Trains to Bologna Centrale

Bologna Centrale train station

Bologna Centrale train station is located on the northern edge of the city centre, in a strategic position for connections throughout the country. This is perhaps the reason behind it being one of the busiest stations in Italy when it comes to daily passengers — just under 160,000 every day! With 24 platforms, approximately 800 trains pass through the station daily, serving national and regional routes. There are also high-speed trains offering connections to major cities. In fact, the station lies at the end of the Milan to Bologna high-speed line, and the journey only takes 1 hour. From the Tuscan capital of Florence, this city can be reached in a mere 35 minutes, and passengers from the country’s capital, Rome, can get to Bologna in under 2 hours. From just outside the station, visitors can take buses into the heart of the city, or to Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, which is 6 km away.

Main attractions near Bologna Centrale train station

After leaving the train station, the very centre of Bologna is only 1.5 km away, and around a 15-minute walk away. Visitors can stroll along one of Bologna’s most beautiful streets, Via Indipendenza, which is also the heart of the city’s shopping area. One of the first sights, just a 5-minute walk from the station, is Parco della Montagnola. This park was first constructed under Napoleonic rule, with its sculptures and statues, and still prides its centuries-old trees. Another 15-minute walk will lead to one of the city’s most famous landmarks, a fountain called Fontana di Nettuno, with its bronze figure dating back to the 16th century. Just around the corner from here is the central square of Piazza Maggiore, surrounded by important buildings like Palazzo del Podestà and Palazzo D'Accursio. Dominating the square is the Basilica di San Petronio, the city’s main church and the 10th largest in the world. Continuing on foot for another 5 minutes, visitors will discover even more history in the form of two leaning medieval towers called Torre Asinelli and Torre Garisenda, built in 1100.

Travellers looking for fine Italian cuisine will find plenty of options in the downtown area of the city. Located just 10 or 15 minutes from the station, Via Degli Orefici, Via Altabella and Via Zamboni provide a choice of lovely restaurants. Visitors should try some traditional cotoletta alla bolognese (bolognese cutlet) with ham and cheese or some simple crescentine (typical bread) served with regional Emilian cold cuts. Buon appetito!

 Find out more about things to do in Bologna here.