Train from Venice to Bologna

Bologna may not be on everyone's Italian itinerary, but it can be a fun contrast to Venice's quieter vibe. Apart from that, many people go to Bologna for the food alone, and it's a wonderful introduction to the Emilia-Romagna region, which is often overlooked due to its proximity to Tuscany.

With the train from Venice to Bologna taking just 1.5 hours, it's also a great day trip from Venice, and by taking the train, you won't have to worry about traffic and parking.

Frequent Trains from Venice Santa Lucia to Bologna Centrale

The high-speed train cover the 97-mile (156-km) distance from Venezia Santa Lucia (sometimes abbreviated to Venezia S. Lucia) to Bologna Centrale in about an hour and a half. It's a direct train, and tickets cost $10-22. This route is quite popular, with approximately 37 trains per day making this trip.

Italo trains also connect Venezia Santa Lucia with Bologna Centrale, too. This trip is a bit faster, about an hour and 15 minutes, and there are eight departures per day. Italo trains stop at Venezia Mestre (the mainland station) and Padua before hitting Bologna.

Direct Trains from Venice to Bologna

All AV trains from Venice to Bologna are direct, with only two stops in between. There are some slower trains that connect the cities as well, so it’s important to pay attention to the ticket details as you’re booking to make sure you know what your itinerary requires.

Amenities on the Train from Venice to Bologna

The top of the line AV trains are Frecciarossa, and these train cars are all equipped with air conditioning and power outlets in the seats 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.

Frecciargento and Frecciabianca trains are very similar in terms of passenger experience to the top of the line AV Frecciarossa trains, they’re just not as fast. There are both 1st class and 2nd class cars. Passengers in 1st class cars get a free drink and a newspaper. Both typically have a cafe car which all passengers can use, and power outlets are in both class cars at each seat.

Venice and Bologna Train Stations

Venice has two stations, Mestre and Santa Lucia. Mestre station is on the mainland, while Venezia Santa Lucia (sometimes shortened to S. Lucia) is on the island. If you are going to Santa Lucia, pay attention so that you don't get off too early at Mestre accidentally. Some trains stop at both Venice stations, while some only stop at Santa Lucia. Once at Santa Lucia, there's a vaporetto water taxi stop right outside the station on the Grand Canal.

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.