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Travelling from Locarno to Bologna by train

Looking to travel from Locarno to Bologna by train? You've come to the right place!

On average, it takes around 4 hours 29 minutes to travel from Locarno to Bologna by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 3 hours 12 minutes though. You'll usually find 36 trains per day running along the 169 miles (273 km) route between these two destinations. You’ll need to make 1 change during the journey to Bologna, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. You'll be travelling with Frecciarossa, Trenitalia or SBB on your way to Bologna, as these are the main rail operators on this route.

Plan your trip ahead and book your train tickets in advance if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Just start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices for trains from Locarno to Bologna.

If you’re feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Bologna by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.

Locarno to Bologna by train

First train

00:22

Last train

21:22

Departure station

Locarno

Arrival station

Bologna

Journey time

From 3h 12m

Distance

169 miles (273 km)

Frequency

36 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train and bus operators

Autolinee Federico, Trenitalia, SBB CFF FFS, Italo, Marino, Itabus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Trenord

FAQs about the train journey from Locarno to Bologna

Want to know more about your journey from Locarno to Bologna? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do I travel from Locarno to Bologna?

You can get from Locarno to Bologna by train in 4 hours and 29 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 3 hours and 12 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Locarno to Bologna take?

The average journey time by train between Locarno and Bologna is 4 hours and 29 minutes, with around 36 trains per day running on this route. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

Is it possible to get a high-speed train from Locarno to Bologna?

Yes, it is possible to travel on a high-speed train from Locarno to Bologna. There are often different amenities available on board high-speed trains from Italo - take a look at the classes and onboard services. The fastest trip on a high-speed train can take 3 hours and 12 minutes.

What's the fastest journey time between Locarno and Bologna by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Locarno to Bologna is 3 hours and 12 minutes.

Locarno to Bologna train times

Check out the next trains departing from Locarno to Bologna for Tuesday 31st December 2024. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
10:2213:423h 20m, 1 change
10:5214:243h 32m, 2 changes
11:2214:423h 20m, 1 change
11:2214:343h 12m, 1 change
11:5215:243h 32m, 2 changes
12:2215:343h 12m, 1 change
12:5216:243h 32m, 2 changes
13:2217:043h 42m, 1 change
13:2216:543h 32m, 1 change
13:5217:243h 32m, 2 changes

Trenitalia, SBB, Italo and Trenord trains from Locarno to Bologna

You can travel from Locarno to Bologna on Trenitalia, SBB, Italo and Trenord trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.

The Swiss rail network is operated by SBB. SBB train ticket prices are based on travel and not on the type of trains. You will find available return tickets (standard price, one way or round trip), Multiple journey tickets (for six individual trips on a pre-determined itinerary) and the City-Ticket (including a one-day transportation pass from the city of departure or arrival).

Italo is a high-speed train operator that runs services between many of the major cities across Italy. All Italo trains are modern, air conditioned, and have free WiFi available for all travellers. There are four comfort classes, or "ambiances", as Italo like to call them – Smart (the cheapest price), Comfort (with wider seats and extra legroom), Prima (with a welcome selection of food and drink, fast track boarding and extra space), and Executive Club (with all Prima services, extra-wide seats, access to Italo Club lounges and personal entertainment screens at your seat).

Founded by Trenitalia and FNM (Ferrovie Nord Milano), Trenord run suburban and regional trains in Lombardy and from Lombardy to Ticino, the Italian-speaking region in Switzerland. With Trenord, you can travel between Milan, Bergamo, Como, Varese, Pavia, Brescia, Chiasso, Milan Malpensa Airport and Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport in total comfort. All Trenord trains have First and Second Class and offer special discounts to travellers under 14, over 60 and groups.

Frecciarossa, Italo, Eurocity and Intercity classes from Locarno to Bologna

Compare the different travel classes offered by Frecciarossa, Italo, Eurocity and Intercity when travelling from Locarno to Bologna.

Onboard services on Frecciarossa, Italo, Eurocity and Intercity

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Locarno to Bologna.

LuggageLuggageLuggage
  • You can take your bags on board Frecciarossa trains free of charge.
  • In most cases, there are no luggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your luggage is compatible with the space available on board.
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink
  • You can go to the FrecciaBistrò café-bar counter located in the middle part of the train to get snacks, main courses, and drinks.
  • You can also order your favourite meal from the comfort of your seat – go to the entertainment portal called Portale FRECCE and use the EasyBistrò service or ask a member of staff.
  • If you travel in Premium or Business Class, you’ll get a free snack and drink. If you travel in Executive Class, you’ll get a complimentary meal by the renowned TV chef Carlo Cracco.
WiFiWiFiEntertainment
  • You’ll find free WiFi on all Frecciarossa trains. Connect to their entertainment portal called Portale FRECCE and choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts.
  • You can also use Portale FRECCE to get the latest updates on your journey, as well as book other services that will help you reach your destination.
ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children
  • Children under 4 can travel for free if a seat is not assigned to them. If they do have a seat, they can get 50% off Base tickets (Frecciarossa’s standard fare).
  • Children aged 4-14 also get 50% off.
  • Bimbi Gratis offer: You can also get free travel for children under 15 plus 40% off Base tickets for adults, if you’re travelling in a family group of 2 to 5 people (including at least one adult and one child). 
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes
  • You can travel with your bike for free on all Frecciarossa trains provided it’s not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm.
  • Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
PetPetPets
  • Small pets can travel on all Frecciarossa trains free of charge if they’re placed in a carrier or cage of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm.
  • Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a half-price Standard ticket, they’re kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle. You can’t travel with bigger dogs in Executive and Premium Class, in quiet carriages and in restaurant carriages.
  • Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

If you need to request special assistance, you can call: the toll-free number 800 90 60 60, which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232 which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).

InfoInfoOther

Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power sockets you can find at your seat.

LuggageLuggageLuggage
  • You can take your bags on board Italo trains free of charge.
  • If you have a small bag or backpack, you can place it under your seat. If you’re travelling with a larger bag, you can place it on the luggage racks above your seat.
  • In most cases, there are no luggage size limits. However, if you travel in Italo Smart, your bags must not be larger than 75 x 53 x 30cm.
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

While there’s no bar or restaurant carriage on Italo trains, you can use the vending machines on board to get snacks and drinks during your journey.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment
  • Italo trains offer free WiFi and a free entertainment portal called ItaloLive, where you can choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts.
  • You can also charge your devices thanks to the power sockets that are available at your seat.
ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children
  • Children aged 0-3 travel for free on Italo trains if they don’t occupy a seat. However, if an adult travels with more than one child aged 0-3, they will need to pay for a seat.
  • Children aged 2-14 get 50% off the Flex fare if they’re travelling in Italo’s Smart Class.
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes
  • You can travel with a folding bike if it’s stored in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
  • You can travel with a traditional bike if it’s disassembled and placed in a bag that is not larger than 80 x 110 x 40cm.
PetPetPets
  • Pets under 10kg can travel for free on all Italo trains provided they’re placed in a carrier or cage.
  • Pets over 10kg will need a ticket to travel with you. They must also be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

Priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility are available on Italo trains. They’re usually located next to an accessible toilet. All accessible toilets also have tactile and Braille signs.

InfoInfoOther

Air-conditioning is available on all Italo trains, as well as at-seat power sockets.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Eurocity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided.​

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

Many SBB Eurocity trains will have a restaurant or bistro carriage so you can buy food and drink throughout your journey. You may be able to sit at a table in the restaurant carriage or take your meal back to your seat.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

There are plug sockets and free WiFi on SBB Eurocity trains.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

There is pushchair storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

You can take your bike onboard SBB Eurocity trains provided that you can fit it into the storage space onboard, but you'll need to buy a ticket for it. You'll also need a reservation for the Swiss part of your journey when travelling internationally. You can make a reservation online or at a ticket office.

PetPetPets

Dogs under 30cm in height can travel for free if they're in a carrier and placed under your seat. Larger dogs can travel with you if you buy a Dog Day Pass for CHF 25, which can be purchased at a ticket office, at a ticket machine, online or on the SBB app. The pass is valid for a day on trains, ships, trams and buses in most Swiss cities.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet onboard, plus priority seating for passengers with reduced mobility.

InfoInfoOther

There is air conditioning on board newer SBB Eurocity trains, so you can travel in comfort.

LuggageLuggageLuggage
  • You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Intercity trains free of charge.
  • In most cases, there are no luggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your luggage is compatible with the space available on board.
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

You can get snacks and drinks from the vending machines available in coach 3. Gluten-free and lactose-free options are available too.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

At the moment, Intercity trains do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power sockets that are available at your seat.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children
  • Children under 4 can travel for free if a seat is not assigned to them. If they do have a seat, they can get 50% off Base tickets (standard fare).
  • Children aged 4-14 also get 50% off.
  • Bimbi Gratis offer: You can also get free travel for children under 15 plus 40% off Base tickets for adults, if you’re travelling in a family group of 2 to 5 people (including at least one adult and one child).
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes
  • You can travel with your bike for free on all Intercity trains, provided it’s not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm. Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
  • If you can't fold your bike, some Intercity trains allow you to take your bike on board. However, you’ll need to book a space and buy a ticket. There are 6 bike spaces in coach 3 and 2 e-bike chargers.
PetPetPets
  • Small pets can travel on all Intercity trains free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier or cage of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm.
  • Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket, they’re kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
  • Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60 which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232 which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).

InfoInfoOther

Air-conditioning is available on all Intercity trains.

Cheap train tickets from Locarno to Bologna

Book in advance

Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Locarno to Bologna by booking early.§

Be flexible with your travel times

Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.

Choose a slower or connecting train

On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!

Look out for special deals

Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.

For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

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