- 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.
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£72
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£85
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
15 h 40 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
18 h 30 m
Buses on 17 Sept
2
Distance
784 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Messina to Bologna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Messina to Bologna will cost around £85 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £72.
On Thu 17 Sept, we found 2 buses from Messina to Bologna, including 1 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 784 km distance in an average of 18 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 15 h 40 m .
The slowest buses will take 21 h 20 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.
2126
FlixBus · FlixBus
2126
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Messina to Bologna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £78 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 29m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.7kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £78, while a flight costs an average of £217.
Distance: 784 km
| Coach | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£78 Average Price Cheapest | £217 Average Price | £115 Average Price | £200 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
15h 36m Average total duration 15h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration Fastest 2h 29m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 13h 13m Average total duration 12h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.8 - 2.0kg CO2 emissions | 2.3 - 4.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
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 Messina to Bologna:
A coach is £37 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Messina to Bologna costing on average £115.
A coach is £139 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Messina to Bologna costing on average £217.
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 43m.
Coach takes on average 15h 6m.
Tickets start at around £78 compared to roughly £200 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £122. The journey takes 15h 6m versus 10h 40m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, Itabus, OneBus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
The table below shows live departures for Messina to Bologna coaches for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 16:10 Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) | 21h20 | 13:30 Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 change | |
2126 | 21:35 Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) | 15h40 | 13:15 Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train 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.
Buses from Messina to Bologna run on average 6 times per day, taking around 15h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £21 if you book in advance.
There are 2 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:25, the last at 23:54. The fastest coach covers the 784 km distance in 13h 15m.
Distance 784 km |
Average bus duration 15h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price £21 |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 13h 15m |
First bus 0:25 |
Last bus 23:54 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Messina 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 Messina to Bologna buses use the Messina, Piazza Della Repubblica (Stazione Centrale) to Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) station pair. Use this guide to compare Messina 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need