Home › Routes › Bologna to Florence
How to get from Bologna to Florence
The fastest way from Bologna to Florence is a high-speed train (Trenitalia Frecciarossa or Italo), about 35–40 minutes from Bologna Centrale to Firenze Santa Maria Novella. The cheapest is a regional train, about 1 h 30 to 2 h for about €10.
Best option: Train. High-speed trains run several times an hour and link the two central stations in under 40 minutes, faster than driving through the Apennines.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train High-speed Frecciarossa (Trenitalia) or Italo trains from Bologna Centrale to Firenze Santa Maria Novella | about 35–40 min | several per hour | about €10–30, cheapest when booked ahead | Seats are reserved; arrive early, as the Bologna high-speed platforms are underground. |
| train Trenitalia regional trains from Bologna Centrale to Firenze Santa Maria Novella | about 1 h 30 to 2 h | roughly hourly | about €10 | No reservation; validate paper tickets. |
| car A1 motorway (Variante di Valico) | about 1 h 15 | fuel plus an A1 toll of about €8 | Central Florence is a limited-traffic zone (ZTL); park outside it. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
Open the route in Google Maps →
Book the trip
Partner links: TonyPlan may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Tips
- Book high-speed tickets ahead for the lowest fares; both Trenitalia and Italo run the route.
- Allow 10 minutes to reach the underground high-speed platforms at Bologna Centrale.
- Do not drive into Florence's ZTL; cameras issue fines automatically.
- Book the Uffizi or Accademia in advance for a day trip.
Common questions
Can I visit Florence as a day trip from Bologna?
Yes. High-speed trains take about 35–40 minutes and run several times an hour from early morning to late evening. That leaves a full day for the Duomo, the Uffizi and the Oltrarno. Book museum tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
Is there a direct train from Bologna to Florence?
Yes. Frecciarossa and Italo high-speed trains run direct between Bologna Centrale and Firenze Santa Maria Novella in about 35–40 minutes. Slower regional trains also run direct through the mountains in about 1 h 30 to 2 h. Neither requires a change.
What is the cheapest way from Bologna to Florence?
A regional train, at about €10 one way, though it takes 1 h 30 or more. Early-booked high-speed fares can cost little more and are much faster. Driving costs fuel and about €8 in tolls, plus parking outside Florence's restricted centre.
Do I need to book ahead?
Not for regional trains, which have fixed fares. High-speed fares rise as departure approaches, so booking a few days or weeks ahead saves money, and trains on Friday evenings and Sundays can be busy. Walk-up high-speed tickets are usually available, just at a higher price.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.