- Must visit
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
A major art museum with Italian paintings from the Middle Ages to the modern era, plus temporary exhibitions in the city centre.
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Lugano to Bologna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lugano to Bologna will cost around £21 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £18.
On Mon 02 Nov, we found 7 buses from Lugano to Bologna, including 7 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 251 km distance in an average of 5 h 12 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 40 m .
The slowest buses will take 5 h 30 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.

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Buses from Lugano to Bologna run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £4 if you book in advance.
There are 2 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:50, the last at 23:30. The fastest coach covers the 251 km distance in 4h 0m.
Distance 251 km |
Average bus duration 4h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price £4 |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 4h 0m |
First bus 0:50 |
Last bus 23:30 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Lugano to Bologna.
The table below shows live departures for Lugano to Bologna coaches for today, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:15 Lugano, Via Ciani | 5h25 | 10:40 Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 change | |
3991 · 2411 | 5:20 Lugano, Via Ciani | 7h15 | 12:35 Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 change | |
FlixBus | 9:15 Lugano, Via Ciani | 5h05 | 14:20 Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 13:15 Lugano, Via Ciani | 5h15 | 18:30 Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 16:20 Lugano, Via Ciani | 5h10 | 21:30 Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 change | |
(Milan -> Prague) · (Prague -> Vienna) · (Prague -> Rome) | 17:00 Lugano, Via Ciani | 40h15 | 9:15 Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 2 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 19:40 Lugano, Via Ciani | 5h10 | 0:50 Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Bologna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bologna trip today.
A major art museum with Italian paintings from the Middle Ages to the modern era, plus temporary exhibitions in the city centre.
Bologna’s modern and contemporary art museum presents rotating exhibitions and a compact permanent collection in a converted industrial space.
An engaging museum on Bologna’s industrial and social history, with working models, scientific instruments, and practical displays for curious visitors.
Bologna’s grand central square is the city’s social and architectural heart, framed by major civic buildings and lively throughout the day.
A long porticoed walk climbing towards San Luca, combining daily local life, historic architecture, and one of Bologna’s classic walking routes.
This covered market street preserves medieval character under porticoes and is ideal for a short walk between historic shops and central landmarks.
Fresh egg pasta ribbons served with slow-cooked ragù. It is Bologna’s signature pasta dish and traditionally differs from spaghetti bolognese found abroad.
Small ring-shaped stuffed pasta served in rich capon or beef broth. A festive classic closely tied to Bolognese family cooking and winter meals.
Green pasta sheets layered with ragù, béchamel and Parmigiano Reggiano. This baked dish is a traditional Sunday and holiday favourite in Bologna.
Historic osteria known for classic Bolognese pasta and traditional meat dishes in a warm, old-world dining room near the city centre.
Refined restaurant serving contemporary Italian cuisine in elegant rooms inside Palazzo Fava, suited to a special-occasion meal.
Long-standing trattoria popular for tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù and other local staples in a simple, bustling setting.
Moderate for Italy: lodging is mid-priced, meals are reasonable, and local buses are cheap, though central hotel rates rise in peak season and during major fairs.
Tipping is modest. Service may be included; round up or leave €1-2 in cafés, 5-10% for very good restaurant service, and round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Bologna Stazione Centrale -> Piazza Maggiore, Bologna
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lugano to Bologna by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Bologna, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Lugano to Bologna buses use the Lugano, Via Ciani to Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) station pair, with some services arriving at Bologna, Farini / Via del Cane. Use this guide to compare Lugano and Bologna bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) is 1 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Autostazione (in the station), Trattoria del Rosso (0.5 km), Osteria Broccaindosso (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre).
Available at Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre): Elevators, ramps.
Bologna, Farini / Via del Cane has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Bologna, Farini / Via del Cane. ATMs are available at Bologna, Farini / Via del Cane.
Ticket office support is available at Bologna, Farini / Via del Cane.
Available at Bologna, Farini / Via del Cane: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna, Farini / Via del Cane: Basic accessibility features such as ramps.
Bologna, Piazza Franklin Delano Roosevelt has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Bologna, Piazza Franklin Delano Roosevelt. ATMs are available at Bologna, Piazza Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Ticket office support is available at Bologna, Piazza Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Available at Bologna, Piazza Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna, Piazza Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Ramp access available for buses.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need