- 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 10 Oct
£135
Average ticket price on 10 Oct
£142
Fastest journey on 10 Oct
15 h 42 m
Average journey duration on 10 Oct
17 h 40 m
Trains on 10 Oct
3
Distance
729 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Palermo to Bologna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Palermo to Bologna will cost around £142 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £135.
To travel from Palermo to Bologna you need to make at least 2 changes.
BUS LP736+
Intercity 95072+
FRECCIAROSSA 9658
BUS LP958+
InterCityNotte 1960+
Intercity 588
BUS LP958+
InterCityNotte 1960+
FRECCIAROSSA 9520
BUS LP736+
Intercity 95072+
FRECCIAROSSA 9658
BUS LP958+
InterCityNotte 1960+
FRECCIAROSSA 9520
BUS LP958+
InterCityNotte 1960+
Intercity 588Trains from Palermo to Bologna run on average 8 times per day, taking around 15h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 but you can travel from only £15 by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:44. The fastest train covers the 729 km distance in 11h 14m.
Distance 729 km |
Average train duration 15h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 11h 14m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:44 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 35 days |
The table below shows live departures for Palermo to Bologna trains for today, Friday 9 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
InterCityNotte 95078+ FRECCIAROSSA 9608 | 17:38 Palermo Centrale | 15h15 | 8:53 Bologna Centrale | 1 change | |
InterCityNotte 95078+ Intercity 534+ Regionale Veloce TTPER 3916 | 17:38 Palermo Centrale | 20h48 | 14:26 Bologna Centrale | 2 changes | |
| Saturday 10 October | |||||
BUS LP736+ Intercity 95072+ FRECCIAROSSA 9658 | 4:11 Palermo Centrale | 15h42 | 19:53 Bologna Centrale | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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
The most popular day trips by train from Bologna are Florence, Modena, Parma, Ferrara and Ravenna. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Bologna on Omio.

Florence is known for Renaissance art and architecture, with the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio shaping its skyline. Despite its fame, it feels compact and lived-in, with busy piazzas, artisan workshops and a strong Tuscan food culture.
There are 83 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 81 km distance in 33m.

Modena is known for its Romanesque cathedral, traditional balsamic vinegar and its links to Ferrari and Luciano Pavarotti. Its arcaded centre and well-rooted food culture give the city a polished but relaxed feel.
There are 66 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:46. The fastest train covers the 37 km distance in 15m.

Parma is known for elegant squares, Romanesque landmarks and a food culture centred on Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma. Its compact historic centre and calm, refined atmosphere make it easy to explore.
There are 52 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 23:52. The fastest train covers the 87 km distance in 48m.

Ferrara is a Renaissance city in Emilia-Romagna, known for the moated Castello Estense and its Este past. Its UNESCO-listed centre is calm and elegant, with arcaded streets, palaces and a strong cycling culture.
There are 64 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:43, the last at 23:23. The fastest train covers the 43 km distance in 20m.

Ravenna is best known for its remarkable Byzantine mosaics and UNESCO-listed early Christian monuments. Its compact historic centre, literary links to Dante and calm Adriatic character give it a thoughtful, unhurried feel.
There are 19 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:48, the last at 22:47. The fastest train covers the 69 km distance in 58m.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Palermo 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.

Most Palermo to Bologna trains use the Palermo Centrale to Bologna Centrale station pair, with some services arriving at Bologna, Aeroporto. Use this guide to compare Palermo and Bologna train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bologna Centrale is 1 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna Centrale has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, A Cafè, VyTA Boulangerie, Venchi, Scambio, Juice Bar, KFC, Dispensa Emilia, Lavazza, Mokà, & more
Free Wi-Fi. . ATMs are aTM is located in the main hall.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00. Information desks are customer service center is on the ground floor and open every day from 06:30 to 23:00.
Luggage storage is luggage facility, open daily from 07:00 to 22:00, is located in front of binario 7 Ovest (Track 7 West).
Available at Bologna Centrale: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bologna Centrale: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna Centrale: Accessible facilities including barrier-free restrooms, elevators and ramps. Sala Blu mobility assistance available from 07:45 to 22:30 with advanced one-hour notice.
Nearby hotels include Starhotels Excelsior, Millenn Hotel Bologna, UNA Hotels.
Bologna, Aeroporto is 5 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna, Aeroporto has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple options on site
Free wifi throughout the station. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Bologna, Aeroporto.
Available at Bologna, Aeroporto: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna, Aeroporto: Fully accessible for disabled individuals.
Bologna Borgo Panigale is 4 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna Borgo Panigale has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Ristorante Il Patio, Trattoria Bonora
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Bologna Borgo Panigale. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Available at Bologna Borgo Panigale: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bologna Borgo Panigale: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna Borgo Panigale: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Flyon Hotel, Hotel Bologna Airport, Hotel Del Borgo.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need