- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Bologna
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Oct
Cheapest price on 13 Oct
£391
Average ticket price on 13 Oct
£391
Fastest journey on 13 Oct
22 h 19 m
Average journey duration on 13 Oct
1 d 1 h 4 m
Trains on 13 Oct
2
Distance
1403 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Bologna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Bologna will cost around £391 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £391.
Fast trains
To travel from Manchester to Bologna you need to make at least 4 changes.
8:1527h49Manchester12:04Bologna£3911One-way4 changes- 17:3522h19Manchester15:54Bologna£3911One-way4 changes
- 17:3522h19Manchester15:54Bologna£3911One-way4 changes
- 8:1527h49Manchester12:04Bologna£3911One-way4 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Bologna
United Kingdom
Italy
Take a train from Manchester to Bologna and enjoy the approximately 1403 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 17:56.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £18
Distance 1403 km |
First train 4:25 |
Last train 17:56 |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £18
Live departures
Manchester to Bologna train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Bologna trains for today, Monday 12 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:15 Manchester | 27h49 | 12:04 Bologna | 4 changes | |
| 17:35 Manchester | 22h19 | 15:54 Bologna | 4 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Complete guide to Bologna
Things to do in Bologna
Discover the best of Bologna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bologna trip today.
- Recommended
MAMbo - Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna
Bologna’s modern and contemporary art museum presents rotating exhibitions and a compact permanent collection in a converted industrial space.
- Recommended
Museo del Patrimonio Industriale
An engaging museum on Bologna’s industrial and social history, with working models, scientific instruments, and practical displays for curious visitors.
- Must visit
Piazza Maggiore
Bologna’s grand central square is the city’s social and architectural heart, framed by major civic buildings and lively throughout the day.
- Must visit
Portico di San Luca
A long porticoed walk climbing towards San Luca, combining daily local life, historic architecture, and one of Bologna’s classic walking routes.
- Recommended
Via Pescherie Vecchie
This covered market street preserves medieval character under porticoes and is ideal for a short walk between historic shops and central landmarks.
Tagliatelle al ragù
Fresh egg pasta ribbons served with slow-cooked ragù. It is Bologna’s signature pasta dish and traditionally differs from spaghetti bolognese found abroad.
Tortellini in brodo
Small ring-shaped stuffed pasta served in rich capon or beef broth. A festive classic closely tied to Bolognese family cooking and winter meals.
Lasagne verdi alla bolognese
Green pasta sheets layered with ragù, béchamel and Parmigiano Reggiano. This baked dish is a traditional Sunday and holiday favourite in Bologna.
Trattoria da Me
Historic osteria known for classic Bolognese pasta and traditional meat dishes in a warm, old-world dining room near the city centre.
Ristorante I Carracci
Refined restaurant serving contemporary Italian cuisine in elegant rooms inside Palazzo Fava, suited to a special-occasion meal.
Trattoria Anna Maria
Long-standing trattoria popular for tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù and other local staples in a simple, bustling setting.
Euro (€)
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.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or street food.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
Roger
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €2.30
- Day pass
- €9.00
To the city centre
Bologna Centrale -> Piazza Maggiore, Bologna
- Distance
- 1.6 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Tap a contactless card on Bologna urban buses to pay the standard fare; Tper applies a daily best fare cap of €9.00.
- Use the official Roger app to buy digital tickets and plan journeys on Tper services in Bologna.
FAQs: Manchester to Bologna train
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.
The train distance from Manchester to Bologna is 1403 km.
The first train from Manchester to Bologna leaves at 4:25.
The last train from Manchester to Bologna departs at 17:56.
There is no night train service from Manchester to Bologna.
Booking trains from Manchester to Bologna in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Manchester to Bologna is not typically considered scenic, as it involves travelling through urban and industrial areas in the UK and France, with limited views of natural landscapes. The route primarily focuses on efficient transportation rather than picturesque scenery.
Currently, there is no direct train service available from Manchester to Bologna.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Bologna
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bologna and Manchester
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