Your driver will meet you at your address in Florence.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
Trip
You’ll travel in comfort for 1 h 30 min.
Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly
Drop-off
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Bologna.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
In total
119 km1 h 30 min
Questions & Answers about Traveling from Florence to Bologna
What is the easiest way to get from Florence to Bologna?
The easiest way to travel from Florence to Bologna is by train. High-speed trains offer a quick and convenient journey, taking approximately 38 minutes. Trains run frequently, and tickets are easy to purchase online or at the station. This way, traffic jams and parking problems will be eliminated.
How much does it cost to travel from Florence to Bologna by train?
The cost to travel by train from Florence to Bologna varies, with ticket prices ranging from $7 (6.50 euros) to $50 (46 euros). Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on the time of booking, availability, and travel class.
How fast is the train from Florence to Bologna?
The Frecciarossa trains can reach speeds of up to 190 mph (300 km/h) which is why it takes half the time that a bus will usually take. And unlike flying, you don’t have to arrive at the train station two to three hours early.
Is Bologna a day trip from Florence?
Yes, Bologna is an ideal day trip from Florence. The short distance and quick travel time make it possible to explore the city's highlights in a single day. Whether traveling by train, bus, or car, you can enjoy a full day of sightseeing and return to Florence by evening.
Can you drive from Florence to Bologna, and how long does it take?
Yes, you can drive from Florence to Bologna. The distance of about 68 miles (110 km) typically takes around 1.5 hours by car, depending on traffic conditions. This option allows for flexibility and the possibility to stop and explore smaller towns along the way.
What is the fastest way to get from Florence to Bologna?
The fastest way to travel from Florence to Bologna is by train. These trains cover the distance very quickly, making them the quickest option available. Not only is it fast, but it’s also an environmentally friendly option for sustainable travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,600+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
Get comfortable, buckle up, and prepare for the drive from Florence to Bologna. The distance spans 68 miles (110 km) and takes under two hours to complete. This, of course, depends on the route you take, your travel speed, and the amount of time spent sightseeing. There are plenty of quiet villages to hike through as you head northbound, each with its special history.
Explore the lesser-known parts of Italy
One popular stop that’s slightly out of the way but still not far from Florence is the town of Prato. With about 7,000 fashion companies in Prato, its textile district is the largest in Europe.
Another interesting stop you can make along the way is to see the interesting fusion of architectural styles at the Rocchetta Mattei Castle.
Even if you don’t head to a specific landmark, your Daytrip driver would be happy to make pit stops so you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings before you’re dropped off at your accommodation in Bologna.
About Bologna
The expedition from Florence to Bologna brings you to a city rich in history and culture. Bologna has several nicknames that highlight its past. It’s often referred to as La Dotta (The Learned) because it houses the oldest university in the world. Its second name is La Grassa (The Fat) because of its rich dishes. La Rossa (The Red) was born from its red-tiled rooftops. Throughout its historic center, many of the buildings are lined with porticos, some dating back to the 12th century, which have been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Early beginnings
Founded by the Etruscans, over time Bologna became an important Roman city. Starting in 1088 until the present, the University of Bologna has been continuously running, keeping Bologna as a center of learning for centuries and attracting students from around the world.
This city played a crucial role in the Renaissance, contributing significantly to art, science, and politics. By taking a walk through Bologna's historic center, travelers can imagine how well-preserved medieval towers must have looked in their prime.
Diving deeper into Bologna
Today, Bologna is a dynamic city known for its progressive social policies, thriving economy, rich cultural scene, and food. Some of the foods that originate in or near Bologna are:
The city's first covered market, Mercato di Mezzo, offers fresh local produce, meats, cheeses, wines, and more, reflecting the region's agricultural bounty.
Your visit to Bologna won’t be complete unless you indulge in some of its gastronomic delicacies.
From Florence to Bologna: travel tips
Cruising from Florence to Bologna requires some preparation to make sure your trip goes smoothly.
First, pack appropriately for the season. Bologna experiences hot summers and cold winters, so light clothing and sunscreen are essential for summer, while warm layers are necessary for winter.
Bologna is generally safe, even for solo travelers, but like any major city, it’s important to stay vigilant against petty crimes. Pickpockets thrive in crowded areas and on public transportation. Keeping your valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings can prevent most issues.
Be prepared
In Bologna, public transportation is efficient, and the city is walkable. Comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring the historic center. If you plan to hike in the surrounding areas, pack appropriate gear and check local guides for recommended trails.
Even though English is not widely spoken in Italy, Bologna is one of the top cities for English speakers to settle or vacation. Still, when coming into contact with older people, dropping a few Italian words of gratitude can go a long way. Make sure to download Italian on Google Translate so you can translate phrases offline.
How to get from Florence to Bologna
Traveling from Florence to Bologna presents several options, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at what’s available.
Florence to Bologna by train
The train is a popular choice due to its speed and convenience. High-speed trains cover the distance in about 38 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from $7 (€6.50) to $50 (€46). It’s a great alternative as there are no traffic delays and the train stations are centrally located. Between these two cities trains run frequently making it easy to find a schedule that aligns with your plans.
Florence to Bologna by bus
Another option is taking a bus. Buses are typically cheaper than trains, but with cheaper prices come longer trips. The price of a ticket can run from $5 (€4.60) to $24 (€22) and the ride can last up to 80 minutes.
Florence to Bologna by rental car
For the road warriors brave enough to drive in Italy, renting a car is an option. You’ll have the opportunity to stop wherever you want and introduce slow travel into your vacation. The car ride takes about one hour and 30 minutes on average. The big drawback is parking in Bologna isn’t the easiest, and since the city is so walkable and has public transportation, you won’t need a car once you get there.
Florence to Bologna by plane
While both cities have an airport, the time and effort involved in air travel make it the absolute worst option. Flying, without counting your time inside the airport, will take 5 hours as there are no direct flights. And then Bologna’s airport is about 20 minutes outside of the center and Florence’s airport is about 35 minutes away from its center, so there’s another hour of travel time.
Florence to Bologna car transfer with Daytrip
Daytrip’s private car service offers all the benefits of driving with none of the drawbacks. Plus a few extra invaluable perks! You’ll be picked up in Florence by an English-speaking driver, who will load your luggage into a modern and well-appointed vehicle.
Along the way, you can talk about local history and culture, and easily make sightseeing stops (we’ve already researched the best ones!) before you’re dropped off at your accommodation in Bologna.
Things to do when you get to Bologna
Trotting Italy from Florence to Bologna makes the perfect day trip since they aren’t far from each other. And once you arrive, you’ll have plenty of activities at your fingertips.
See history in the present
Once you set foot in Bologna, there are numerous activities and attractions to explore. The Piazza Maggiore, or as they say in the Bolognese language “Piâza Mażåur”, was founded in the 12th century.
Situated in the heart of the city and surrounded by multiple significant buildings, it’s a great place to start from. The Basilica di San Petronio and the Palazzo d'Accursio are two of the buildings you can walk to. It’s also lined with Bologna’s iconic porticos, which are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
An art enthusiast's paradise
For art enthusiasts, there are two places that you must see.
The first place is Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna (National Art Gallery of Bologna). It stores an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance art and also pieces from artists who have a connection with Bologna.
The second place is Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna (MAMbo), which was established in 2007, and was originally an old bakery that has been transformed into a museum with artwork from the end of WWII to the present.
Try the food, you won’t regret it
Food is a central part of the Italian experience, especially in Bologna. Try Tagliatelle al ragù (aka spaghetti bolognese), tortellini in brodo (tortellini in beef broth), lasagne verde, and mortadella for the best of this food paradise. Here are a list of the restaurants you should save on your map:
You’re in the land of opera, this is your best opportunity to see a show.
Don’t miss the Bologna Municipal Theater, established in 1763, which hosts a variety of performances from opera to ballet. There is also the Teatro Auditorium Manzoni which puts on some of the best concerts in the city.
When is the best time to visit Bologna
The best time to travel from Florence to Bologna depends on your preferences. The city is enjoyable 365 days a year but certain months with better weather might be more up your alley.
From June to July the temperature is typically in the 80’s (28-32° C). April, September, and October are also relatively warm but not too hot making these months perfect if you can’t stand the heat. There are also fewer crowds in the shoulder seasons, so you’ll be able to enjoy landmarks and restaurants without long queues and likely get better deals on accommodation.
But if you have any special interests, you might want to align your visit with one of the many festivals throughout the year. There is a Pride festival (June/July), a children's book fair (March/April), and a film festival called Il Cinema Ritrovato (June/July) to name a few.
Visit these sights on the way
Prato
A city with a seemingly endless array of palaces, castles, museums, and cathedrals for visitors to choose from. Rooted in art and nature
Rocchetta Mattei Castle
The Rocchetta Mattei is a unique castle with beautiful sculptures and a fusion of Gothic and Moorish architectural styles. A Fusion of Styles
Monte Sole Historical Park
The Regional Park of Monte Sole offers more than just great hiking trails and and stunning views. It also provides an insight into one of WWII's darkest moments. A Place of Remembrance
“I used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.”
“We were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, we’d especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.”
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler Daydream20046758137
“We absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. It’s worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. It’s 5 star rating is well deserved.”
“We traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortable”
“Gonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.”
“We were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.”
“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”
“Used Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.”
“We did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.”
“We love daytrip in Europe. Simple booking . We booked two trips.
1. Florence to Bologna: This was the simplest. We received a photo and license plate and phone number for our driver 1 week before the trip. They changed driver on us but sent email few days before. Giovanni was a nice driver , picked us from our hotel in central fierenze which has narrow streets in a new Mercedes van. Dropped us to our hotel in bologna . Safe and fast, many long tunnels.
2. Bologna to Torino: We were picked in another Mercedes van by Valter. We booked an initial Lamborghini museum tour in Modena. He remained outside while we toured this fantastic museum. Our kids drove the simulator. Total time there was 2 hours . Then he took us to a restaurant for lunch. Then drove us to Rivalta castle near Torino for a tour. What is amazing here is that the mayor of Rivalta came to welcome us. She and a cultural representative showed us around!! Arranged by Valter!!! What a great time!! Total Time there was 1.5 hours. Finally dropped us to our hotel in Torino. Five star service.
Use daytrip and avoid the airlines!!! Same price and much more comfortable and fun.....”
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traveler BusTraveler009
Good to know
Children
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Tips
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Luggage
Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm
Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Payment methods
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.
For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.
Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!
Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.
