Looking for the best day trips from Bologna? You’ve come to the right place!
Located in Northern Italy, Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. Known for its UNESCO World Heritage porticoes and incredible food, not to mention the best gelato in the world, this city is a must-visit on your trip to Italy.
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Bologna’s central location makes it convenient to access many cities nearby. We’ve stayed in Bologna for over 6 weeks on a couple of separate trips, mainly for the food and for the opportunity to do a lot of day trips.
We were surprised by the number of destinations you can access within a couple of hours from Bologna. Most of these day trips can be done by public transportation, but we would also recommend renting a car for a few of them.
Here is our list of the 23 best day trips from Bologna, Italy. We’ve split it up into four different regions to make it easier for you to decide which ones to do!
Day Trips from Bologna to Veneto Region
1. Verona
Travel time:
Distance from Bologna by car: ~ 1 hour 45 minutes
Distance from Bologna by train: 52 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
Verona’s medieval city center and beautiful architecture swept us away. We immediately fell in love with this city, and we are already planning to go back.
If you are traveling by train from Bologna to Verona, you should expect to walk around 20-25 minutes from the train station to the city center. I would recommend getting an early train, so you have as much time as possible in Verona.
Start your day at the Verona Arena – a first-century Roman amphitheater. This amphitheater is still used today for operas and plays, but most notably the annual Opera festival that is held every year. We were in Verona during the festival, and the city was bustling with energy and music. Next time, we would love to attend the festival!
Make your way across the river Adige for a spectacular view of Verona from the Piazza Castel San Pietro.
Spend the rest of your day exploring the medieval streets, churches, and piazza’s around the city, specifically Piazza Delle Erbe.
If you want, you can also stop at Juliet’s balcony where you will find hundreds of tourists waiting in line to get a view of the balcony and to touch Juliet’s breast, which apparently brings you luck.
We would recommend stopping at the restaurant La Bottega Della Gina for lunch or dinner for some of the best tortellini you will ever eat. We daydream about our meal here all of the time!
Plan your Verona day trip from Bologna
How Much Time in Verona: To enjoy all that Verona has to offer, we suggest spending one full day here.
Transportation from Bologna to Verona: The best way to get from Bologna to Verona is by train. The train takes anywhere from 52 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on the tickets you purchase.
The train tickets cost from €9.90 to €15.90 each way. You can buy your tickets online at Trenitalia.com.
We do not recommend driving to Verona, as it’s much easier to take the train. However, if you decide to rent a car, the travel time is about 1 hour and 45 minutes each way.
2. Venice
Travel time:
Distance from Bologna by car: ~1 hour 40 minutes
Distance from Bologna by train: ~ 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
Venice, the city built on over 100 islands, is one of the most magical places in all of Europe. If you want to spend a day exploring Venice without the high price of spending the night in this tourist hot spot, then a day trip from Bologna is an excellent idea.
Cars are not allowed on the island, so I would recommend traveling to Venice by train. When you book your train tickets, make sure you get tickets to the Venice Santa Lucia station. There are two stations in Venice, and the Santa Lucia station is the closest to the city.
Start your day in Venice by hopping on a Vaporetto (water taxi) just outside of the train station and taking a tour of the Grand Canal. This is one of the cheapest ways to get a tour of Venice from the canals. You will want to get the Linea 1 (Line 1) water taxi that takes you around the Grand Canal, and you can get off anywhere you like – Rialto Bridge, Piazza San Marco, and many other stops. Or you can take it all the way around the canal if you’d like.
I like to spend my day in Venice just exploring the small streets and canals. In other words, I love getting lost in Venice and seeing where I end up.
For the main attractions, you should definitely go to St. Marks Square, St. Marks Basilica, Rialto Bridge, and the Bridge of Sighs on your day trip.
Plan your Venice day trip from Bologna
How Much Time in Venice: You should definitely plan on spending one full day exploring the charming streets of Venice!
Transportation from Bologna to Venice: We recommend taking the train from Bologna to Venice. The journey takes from 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the tickets you purchase.
The train tickets cost from €14.10 to €19.90 each way. You can buy your tickets online at Trenitalia.com.
We do not recommend driving to Venice. It will take much longer and will be much more of a hassle than taking the train.
3. Padua
Travel time:
Distance from Bologna by car: 1 hour 30 minutes
Distance from Bologna by train: 1 hour – 1 hour 30 minutes
Padua is located just outside of Venice but remains one of Italy’s hidden gems.
The most important site to visit in Padua is the Scrovegni Chapel, which is the home of Florentine artist Giotti’s fresco masterpiece. You will want to book tickets in advance here.
Another must-see in Padua is the Basilica of Saint Anthony, which features statues by the Italian Renaissance sculptor Donatello.
End your day by walking through the Pratto della Valle – the largest square in Italy. This square is surrounded by a canal and is a must-see on your day trip to Padua.
Plan your Padua day trip from Bologna
How Much Time in Padua: You will need one full day to see all of the historical sites in Padua and to have some time to walk around the city.
Transportation from Bologna to Padua: The easiest way to get to Padua is by taking the train. The train takes from 1 hour to 1 hour and 39 minutes depending on the tickets you purchase.
The tickets cost from €11 to €17.90 each way. You can buy your tickets online at Trenitalia.com.
The drive to Padua from Bologna is 1 hour and 30 minutes. We suggest taking the train, since it’s much easier and cheaper than renting a car for the day.
4. Vicenza
Travel time:
Distance from Bologna to Vicenza by car: 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours
Distance from Bologna to Vicenza by train: 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours
A day trip from Bologna to Vicenza is a wonderful idea if you love Renaissance architecture and history!
Did you know Vicenza is a UNESCO World Heritage site? The city is known for its incredible architecture designed by one of the most famous Renaissance architects in history, Andrea Palladio.
There are 23 buildings in Vicenza that were designed by Palladio, and since you probably won’t have time to see them all, we’re sharing the ones you must-see during your day in Vicenza.
Start your day off at one of the most historic sites in Vicenza, the Basilica Palladiana. Located in the Piazza de Signori (the main square), the Basilica Palladiana was originally used as the seat of the local government in Vicenza. It features two levels of exterior archways designed by Palladio, an iconic part of his designs.
The building was originally built in the 15th century, but was later rebuilt in the 16th century using Andrea Palladio’s design.
After admiring the beautiful basilica, make your way to the Palazzo Chiericati, another building designed by Palladio. You can either admire the exterior work or also go inside and walk around the Museo Civico, which is inside of the building.
One of the most impressive sites in Vicenza is the Teatro Olimpico. Surprise! It was also designed by Andrea Palladio. This is one of the most unique theaters in all of Italy.
Inspired by theaters during the Roman times, the theater was built in the late 16th-century and it feels like you are walking into a wonder of the world. The set design looks like a Roman street with statues surrounding the entire theater. It is very impressive.
If you have time, make your way up the hill to the Villa La Rotonda. Another one of Palladio’s masterpieces that inspired the creation of endless buildings around the world, including Thomas Jefferon’s house in Monticello. It’s about a 30-minute walk from town, so be prepared to add in the extra time to see it.
Plan your Vicenza day trip from Bologna
How Much Time in Vicenza: Your day trip to Vicenza should take around one full day.
Transportation from Bologna to Vicenza: The easiest way to get from Bologna to Vicenza is by train. The journey takes anywhere from 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours and 44 minutes. Ticket prices range from €14.05 – €37.80 one way.
You can buy your tickets online at Trenitalia.com.
If you want to drive to Vicenza from Bologna, the travel time is anywhere between 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hour and 30 minutes each way.
Day Trips from Bologna to Emilia Romagna Region
5. Modena
Travel time:
Distance from Bologna by car: ~ 55 minutes
Distance from Bologna by train: ~ 26 minutes
Modena is just a quick train ride from Bologna, which makes it perfect for a day trip. If you want to make the most out of your trip to Modena, you can always combine your day trip with a visit to Parma or Maranello (see below) as well.
If you are a foodie, then Modena is heaven for you. The world’s number one restaurant, Osteria Francescana, is located in the heart of Modena. Beware, to eat lunch or dinner here, you’ll need to reserve your spot months in advance.
Modena is also known as the home of balsamic vinegar. You can book a tour to visit an Acetaia to learn more about the process of creating balsamic vinegar and taste test the different flavors. You can book your tour in advance here.
We enjoyed our visit to the Albinelli Market where you can try many different foods – from Italian ham to cheeses. There is also this little sandwich shop next to the market called Schiavoni, which has delicious panini sandwiches.
A few other highlights of Modena are the Duomo and the Ghirlandina tower, which you can climb up for an excellent view of the city.
You can also combine your day trip to Modena with a visit to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello.
Plan your Modena day trip from Bologna
How Much Time in Modena: If you want to take a food tour of Modena to try some of its delicious local cuisine, walk the streets, and see some of the historical sites, then you can plan on a half-day visit.
For those of you that are fans of Formula 1 and Ferrari, then you can also visit the Ferrari Museum in the afternoon to make it a full day trip. It’s more convenient to rent a car to do this, but you can take a bus from Modena to the museum if you prefer that.
Transportation from Bologna to Modena: The train only takes about 30 minutes to get to Modena from Bologna.
The cost is €4.30 each way. You can buy your tickets online at Trenitalia.com.
If you prefer to rent a car, then you’ll want to plan on around 1 hour each way from Bologna.
6. Maranello
Travel time:
Distance from Bologna by car: ~ 55 minutes
Distance from Bologna by train: ~ 1 hour 10 minutes
If you’re into sports cars and Formula One, then a day trip to Maranello is a must. Maranello is home to the Ferrari headquarters where you can tour the factory and visit the Ferrari museum. The visit to the museum usually takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. You can learn more about these tours on the Ferrari website.
With your tickets to the museum, you can also catch a shuttle to visit the Fiorano Test Track. To schedule your shuttle, visit the Ferrari Museum website.
Plan your Maranello day trip from Bologna
How Much Time in Maranello: You will only need a half-day for your visit to Maranello and the Ferrari Museum.
Transportation from Bologna to Maranello: The easiest way to get to Maranello from Bologna is by car. It takes around 1 hour to get there.
If you want to take public transportation, then you’ll need to catch the train from Bologna to Modena. From Modena, you’ll want to catch the bus from the train station to the museum. Overall, the journey by bus and train will take you around 2 hours.
7. Parma
Travel time:
Distance from Bologna by car: ~ 1 hour 15 minutes
Distance from Bologna by train: ~ 58 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes
Parma is known for its Parma ham and of course its Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. What more is there to love about a place? I would recommend taking a tour to taste some of the best cheese and ham in Italy.
On our afternoon in Parma, we enjoyed walking around the Parco Ducale and the quaint streets.
A visit to the Cathedral of Parma is a must while you are here. The walls of the nave are completely covered in dark frescos. The most famous part of the Cathedral is the fresco “Assumption of the Virgin”, which was painted on the dome of the church by Antonio da Correggio in the 1500s.
After your visit to the cathedral, make your way to the San Giovanni Battista baptistry next door and admire the stunning frescoes and paintings from the 13th and 14th centuries.
For the second half of the day, we recommend visiting the Pilotta Palace. This is a complex of galleries, including the National Gallery with artworks by Leonardo Da Vinci and an incredible Renaissance theater called Teatro Farnese. We spent way more time than we expected here because it was so amazing!
Plan your Parma day trip from Bologna
How Much Time in Parma: If you want to see all of the historical sites, eat some delicious food, and visit the Pilotta Palace, then you will need a full day in Parma
Transportation from Bologna to Parma: The train takes about 58 minutes to 1 hour and 13 minutes to Parma.
The cost is between €8-€9.90 each way. You can buy your tickets online at Trenitalia.com.
The drive takes just as long as the train, about 1 hour and 10 minutes, so we suggest you take the train to Parma for convenience.
8. Rimini
Travel time:
Distance from Bologna to Rimini by car: 1 hour 15 minutes
Distance from Bologna to Rimini by train: 53 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
Rimini is a stunning coastal city situated on the Adriatic Sea and is home to some of Italy’s most beautiful, golden beaches. With its sandy shores, bustling nightlife and historical attractions, Rimini is an ideal day trip from Bologna for those looking to relax in the sun!
From exploring ancient ruins to visiting unique museums, Rimini has something for everyone. The city’s roots can be traced back to 268 BC when it was founded by the Romans as a strategic port.
Today, you can explore some of the historic Roman sites like the Tiberius Bridge, which was completed in 21 AD and built in honor of Emperor Augustus. You can also walk through the Arco de Augusto, a well-preserved Roman arch that leads you into the city.
Tempio Malastiano is another highlight, which is an impressive 15th century Renaissance church built by Leon Battista Alberti.
Of course, no visit to Rimini is complete without an afternoon spent at a beach! After a morning of exploring the historical sites, make your way to the coast and enjoy the endless golden beaches. The walk from the city center to the beach is about 20-25 minutes.
Being in Emilia-Romagna, you can only expect to eat some of the best Italian food, and the food in Rimini is no exception. Being by the sea, you’ll get to taste many pastas with seafood, like grilled octopus and fried calamari. You can also try a piadina, a delicious flatbread sandwich from the area, or cappelletti, a hat shaped stuffed pasta often served in broth.
Plan your Rimini day trip from Bologna
How Much Time in Rimini: With the incredible beaches and many historical sites in Rimini, we suggest making enough time to spend one full day here to make the most of it.
Transportation from Bologna to Rimini: The best way to get from Bologna to Rimini is by train. The journey takes anywhere from 53 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes depending on the tickets you purchase.
For the shorter train, you can expect to pay around €25-30 one way. For the longer train, the cost is around €10.80. You can buy your tickets online at Trenitalia.com.
If you have a rental car and want to drive to Rimini, the travel time is around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
9. Ferrara
Travel time:
Distance from Bologna to Ferrara by car: 45 minutes
Distance from Bologna to Ferrara by train: 40 minutes
Ferrara is a beautiful Medieval city steeped in history and culture. Located just 30-minutes by train from Bologna, the city’s rich history dates back to the 5th century BC before becoming an important trading center during medieval times.
Start your day trip to Ferrara at the Este Castle, a medieval castle from the time of the Este family that is still surrounded by an incredible moat. Inside of the castle, you’ll explore the history of the Este family, admire beautiful paintings on the ceilings, and even explore the castle’s dungeons. This takes just an hour or two to explore.
After your visit at the Este Castle, make your way to the Diamanti palace, an incredible Renaissance building with 8,500 stones that are carved to look like diamonds. These diamonds represent the Este Family that ruled over Ferrara for over 300 years.
The palace hosts several exhibitions every year that are worthy of a visit. You can check out the website to see the exhibition schedule for this year.
Of course, no visit to any Italian city is complete without visiting its cathedral. Make a stop at the Cathedral of Ferrara to discover the interiors of this 12th century church.
Additionally, you may take a stroll around the Via della Volte, the main shopping street and admire some of the lovely shops.
One of the most unique and must-see structures in Ferrara is the Rotondo Foschini. Inside of the courtyard of the local theater, you’ll find a unique, elliptical looking shape. Grab your phone to snap a photo and you’ll see why this is a popular spot for visitors in Ferrara.
You can’t leave Ferrara without trying it’s signature pasta – Cappellacci di Zucca Ferraresi. A hat shaped tortellini stuffed with pumpkin! You can try this at many local restaurants such as Cusina e Butega.
Plan your Ferrara day trip from Bologna
How Much Time in Ferrara: There is plenty to do in Ferrara during one full day; however, if you don’t have enough time, you can definitely see the city in a little over a half day.
Transportation from Bologna to Ferrara: The best way to get from Bologna to Ferrara is by train. The journey takes on average about 40 minutes to get there and costs around €5.20 each way.
You can buy your tickets online at Trenitalia.com.
If you have a rental car and want to drive to Ferrara, the travel time is around 45 minutes.
10. Imola + Dozza
Travel time:
Distance from Bologna to Imola & Dozza by car: 1 hour 30 minutes round trip
While you can visit Imola and Dozza separately, we recommend combining them both on a day trip from Bologna due to their proximity.
Imola is easily accessed by train from Bologna (just 25 minutes away), and you can then get to Dozza by bus from Imola (takes around 45 minutes). The easiest option to get around is by car, but it’s definitely doable via public transportation.
Located just 25 minutes outside of Bologna, Imola has been home to the Ferrari racing team since its inception in 1929. The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari racetrack was opened here in 1953 and has hosted some of the most legendary races and drivers over the years.
Aside from sports, you can wander around Imola and visit Rocca Sforzesca. An impressive 14th-century castle that houses a ceramics and weapons museum.
After your visit in Imola, make your way to Dozza by bus or car, a city that’s renowned for its unique art scene and stunning architecture.
The city’s main attraction is its colorful murals which adorn many buildings throughout the town. These murals were created by local and international artists who are invited to paint them each year as part of an annual competition known as “the Bienniale di Dozza”.
This event has been running since 1960 and continues to attract visitors from all over the world who come to admire these incredible works of art! In addition to its vibrant art scene, Dozza also features numerous churches, museums, parks and other attractions that make it an ideal day trip destination from Bologna.
Plan your Imola & Dozza day trip from Bologna
How Much Time in Imola & Dozza: If you are seeing both Imola and Dozza, then plan on spending a full day in the two places combined. You can see each of these places in a half day each.
Transportation from Bologna to Imola & Dozza: The best way to visit both Imola & Dozza is by renting a car.
If you want to only visit Imola, it’s a quick 20-minute train ride from Bologna and costs €4.30 each way. You can buy your tickets online at Trenitalia.com.
It’s a bit more complicated getting to Dozza, as it is only accessible by bus and takes much longer.
The travel time by car from Bologna to Imola is 37 minutes. Imola to Dozza is 11 minutes. Dozza back to Bologna is 35 minutes.
You can expect a total travel time by car of around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
11. Faenza + Brisighella
Travel time:
Distance from Bologna to Faenza & Brisighella by car: 2 hours round trip
Distance from Bologna to Faenza & Brisighella by train: 2 hours round trip
Faenza, Italy is renowned for its rich ceramic tradition and unparalleled craftsmanship. If you are a lover of Italian ceramics like me, then Faenza is a must-see city on a day trip from Bologna!
The city was established by the Romans in the 4th century BC and soon became an important center of pottery production.
Faenza’s unique style of pottery has been highly sought after over the centuries, with some of the best examples displayed in its International Museum of Ceramics.
Inside of the museum, you’ll explore ceramics from around the world ranging from 4,000 BC to the current day. It is a fantastic way to discover the world of ceramics and feel inspired by artisans from over the centuries.
You can visit many modern-day ceramicists at the many shops around the city if you want to purchase something or just admire the ceramics.
If you love beautiful interiors and frescoes, then make your way to the Palazzo Milzetti after a visit to the Ceramics Museum. The palace was commissioned in the late 18th-century, and was designed by Giuseppe Pistocchi. It is the home of the Museum of the Neoclassical age. The rooms are beautifully painted and decorated and transports you to another time.
Located only 20 minutes away by bus from Faenza is the small town of Brisighella. We recommend combining these two cities on one day trip, as you’ll definitely have time to see both.
Brisighella is a small medieval town located in the hills of Emilia-Romagna. It is widely known for its olive oil, so you must stop at an olive oil producer in the city for a tasting during your day trip!
You can also take a walk around and explore the many fascinating historical sites in the surrounding area, such as La Rocca, a 14th century castle, and Il Monticino, a religious sanctuary from the 1700’s.
For the best views of Brisighella, make your way to the top of La Torre, a 19th century clocktower with beautiful views of the town and rolling hills.
Both Faenza and Brisighella combine make for a wonderful, cultured day trip from Bologna.
Plan your Faenza & Brisighella day trip from Bologna
How Much Time in Faenza & Brisighella: From walking around the countryside in Brisighella to exploring the cultural sites in Faenza, we recommend spending a full day exploring these two cities.
Transportation from Bologna to Ferrara: You can travel to Faenza and Brisighella from Bologna by train or car.
By train, the journey from Bologna to Faenza takes around 40 minutes and costs €5.20 one way. The train time between Faenza and Brisighella takes anywhere between 10 to 23 minutes and costs €2.50.
The train back to Bologna from Brisighella take around 1 hour and costs €6.80.
You can buy your tickets online at Trenitalia.com.
If you prefer to drive, you can expect a total round trip journey from Bologna to Faenza to Brisighella to take anywhere between 2 hours and 2 hours and 30 minutes.
12. Ravenna
Travel time:
Distance from Bologna by car: ~ 1 hour 5 minutes
Distance from Bologna by train: ~ 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes
Ravenna is a port town located on the Adriatic side of Italy. It is known for its historical Byzantine mosaics dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries.
You can find these mosaics at several of the designated World Heritage Sites in Ravenna. Two notable buildings that you must visit during your day trip are the Basilica di San Vitale and Mausoleo di Galla Placida.
Plan your Faenza & Brisighella day trip from Bologna
How Much Time in Ravenna: We suggest spending a full day in Ravenna to have enough time to see all of the Mosaics.
Transportation from Bologna to Ravenna: The train to Ravenna takes 1 hour and 10 minutes and costs €8 each way.
You can buy your tickets online at Trenitalia.com.
The drive from Bologna to Ravenna is 1 hour and 10 minutes. We recommend that you take the train instead of driving, since it’s easier and takes the same amount of time.
13. Reggio Emilia + Castles
Travel time:
Distance from Bologna to Reggio Emilia by car: 1 hour (*note – this time does not include the time it takes to get to the castles.)
Distance from Bologna to Reggio Emilia by train: 33-50 minutes
Reggio Emilia is a lovely town in the north part of Emilia Romagna and is known for its picturesque landscapes and cultural heritage.
While you can easily access Reggio Emilia by train, we recommend renting a car on your day trip from Bologna, so you can visit some of the historical castles in the region.
While there are many things to do in Reggio Emilia, some of the top attractions include exploring its fascinating historical sites such as Palazzo dei Musei – one of the oldest buildings in town and home to the Civic Museum.
You can also visit the Basilica di San Prospero, a stunning baroque church and Chiostri di San Pietro, a 16th century monastery. If you are a fan of the theater, then you are in the right place. There are 3 lovely theaters in Reggio Emilia that you can visit – Teatro Valli, Teatro Cavallerizza, Teatro Ariosto. We think Teatro Valli is definitely worth a visit.
If you rent a car, you can leave the city and make your way to the countryside to explore nearby castles like the Castle of Canossa, Castle of Rossena, and the Biannello Castle. All of these castles date back to the Middle Ages and were once home to the Canossa family, an important political family in Italian history.
The castles stand on hills overlooking nearby towns and villages, providing you with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Plan your Reggio Emilia day trip from Bologna
How Much Time in Reggio Emilia: You’ll need a half day if you plan to only visit Reggio Emilia and a full day if you plan to visit the castles as well.
Transportation from Bologna to Reggio Emilia: If you are only visiting Reggio Emilia, then the best way to get there is by train. The train takes between 33 minutes to 50 minutes from Bologna. The cost of the train is from €6.80-€16.90 each way.
You can buy your tickets online at Trenitalia.com.
If you want to visit the castles and Reggio Emilia, then you will need to rent a car. The castles cannot be accessed by train. To give you an idea of timing, it takes around 1 hour to get to Reggio Emilia from Bologna. The castles are about 40 minutes from Reggio Emilia and are all within 10-20 minutes of each other.
14. Savigno
Travel time:
Distance from Bologna to Savigno by car: 40 minutes to 1 hour
Savigno, Italy is a small town located 32 km east of Bologna. It has been an important center since the Middle Ages and is renowned for its truffle production and delicious cuisine.
It’s one of the few places in the world where white truffles can be found naturally! The area’s rich food history dates back to Roman times when truffles were used as a delicacy by wealthy families.
We recommend going to Savigno with the sole purpose of eating! No trip to Emilia Romagna would be complete without trying white truffles and traditional Italian cooking in this small town.
Make a reservation in advance at Trattoria da Amerigo 1934, a Michelin star restaurant serving up classic Italian dishes with white truffles.
If you’re visiting in late October or in November, you will get to experience Tartofla, the International White Truffle festival in Savigno.
Whether you’re looking for fine dining or casual fare, Savigno offers something for everyone who loves fresh local ingredients prepared with skill and passion!
Plan your Savigno day trip from Bologna
How Much Time in Savigno: How much time you spend in Savigno depends on what you want to do and when you visit. The town can easily be explored in a half day with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. If you’re visiting during the truffle festival or want to go on a truffle hunting tour, then you can expect to spend more than a half day in Savigno.
Transportation from Bologna to Savigno: The best way to get from Bologna to Savigno is by car. The journey takes around 40 minutes to 1 hour each way.
You can take the local bus from the Bologna train station; however, it takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes each way. The cost is a few Euros, which is cheaper than renting a car.
15. Rocchetta Mattei
Travel time:
Distance from Bologna to Rocchetta Mattei by car: 1 hour
Distance from Bologna to Rocchetta Mattei by train: 1 hour 15 minutes
Rocchetta Mattei is a stunning castle located in between Bologna and Florence. It is recognized by its unique architecture and interiors that resemble many different styles in history.
The castle was originally built in the 13th century and was later rebuilt by Cesare Mattei, whom the castle is now named after.
Today, you can take a tour of this majestic castle to learn more about its fascinating history and architecture. It is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. You can only visit the castle by a guided tour, so we highly recommend booking a couple of months in advance, as time slots fill up quickly!
Plan your Rochetta Mattei day trip from Bologna
How Much Time in Rochetta Mattei: The Rochetta Mattei tour takes around 75 minutes, so you’ll only need to plan for a half day for your total visit.
Transportation from Bologna to Rochetta Mattei: You can access Rochetta Mattei either by train or by car.
By train, you’ll want to get tickets to Riola. The journey is 57 minutes from Bologna and costs €5.20 each way. Once you get to Riola, you’ll walk 16 minutes to Rochetta Mattei.
You can buy your tickets online at Trenitalia.com.
If you decide to rent a car, the travel times is around 1 hour each way from Bologna.
16. Piacenza
Travel time:
Distance from Bologna to Piacenza by car: 2 hours
Distance from Bologna to Piacenza by train: 1 hour 40 minutes
Piacenza is a beautiful city located in between Bologna and Milan. The city has been around since Roman times and has an interesting history dating back to 200 BC.
The best thing to do on your day trip from Bologna to Piacenza is to wander around the city and visit its fascinating sites. To learn about the history of Piacenza, head to Palazzo Farnese, a 16th century palace that is currently home to the city’s Civic Museum. Here you can discover everything from Medieval frescoes to ancient objects and beautiful art.
Afterwards, go to the Piazza dei Cavalli, for a look around the city’s main square. Here you’ll find the Palazzo Gotico, a 13th century palace that now hosts exhibitions and local events.
Of course, no visit to any Italian city is complete without a stop at its main churches. If you’d like you can take a look inside of the Duomo di Piacenza and Basilica di Sant Antonino, two of the cities most significant churches.
Emilia Romagna is the food capital of Italy, and Piacenza is no exception to this. Here you can taste several local foods like Pisarei e fasò, a gnocchi like pasta served with a rich, tomato sauce made with borlotti beans and sausage.
You must also try a variety of local meats like coppa, pancetta, and local salame Piacentino. These can all be paired with bortellina, a fried pancake made with flour and water.
Plan your Piacenza day trip from Bologna
How Much Time in Piacenza: If you plan to visit a couple of sites, walk around, and try some of the local cuisine, then you can plan for a little over a half a day in Piacenza.
Transportation from Bologna to PIacenza: The easiest way to Piacenza is by train. The travel is times around 1 hour and 40 minutes and costs between €12.80 – €18.50 depending on the train you take.
You can buy your tickets online at Trenitalia.com.
By car, the journey takes around 2 hours each way.
Day Trips from Bologna to Tuscany Region
17. Florence
Travel time:
Distance from Bologna by car: 1 hour 30 minute
Distance from Bologna by train: ~ 40 minutes
The capital of Tuscany and one of my favorite Italian cities, Florence is just a quick 40-minute train ride away, making it a great day trip from Bologna.
Florence is home to Michelangelo’s “David” and some of the most significant artwork in the world, including Da Vinci’s “Annunciation” and “The Birth of Venus” by Sandro Botticelli.
These works of art are displayed at the Uffizi and Accademia galleries in Florence. I would recommend reserving your tickets ahead of time; otherwise, you could spend hours waiting in line.
Uffizi Gallery tickets here.
Accademia Gallery tickets here.
A visit to Florence isn’t complete without a visit to the famous Florence Duomo. You can book tickets to the top of the dome by visiting this site.
If you have time, hop across the river over Ponte Vecchio for some of the best Italian pizza at Gusta Pizza and gelato at Gelateria Artigianale La Sorbettiera.
Plan your Florence day trip from Bologna
How Much Time in Florence: You will need a full day in Florence to visit the museums, see the sites, and have time to walk around the city.
Transportation from Bologna to Florence: The train from Florence to Bologna takes about 37 minutes each way. The tickets cost anywhere between €11.90 – €25 depending on how far in advance you buy your tickets.
We suggest buying your train tickets to Florence from Bologna at least a few weeks in advance to get the best price. You can buy your tickets online at Trenitalia.com.
Do not drive from Florence to Bologna. It’ll take 3 times as long and the traffic isn’t great, plus it’s a pretty chaotic city to drive in. Trust us, we’ve made the mistake, so you don’t have to.
18. Siena
Travel time:
Distance from Bologna by car: ~ 2 hours 10 minutes
Distance from Bologna by train: ~ 2 hours 30 minutes
Siena is located in the heart of Tuscany, and while it is a longer drive, it is one of my favorite day trips from Bologna.
To make the most out of your day trip, I would recommend renting a car and driving to Siena. It’s quicker and you have the opportunity to visit a few Tuscan towns nearby – like San Gimignano and Monteriggioni.
Explore the streets of this medieval city and grab a gelato to enjoy in Il campo – the enormous piazza in Siena. Or climb the Torre del Mangia (city tower) for an incredible view of Siena and the hills surrounding the city. You can get your tickets for the tower here.
One of my favorite sites in Siena is the cathedral. Its striped exterior and interior make it a unique church amongst the others in Italy. You’ll want to book your tickets in advance here.
Plan your Siena day trip from Bologna
How Much Time in Siena: With the time it takes to get to Siena from Bologna, you will to plan one full day for your day trip.
Transportation from Bologna to Siena: The train to Siena takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes and costs €21.70 – €23.70 each way. Try to catch the earliest train from Bologna to get the most out of your day.
You can buy your tickets online at Trenitalia.com.
The drive from Bologna to Siena takes about 2 hours. If you rent a car, you can stop at some smaller Tuscan towns along the way like San Gimignano and Monteriggioni.
19. Lucca
Travel time:
Distance from Bologna to Lucca by car: 2 hours
Distance from Bologna to Lucca by train: 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes
Lucca is a wonderful Tuscan city that is completely surrounded by medieval walls. It’s located just a little over 2 hours away by train from Bologna and is one of our favorite cities in the region.
One of our favorite things to do in Lucca is to rent a bike and ride around the city’s walls! It takes about an hour to go around and is a fun activity to see the city from a new perspective.
Known as the “City of 100 churches”, wander around the streets and discover the city’s many churches like San Paolino and Basilica di San Frediano. Or you can take a rest and enjoy a drink at the lovely Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, a square that is in the shape of a Roman amphitheater.
For the best views of the city, climb the 233 steps to the top of the Torre Guinigi. A 14th century tower with oak trees growing from top! The panoramic views from the top of the tower are fantastic.
While there are many incredible restaurants in Lucca, we suggest stopping for lunch at In Pasta – Cibo e Convivio. We absolutely loved our lunch here and recommend getting the ravioli stuffed with ricotta and topped with honey and pistachios. It was so unique and absolutely delicious.
Plan your Lucca day trip from Bologna
How Much Time in Lucca: You should plan to spend one full day in Lucca to have enough time to ride a bike around the walls, visit some of the main sites, and to explore the city. If you want, you can visit Pisa as well. It’s only 30 minutes away by car and train from Lucca.
Transportation from Bologna to Lucca: The quickest way to get to Lucca from Bologna is by car. The car ride takes around 2 hours each way.
You can definitely take the train, but it may take a little longer. The travel times range from 2 hours and 20 minutes to 3 hours and 20 minutes. The cost is between €13-€30 each way.
You can buy your tickets online at Trenitalia.com.
20. Pisa
Travel time:
Distance from Bologna to Pisa by car: 2 hours
Distance from Bologna to Pisa by train: 2 hours
Pisa, home to one of the most famous sites in all of Italy (and maybe the world) – the Leaning Tower of Pisa!
If you have time, we recommend combining Pisa and Lucca together on your day trip from Bologna. They are only 30 minutes apart via train.
The main thing to do in Pisa is to visit the famous Leaning Tower. Your visit here can be as long or as short as you like depending what you want to do. If you just want to see the tower and snap a photo of you pushing the tower over, then you’ll only need an hour and a half in Pisa.
If you want to climb the tower and visit the other monuments, you’ll need to plan for more time, as well as purchase a ticket. With the ticket, you can climb the tower of Pisa, as well as access the cathedral, baptistry, and museum. There are several combination tickets, so again, it just depends on what you want to do.
To get to the tower, It’s about a 20-minute walk from the train station through town each way.
Plan your Pisa day trip from Bologna
How Much Time in Pisa: You only need a couple of hours in Pisa to see the main sites. We suggest combining your day trip to Pisa with Lucca as well. It only takes an extra 30 minutes by car and train to get between the two cities.
Transportation from Bologna to Pisa: To get to Pisa from Bologna, you can either take the train or rent a car. The train journey takes about 2 hours and costs between €26.80-€30.80 each way.
You can buy your tickets online at Trenitalia.com.
If you want to rent a car, you can expect the travel time to be around 2 hours each way.
21. San Marino
Travel time:
Distance from Bologna by car: 1 hour 30 minutes
Distance from Bologna by train: 2 hours 45 minutes – 3 hours 30 minutes
San Marino is its own nation-state completely surrounded by Italy. It is the third smallest state in all of Europe.
It’s a bit of a jaunt to get here from Bologna, but if you rent a car, the journey will be much quicker and more worthwhile.
When you arrive, make your way to the top of San Marino to Mount Titano (the highest point) where you’ll find yourself surrounded by medieval walls. Take your time to walk around the fortresses and climb the three towers atop the hill for beautiful views of San Marino
There is only one street that leads up to the city of San Marino, but you’ll find plenty of cafes and shops around here and the Piazza Della Liberta.
Plan your San Marino day trip from Bologna
How Much Time in San Marino: With the time it takes to get to San Marino in Bologna and to have enough time to see all of the sites, you will need a full day.
Transportation from Bologna to San Marino: The best way to get to San Marino from Bologna is by car. The travel time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes each way.
The train takes 3 hours and 30 minutes each way, which in our opinion, is much too long for a day trip.
Day Trips from Bologna to Lombardy Region
22. Mantua
Travel time:
Distance from Bologna to Pisa by car: 1 hour 15 minutes
Distance from Bologna to Pisa by train: 1 hour 44 minutes
Mantua is a fantastic day trip from Bologna with the chance to explore some of Italy’s most impressive Renaissance architecture.
This city unexpectedly became one of our favorites, and we ended up visiting it two separate times because there was so much to see!
On your day trip to Mantua, you must see the Ducale Palace.
Built in 1525, the Ducale Palace is filled with incredible fresco paintings, marble floors, vibrant wall paintings, and grandly decorated halls. Possibly one of the most incredible rooms is the bridal chamber (Camera degli Sposi). This room is covered in frescoes by Andrea Mantegna and was completed in the late-15th century. It is considered a Renaissance masterpiece.
Expect to spend at least a half-day here, as it is enormous and every single room is so intricately decorated that you’ll end up spending more time than you think you need here.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, there is another grand palace in Mantua known for its frescoed rooms and Renaissance architecture. If you have time, make your way to the Te Palace, which was commissioned for Isabella d’Este in the early 16th century.
Inside of the palace, you’ll find beautiful frescoes depicting scenes from classical mythology as well as an extensive collection of paintings, furniture, and sculpture.
Both the Te Palace and the Ducale Palace are UNESCO World Heritage sites that offer insights into Mantua’s rich culture history.
Other highlights in Mantua include the Rotonda di San Lorenzo, built in the 11th century and featuring fragments of frescoes from the time. You’ll also want to make a stop at the Piazza delle Erbe, the main square for a nice walk around the shops.
Make sure to try an Elvezia cake before you leave. This is a typical cake from Mantua made with layers of almond cake, zabaione , and cream.
Plan your Mantua day trip from Bologna
How Much Time in Mantua: We recommend spending one full day in Mantua, so you have enough time to visit both of the incredible palaces in the city, as well as enjoy some of the other local sites.
Transportation from Bologna to Mantua: To get from Bologna to Mantua, the best way to get there is by train. The journey takes 1 hour and 44 minutes each way and costs around €8.95 one way. You can buy your tickets online at Trenitalia.com. Note that you’ll need to input “Mantova” instead of “Mantua” when searching for tickets, as Mantova is the Italian world for the city.
If you prefer to rent a car and drive to Mantua, the travel time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes with tolls.
23. Milan
Travel time:
Distance from Bologna to Pisa by train: 1 hour 9 minutes to 2 hours 55 minutes
Located just over an hour away by train, Milan is a perfect day trip from Bologna and is just enough time to see many of the city’s main sites.
Known as Italy’s fashion capital, Milan is Italy’s modern city and is home to many fantastic stores and restaurants.
With one day in Milan, you’ll have enough time to explore the main historical sites, such as the Duomo, the Last Supper by Da Vinci, and even wander around the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (the shopping gallery).
If you have time, you can even stop by Sforza Castle and visit the museums inside of this important building.
You can’t visit Milan without eating MIlanese food! For pasticerria and cappuccino, we recommend stopping by Marchesi 1824 for a stuffed brioche and Italian coffee! For Milanese risotto, make a reservation at Antica Trattoria della Pesa for lunch or dinner.
For the best aperitivo, you’ll want to make your way to Navigli, an area by the canal in Milan that’s filled with bars. It’s also a lovely spot for a little stroll.
Plan your Milan day trip from Bologna
How Much Time in Milan: You will want to spend one full day in Milan to see a few of the main sites, have time to walk around, and grab lunch or dinner at a local trattoria.
Transportation from Bologna to Milan: The easiest way to get to Milan from Bologna is by train. The train takes between 1 hour and 9 minutes to 2 hours and 55 minutes. For your day trip, we highly suggest you take one of the faster trains. We’ve taken the 3 hour train and it’s not worth it for a day trip.
The cost for train tickets is between €17.65 to €25.90 each way. You can buy your tickets online at Trenitalia.com.
We do not recommend renting a car to get to Milan, as it’s a big city, and is complicated to drive around.
Map of Day Trips from Bologna
Use this map to help you plan your day trips from Bologna! Click on the icon on the left with the arrow and a list of all of the cities will show up.
Getting There from Bologna
By Train
If you plan to travel by train for your day trip from Bologna, use the site Trenitalia to book your tickets online. You can either save the mobile ticket on your phone and use that as your ticket or print it out. You can also get tickets from one of the kiosks at the Bologna train station.
I would recommend buying the tickets at least the night before your trip to ensure there are tickets available.
The Bologna train station is easy to access by foot from Bologna.
By Car
Renting a car is easy and affordable in Bologna. We rented a car from the Bologna airport for our day trips to Siena and Florence. It cost us about 40 euros + gas, which is less than train tickets would have cost.
There are two places where you can rent a car in Bologna: the train station or the airport. Because there are more rental options at the airport, it tends to be a bit cheaper than at the train station.
We suggest renting a car from Discover Cars, our preferred rental car company in Europe.
To get to the airport, you will take the Marconi Express monorail from the train station. The train runs every 7 minutes throughout the day. You can look at the timetable and book your tickets here.
Have you taken a day trip from Bologna? Let us know about your experience in the comments below!
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