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About the train journey from Bologna to Messina Centrale

Want to travel from Bologna to Messina Centrale by train? Start your journey with us.

The train from Bologna to Messina Centrale usually takes 9 hours 57 minutes on average to travel 488 miles (785 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 7 hours 48 minutes. You can expect to find 18 trains per day running on this popular route. Good news! There are direct trains available to Messina Centrale, so you can just make yourself comfortable as soon as you board the train and just enjoy the journey. Trenitalia are the main train operator on this route and will whisk you to Messina Centrale in no time.

To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Bologna to Messina Centrale in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save!

Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Messina Centrale, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you’re ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.

Bologna to Messina Centrale by train

First train

01:48

Last train

23:05

Departure station

Bologna

Arrival station

Messina Centrale

Journey time

From 7h 48m

Distance

488 miles (785 km)

Frequency

18 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Train and bus operators

Flixbus, Trenitalia, Onebus, Autoservizi Salemi

FAQs about the train journey from Bologna to Messina Centrale

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

How do you get to Messina Centrale from Bologna?

To travel to Messina Centrale from Bologna, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 9 hours and 57 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 7 hours and 48 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Bologna to Messina Centrale?

Trains from Bologna to Messina Centrale take an average of 9 hours and 57 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 7 hours and 48 minutes. You'll usually find 18 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

What is the quickest journey time between Bologna and Messina Centrale by train?

The quickest journey time between Bologna and Messina Centrale by train is 7 hours and 48 minutes.

Are there direct trains from Bologna to Messina Centrale?

Yes, there are direct trains running from Bologna to Messina Centrale, you’ll usually find around 1 per day travelling on this route.

Bologna to Messina Centrale train times

Check out the next trains departing from Bologna to Messina Centrale for Tuesday 18th March 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
08:5718:359h 38m, 1 change
09:0718:359h 28m, 2 changes
09:2718:208h 53m, 1 change
11:0719:458h 38m, 1 change
13:0221:058h 3m, 1 change
13:0721:057h 58m, 2 changes
14:3722:257h 48m, 1 change
14:4723:408h 53m, 2 changes
17:0204:1511h 13m, 1 change
17:0704:1511h 8m, 2 changes

Trenitalia trains from Bologna to Messina Centrale

You can travel from Bologna to Messina Centrale on Trenitalia 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.

Intercity Notte (night trains) classes from Bologna to Messina Centrale

Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity Notte (night trains) when travelling from Bologna to Messina Centrale.

Onboard services on Intercity Notte (night trains)

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

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

A minibar trolley service is available on all Intercity Notte trains – you can choose from a wide range of snacks and drinks. Vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options are available too.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

Unfortunately, free WiFi is not available on Intercity Notte trains.

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, or 30% off if they’re travelling in the Comfort couchette or Deluxe cabin Relax.
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes
  • You can take your folding bike with you if it’s stored in one of the dedicated luggage spaces.
  • If you have a traditional bike, you’ll need to disassemble it and place it in a bag that is not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm.
PetPetPets
  • Small pets are allowed on board free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier or cage of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm. You’ll need to buy a ticket for the whole compartment.
  • Bigger dogs are allowed on board if they have a ticket – it’s usually 50% off the Base ticket (standard fare).
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

Intercity Notte trains have a coach with designated spaces for 2 passengers with a wheelchair and 2 companions. You’ll find a wheelchair symbol outside the coach.

InfoInfoOther

Depending on the class you’ll be travelling in, you’ll get to enjoy additional perks, including a wake-up service, breakfast, bedding and more.

Cheap train tickets from Bologna to Messina Centrale

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 Bologna to Messina Centrale 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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