute trip, so you should be able to find one that fits into your schedule.
Amenities on Trains from Bologna to Florence
The top of the line AV trains are Frecciarossa, and these train cars are all equipped with air-conditioning and power outlets in your seat for your convenience. There are both 1st-class and 2nd-class cars. First-class passengers get a free drink and a choice of newspaper. A cafe car is available to all passengers.
On the Frecciargento trains, there are also both 1st-class and 2nd-class cars. As with Frecciarossa trains, 1st-class passengers get a free drink and a newspaper. Frecciargento trains have a cafe car that all passengers can use, and power outlets are in both class cars at each seat.
Bologna and Florence Train Stations
Bologna Centrale is the main station in Bologna, and one of the busiest in Italy. It’s on the outskirts of the city center near the ring road and served by several city buses.
Florence's Santa Maria Novella station, the main station in the city, is close to the historic center, and is a major hub for the city and regional buses, making it easy to get to and from the station if you're traveling light.
Journey Information
See below for details on traveling from Bologna to Florence by train.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Train Travel in Italy
From seat assignments and luggage space, to the different types of tickets, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about train travel in Italy.
Arrival and Departure Train Destinations
Read on for information about Bologna to Florence train stations.
Bologna Train Station
Bologna Centrale is the main train station in the Emilia-Romagna capital city of Bologna. The station was first built in 1876, replacing a station constructed in 1859.
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