6 best day trips from Bologna

Day trips compared

The day trips

80 km · About 35–40 minutes by high-speed train

1.Florence

Tuscany's capital is closer than most visitors realise. The Duomo, the Uffizi and the Ponte Vecchio make a full but feasible day, though the Uffizi and the Accademia need timed tickets. Head back in time for dinner in Bologna, where eating out costs less.

Getting there

Frecciarossa or Italo from Bologna Centrale

Best for

First-timers, Culture

40 km · About 20–30 minutes by train

2.Modena

Modena's UNESCO-listed Romanesque cathedral and Ghirlandina tower stand on Piazza Grande, and family acetaie in the surrounding hills offer tastings of traditional balsamic vinegar aged for 12 years or more. Car fans can visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum near the station or continue to Maranello.

Getting there

Regional or high-speed train

Best for

Food lovers, Culture

95 km · About 50–60 minutes by train

3.Parma

Parma pairs a Romanesque cathedral with Correggio's dome fresco and a pink marble octagonal baptistery with the food that made it famous: Parmigiano Reggiano dairies and Prosciutto di Parma producers in the countryside can be visited with advance booking.

Getting there

Regional or high-speed train

Best for

Food lovers, Culture

75 km · About 1–1.5 hours by regional train

4.Ravenna

Ravenna, capital of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century, has eight UNESCO-listed early Christian monuments with outstanding Byzantine mosaics, including the Basilica of San Vitale and the starry vault of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Dante's tomb is in the centre.

Getting there

Regional train from Bologna Centrale

Best for

Culture, Couples, Quiet stays

50 km · About 30–50 minutes by train

5.Ferrara

Ferrara is a flat Renaissance city built by the Este family, with the moated Castello Estense at its centre and about 9 km of intact walls that locals circle by bike. It makes a relaxed, uncrowded day out; rent a bike near the station.

Getting there

Regional or high-speed train

Best for

Quiet stays, Culture, Families

150 km · About 1.5 hours by high-speed train

6.Venice

Direct trains arrive at Santa Lucia station on the Grand Canal, so a long day can cover St Mark's Square, the Rialto and a vaporetto ride. Check whether Venice's day-visitor access fee applies on your date before you travel.

Getting there

Frecciarossa or Italo to Venezia Santa Lucia

Best for

First-timers, Couples

Day-trip tips

• Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
• Validate paper tickets as soon as you board; inspectors fine passengers without a validated ticket.
• Regional trains have fixed fares and cost far less than high-speed services, which get pricier closer to departure.
• For trips over about 150 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.

Questions travellers ask