Florence to Bologna Trains from €9.22

Departure Station: Departing from Firenze Santa Maria Novella

Firenze Santa Maria Novella is Florence’s main train station, and it’s where services from Florence to Bologna depart. You might sometimes see it referred to as Firenze SMN or simply SMN, but they’re all the same place. Firenze Santa Maria Novella is the city's main train station, and it’s the starting point for the majority of high-speed services heading north.

You’ll find SMN in the heart of Florence, within easy walking distance of the Duomo, Piazza della Repubblica and many central hotels. If you're staying in the historic centre, chances are you can reach the station on foot, rather than relying on a taxi or public transport.

Ask anyone and they will tell you the same thing: Firenze Santa Maria Novella is busy. You’ll mainly notice this if you’re travelling during the day, with the morning rush and around lunchtime being the busiest times. It’s a good idea to arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure to give yourself enough time to check the departure boards, grab an espresso and find your platform without rushing.

The station has plenty of cafés, food options and a Deposito Bagagli, where you can leave your luggage. If you're checking out early but don't plan to leave Florence until later, storing your bags and squeezing in one last wander around the city can be well worth it.

Arrival Station: Arriving at Bologna Centrale

The Florence to Bologna train station for arrivals is Bologna Centrale. It’s a huge hub for transport in the city, so expect it to be busy. The station is located just north of Bologna's centre, meaning Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers and many of the city's most popular restaurants are around a 20-minute walk away. If you don’t want to walk, maybe it’s a boiling hot Italian day, or perhaps you have a lot of luggage, local buses and taxis are available directly outside the station.

Bologna is relatively compact compared to Milan or Rome, so you might find that you can reach your accommodation on foot. If you're carrying luggage or staying further out, taxis are easy to find at the main entrance. Look for the official taxi rank or use a registered app, rather than jumping in with the first person to offer you a lift. This will ensure you don’t end up overpaying.

The Florence to Bologna train in Italy is one of the quickest intercity rail journeys in Italy. Once you’ve purchased your train tickets from Florence to Bologna, you’ll be on your way to explore somewhere new. Both Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa and Italo use the high-speed line that speeds through the Apennines, turning a journey that once took hours into a quick half-hour ride.

Frecciarossa high-speed trains

• Avg. duration: 33 minutes

• Departure station: Firenze Santa Maria Novella

• Best for: Travellers making onward connections, flexible departure choices throughout the day, and having a wide range of ticket types to choose from.

• Onboard perks: Reserved seating, air conditioning, power sockets so you can charge your devices, and Business Class upgrades available.

• Worth Knowing: Frecciarossa boasts an extensive timetable with departures throughout the day, making it easy to find a departure that works for your other plans and timings. If Bologna isn’t your final destination, Frecciarossa has easy connections to Rome, Naples and Turin.

Italo high-speed trains

• Avg. duration: 38 minutes

• Departure station: Firenze Santa Maria Novella

• Best for: Comparing fares across multiple departure times, comfortable travel without paying too much and comfortable seats.

• Onboard perks: Luggage storage areas, WiFi, modern train carriages, and comfortable seating.

• Worth Knowing: Italo often offers competitive pricing when booked in advance, and it’s sometimes cheaper to travel with this operator than with others. A wide range of departure times to choose from throughout the day.

Regionale (RE) trains

• Avg. duration: From 1 hour 15 minutes

• Departure station: Firenze Santa Maria Novella

• Best for: Budget-conscious travellers, flexible travel plans and stopping at smaller stations between Florence and Bologna.

• Onboard perks: Comfortable seating, luggage storage and air-conditioned coaches on most services.

• Worth Knowing: Regionale trains are slower than Frecciarossa and Italo services but are often cheaper. They call at more intermediate stations along the route, making them a practical option if you're travelling to destinations beyond Bologna or prefer a lower-cost journey.

Getting the train from Florence to Bologna is simple, but taking the time to plan can help you to save money and make the journey even smoother.

• High-speed trains are worth it: Travelling on a Florence to Bologna high-speed train is hugely convenient. Paying a little bit extra for Frecciarossa or Italo is worthwhile, as it allows you to maximise your time in both cities.

• Travel outside peak times if possible: Morning and late-afternoon departures from Florence are popular with commuters and business travellers, which can make the journey slightly more stressful. Mid-morning and early afternoon services are often quieter, and they’re where you’re more likely to find better fares.

• Keep your ticket handy: Staff may carry out ticket checks before you reach the platform, and onboard inspections are common on high-speed services. Having your digital ticket easily accessible on the TrainPal app can save time when you’re boarding.

• Monitor your journey: Platform changes can happen at both Firenze Santa Maria Novella and Bologna Centrale, especially during busy periods. When you book through TrainPal, you can check live train information and access your ticket in one place. If you know your train platforms, you’ll know and won’t waste time heading in the wrong direction.

TrainPal allows you to compare Florence to Bologna train tickets, helping you to find the best combination of fare and departure time, and store your ticket, keeping everything organised on your journey