Bologna to Florence

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 6 min read

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Bologna and Florence are two of northern Italy's most rewarding cities, and at under an hour apart by high-speed train, combining them on a single trip makes perfect sense. The distance is short, the rail link is outstanding, and there is almost no reason to do the journey any other way — though if you enjoy mountain roads, the scenic drive across the Apennines is a rewarding alternative.

The quickest way: the high-speed train through the Apennine tunnel

The Frecciarossa and Frecciargento services operated by Trenitalia, and the competing Italo high-speed trains, cover Bologna Centrale to Firenze Santa Maria Novella in as little as 35–40 minutes. This makes it one of the fastest inter-city train journeys in Europe relative to distance, thanks to a dedicated high-speed line bored directly beneath the Apennine mountains rather than winding over them.

Both Trenitalia and Italo depart Bologna Centrale and arrive at Firenze Santa Maria Novella, which is right in the heart of Florence — a short walk from the Duomo and the main museums. Trains run frequently throughout the day, typically every 30–60 minutes during peak times. Advance fares on both operators start low and are worth snapping up; booking a few weeks ahead can make a significant difference to what you pay.

Seat reservations are compulsory on both Trenitalia's Frecce services and Italo trains, so remember to add one if you are travelling with a rail pass. For more on how Italian reservations work, see our guide to seat reservations explained.

The slower train: regional services via the old mountain line

Regional trains operated by Trenitalia also link Bologna and Florence via the older Porrettana or Direttissima mountain routes. These services take around 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours depending on the line and stops, and are considerably cheaper than the high-speed option. They are worth knowing about if you have flexibility and want to see the Apennine villages along the way, or if all high-speed seats are sold out. No advance booking is required on regional trains — you can buy a ticket and board.

The cheapest way: the bus

Long-distance coaches serve the Bologna–Florence corridor, with journey times of around 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours depending on the route and traffic. Fares can be lower than even the cheapest high-speed train tickets, but the difference is often small enough that the train's speed and convenience win out. FlixBus and some Italian regional operators cover this route. Our FlixBus guide has tips on booking.

Flying: not realistic on this route

There is no sensible case for flying between Bologna and Florence. The distance is about 95 km as the crow flies, and no scheduled airline offers a direct flight for obvious reasons. If you see a flight appearing on a search engine it will involve at least one hub transfer and a total journey time measured in hours — far slower and more expensive than the train.

The scenic way: driving over the mountains

If you want to see the real Apennines rather than tunnel under them, driving the old mountain road (roughly the SS325 or similar provincial routes through Porretta Terme and across the Futa Pass) is genuinely beautiful in clear weather. The distance via this route is about 110–130 km and can take 2–3 hours depending on which road you take and how often you stop. Fog and snow can complicate matters in autumn and winter. The A1 autostrada through the longer Apennine tunnel is faster, around 100 km and about 1 hour, and has a toll charge.

Driving makes sense mainly if you are combining Bologna and Florence with other Emilia-Romagna or Tuscan destinations along the way — Porretta, the Mugello valley, or villages around Greve in Chianti, for instance.

Arriving at Firenze Santa Maria Novella — what to expect

Santa Maria Novella is about as central as a European station gets: the Duomo is roughly a 10-minute walk away, and most of the historic centre's major sights are within easy reach on foot. The station itself can be crowded, particularly around the ticket halls and the taxi rank outside, so keep an eye on belongings in the busiest periods. Florence does not allow general traffic into much of its historic centre (the ZTL, or limited-traffic zone), which is one more reason the train is so much more convenient than driving in — there is no need to worry about restricted-zone fines that catch out unwary drivers.

Bologna Centrale, at the other end, is a major national hub with connections across northern and central Italy, so it is worth allowing a little transfer time if you are arriving from elsewhere and changing here rather than starting your journey in Bologna itself.

Booking tips and avoiding common mistakes

• Compare Trenitalia and Italo on the same journey — fares and timings differ, and a slightly later or earlier departure on the competing operator can sometimes be notably cheaper.
• Do not confuse Base, Economy and Super Economy Trenitalia fares: the cheapest tickets are usually non-changeable and non-refundable, which is fine for a fixed plan but worth knowing before you book.
• Validate paper tickets if you have one — although both operators sell mostly electronic tickets tied to an ID document now, if you end up with an older-style paper ticket it must be validated at a machine on the platform before boarding, or you risk a fine.
• Watch platform changes — announcements at Italian stations sometimes shift a departure to a different platform at short notice, so check the departure boards rather than heading straight to the platform printed on your ticket.

Which should you choose?

For almost every traveller, the high-speed train is the obvious answer: 35–40 minutes, city centre to city centre, no parking worries, very reasonable if booked ahead. It is one of Europe's most efficient city pairs. Choose the regional train or bus if you want the cheapest possible fare and have an hour to spare. Drive only if you want the mountain scenery or have several Tuscan stops planned. For more on the Italian network, see our guide to travelling Italy by train, and for getting around once you arrive, see our guide to Florence public transport.

Frequently asked questions

How fast is the train from Bologna to Florence?

The fastest Frecciarossa and Italo services take around 35–40 minutes. These use a dedicated high-speed line beneath the Apennine mountains, bypassing the old slower routes over the passes.

Do I need to book in advance for the Bologna to Florence train?

You do not have to book far in advance, as trains are frequent and the route is well served. However, advance fares on Trenitalia and Italo are cheaper, so booking a week or two ahead saves money if your date is fixed.

Is there a night train between Bologna and Florence?

There is no meaningful night train on this route — the journey is so short that an overnight service would not be practical. The first morning trains run early and the last evening trains run late, covering most travel needs.

Can I visit both cities in one day from a base in either?

Yes, easily. With 35–40 minutes each way, a day trip from Bologna to Florence (or vice versa) is very manageable. Many travellers also treat both cities as stops on a longer Italian itinerary rather than choosing a base in one.