- 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.
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Bologna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from £29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 15m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the coach is your best bet as it emits only 1.4 - 3.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of £29, and a train costs an average of £396.
Distance: 1403 km
| Train | Most popular Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£396 Average Price | £117 Average Price Cheapest | £135 Average Price |
25h 39m Average total duration 25h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 15m Average total duration Fastest 3h 15m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 37h 21m Average total duration 36h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
- CO2 emissions | 4.2 - 8.4kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 3.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Bologna trains for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:15 Manchester | 26h49 | 12:04 Bologna | 4 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach and flight 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.
Trains from Manchester to Bologna run on average 1 times per day, taking around 25h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £396 but you can travel from only £29 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 17:56. The fastest train covers the 1403 km distance in 22h 19m.
Distance 1403 km |
Average train duration 25h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price £396 |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 22h 19m |
First train 4:25 |
Last train 17:56 |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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 Centrale -> Piazza Maggiore, Bologna
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Bologna by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Bologna, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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