I spent a month travelling by train through northern Italy, moving slowly, with intention. Bologna became my base—not just for its food and charm, but for its location. From here, it’s easy to take day trips across the region. With short train rides, you can be tasting Parmigiano in Parma, walking among mosaics in Ravenna, or enjoying a quiet afternoon in Modena.
While Venice is undoubtedly unique and beautiful, I don’t recommend it as a day trip from Bologna due to crowds and the overtourism issue—there are better, quieter destinations to explore nearby.
I’ll show you the best day trips from Bologna by train—places I’ve personally explored and recommend for travellers who value depth over speed. Some destinations are less than an hour away. Others take just under two. All of them offer something different: history, food, art, or simply a slower pace.
Whether you’re staying in Bologna for a few days or using it as a hub for a longer trip, these train journeys invite you to see more of Italy—without the stress. No car, no rush. Just you, a train window, and the beauty of what’s next.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something through the links, at no additional cost to you. Read my Affiliate Disclosure.
How to Choose the Best Day Trip from Bologna
What Type of Traveller Are You?
Do you crave art? Nature? Food? A crowd-free escape?
One of the beautiful things about basing yourself in Bologna is that you don’t have to choose just one version of Italy—you can sample many, all within a short train ride. I’ve included a range of places to visit from Bologna by train, based on different moods and interests.
The most important aspect of slow travel is letting your passions guide you. Not what’s trending. Not what you think you should see. But what you want to feel. When you follow that pull, even a short day trip becomes something memorable.
This is about choosing quality over quantity. Less rush, more connection.
My Criteria for Inclusion
Every destination in this article meets three simple but essential criteria:
- Direct train from Bologna. No transfers. No buses. No hassle.
- Under 2 hours travel time. Some are under an hour—ideal for slow mornings and unhurried evenings.
- Worth your time—even for just one day. These aren’t filler destinations. They’re places that left an impression.
Best Day Trips from Bologna by Train – Under 1 Hour
If you’re staying in Bologna and want to explore more of Emilia-Romagna without going far, these are my favourite day trips that take less than an hour by train. Easy, rewarding, and made for slow travel.
Modena
Train time: 25–30 minutes
Why I love it: Modena is understated, elegant, and deeply proud of its culinary traditions. It’s small enough to see in a day but layered with history, flavour, and beauty. The streets feel polished yet personal.
What to do: Visit the UNESCO-listed Piazza Grande and climb the Ghirlandina Tower for a rooftop view. Step inside the Modena Cathedral and feel time slow. If you’re a car enthusiast, the Enzo Ferrari Museum is just a short walk from the station. And, of course, taste traditional balsamic vinegar—the real kind, aged for years.
Insider Tip: Skip the big tourist tastings and book a visit to a local acetaia. It’s intimate and unforgettable.
Reggio Emilia
Train time: 40–50 minutes
Why I love it: Reggio Emilia doesn’t try to impress you—yet somehow, it does. It’s less known than its neighbours, Parma and Modena, and that’s what makes it special. The streets are elegant but unpretentious. The mood is calm. And there’s a deep sense of civic pride you can feel in the piazzas, cafés, and bookstores.
What to do: Begin in Piazza Prampolini, then wander toward Piazza San Prospero to admire the basilica and market stalls. Visit the Museo del Tricolore to learn about Italy’s flag—it was born here. Stop in at a wine bar or bakery with no English on the menu. You’ll be glad you did.
Insider Tip: If you’re there on a Saturday, don’t miss the local market. It’s one of the best in the region for fresh produce, cheese, and that real Italian rhythm of life.
Parma
Train time: 50–55 minutes
Why I love it: Parma is refined, romantic, and beautifully walkable. It’s a city of art, opera, and some of the best food in Italy. The elegance is quiet here—it doesn’t need to shout.
What to do: Begin with a visit to the pink marble Baptistery and the frescoes inside the Duomo. Stop at the Teatro Regio if you love music, or take a food tour focused on Parma ham and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Stroll along the tree-lined Parco Ducale and take your time. That’s the point.
Insider Tip: Visit in the late morning and stay for a long, local lunch. Officina Alimentare Dedicata is a classic.
Best Day Trips from Bologna by Train – Under 2 Hours
If you have a bit more time and don’t mind a slightly longer ride, these destinations offer cultural experiences and are still very doable in a day. They’re ideal for travellers who want to immerse themselves without the commitment of an overnight stay.
Florence
Train time: 35–45 minutes (via high-speed train)
Why I love it: Florence may be one of the most visited cities in Italy, but with a slower pace and a focused plan, you can still find its soul. The grandeur, the art, the light over the Arno—it all still feels timeless.
What to do: Choose one or two experiences. Visit the Uffizi or Accademia early with timed entry. Cross the Ponte Vecchio and explore the artisan side of Oltrarno. Take your time with a long lunch. Walk, pause, observe. Florence rewards patience.
Insider Tip: Skip the Duomo climb and head to the lesser-known Rose Garden in Oltrarno for a peaceful view of the city.
Milan
Train time: 1 hour 5 minutes (via high-speed train)
Why I love it: Milan is energy and elegance in equal measure. It’s fast-moving, yes—but within it are quiet corners, beautiful courtyards, and some of Italy’s best design, fashion, and food. It’s not just about seeing; it’s about experiencing a city that leads without trying.
What to do: Visit the Duomo early with timed entry, then head to the rooftop for views. Walk through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, then lose yourself in the quiet gardens of Brera. If you plan ahead, see Da Vinci’s Last Supper. Milan is best done with intention.
Insider Tip: Book your Last Supper tickets at least 2–3 weeks in advance—it’s worth the effort.
Ravenna
Train time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Why I love it: Ravenna holds some of the most exquisite mosaics in the world. The city feels serene, deeply spiritual, and slightly removed from the usual tourist path. It’s a place that invites you to look closely, then look again.
What to do: Visit the Basilica di San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo—all UNESCO sites, all extraordinary. Each mosaic tells a story of faith, power, and beauty. Then wander slowly through the old town, stopping at quiet cafés and local bakeries.
Insider Tip: Go early to San Vitale to avoid the groups. Sit under the dome in silence and just look up.
Verona
Train time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Why I love it: Verona is romantic in the quietest way. It doesn’t try to dazzle. Instead, it draws you in with stone bridges, hidden courtyards, and a river that wraps around the city like an embrace.
What to do: Start at Piazza delle Erbe, then climb the Torre dei Lamberti for sweeping views. Walk across Ponte Pietra and wander the Roman theatre. End with a glass of Valpolicella near Castelvecchio. Juliet’s balcony? Optional.
Insider Tip: Walk along the Adige River at sunset—the light and reflections are unforgettable.
Why I Don’t Recommend the Bologna to Venice Day Trip
Venice is one of Italy’s most unique cities, but it’s also one of the most vulnerable. The surge of day-trippers creates enormous pressure on the city’s infrastructure and environment. The Italian government has even introduced a day-visitor tax to help manage the impact.
From a slow travel perspective, rushing to Venice for just a day often means crowds, noise, and missing the true spirit of the place. The beauty of slow travel is about connection—giving yourself time to breathe and absorb a place’s essence.
For these reasons, I strongly recommend choosing one of the many underrated, less crowded destinations near Bologna for your day trips that I’ve shared above. Save Venice for an overnight stay when you can explore its hidden corners in peace and respect its fragile magic.
However, if you do decide to go anyway, I recommend you spend your day wandering through Piazza San Marco early to avoid the crowds. Visit the Doge’s Palace and the Basilica. Take a slow vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal. Explore quieter neighbourhoods like Dorsoduro or Cannaregio for a more authentic feel.
Take the high-speed train and arrive in about 1.5 hours.
Final Thoughts: Tips for Taking Day Trips from Bologna
Before you go, here are a few practical tips I’ve learned along the way.
- Book your train tickets through Trenitalia or Italo. For regional trains, seat reservations aren’t required, so you can usually buy tickets the day of your trip at the station. However, during peak travel times, I recommend booking in advance to secure your spot and avoid last-minute stress.
- Always remember to punch your train ticket at the validation kiosk before boarding. Keep it with you, too—train porters often ask to see it during the journey.
- I’ve found that morning departures work best. I usually catch a train around 8 am. It gives me a full day to explore without feeling rushed.
If you want more curated travel tips, inspiration, and exclusive offers delivered weekly, I’d love to have you join my newsletter. It’s where I share all my best discoveries and slow travel secrets—just for you.
