How to Get from Bologna to Rimini 2026: Train, Car, Bus and Prices
How to Get from Bologna to Rimini 2026: Train, Car, Bus and Prices
Bologna and Rimini are about 120 km apart as the crow flies, but the actual journey — across the Apennines and through the Romagna plain — is one of the most heavily travelled routes in Italy in summer. Whether you're planning a day trip to the beach, relocating for a seasonal job, or just heading back and forth, this guide tells you exactly how to travel, how much to spend, and which option to choose.
Options at a glance
| Transport | Average time | Approx. cost | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Intercity/Frecciabianca) | 1h – 1h20 | €10–25 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Regional train | 1h30 – 1h50 | €8–12 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Car (A14 motorway) | 1h10 – 1h40 | €15–25 (fuel + toll) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| FlixBus / coach | 1h50 – 2h30 | €5–20 | ⭐⭐ |
| Taxi / private hire | 1h – 1h30 | €90–140 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
By train: the smartest choice
The train is the most intelligent way to do Bologna–Rimini, especially in summer when the A14 motorway is a nightmare.
Frecciabianca and Intercity
Trenitalia connects Bologna Centrale with Rimini with fast trains in 1h00–1h20. In summer, direct Frecciabianca services depart from Bologna and stop only at Faenza and Forlì.
- Price: €10–25 in second class (depends on how far in advance you book and the fare type)
- With CartaFreccia: frequent discounts when booking 10+ days in advance
- Frequency: trains every 30–60 minutes at peak times
Regional trains
Trenitalia and Tper offer slower but cheaper regional services. They stop at every station: Castelbolognese, Faenza, Forlì, Cesena, Rimini.
- Price: €8–12
- Time: 1h30–1h50
- Advantage: compatible with regional rail passes
💡 Tip: if you're staying on the seafront, Rimini station is 1.5 km from the beach (20-minute walk, 10 minutes by bus). If you want to arrive directly in the Riviera, get off at Riccione for the south or Cesenatico for the north.
How to buy tickets
- Trenitalia app (most reliable)
- trenitalia.com website
- Ticket machines at the station
- Italo does not serve this route
By car: the A14 motorway
The A14 Bologna–Rimini is the most convenient option if you're travelling in a group or have heavy luggage.
The route
- Bologna Funo → Rimini Nord or Rimini (south exit)
- Distance: ~125 km
- Normal journey time: 1h10–1h20
- In August (weekends): can be 2h30–3h00
A14 toll costs
Tolls vary by vehicle class:
| Stretch | Car (class 1) | Motorbike (class A) |
|---|---|---|
| Bologna Funo → Rimini Nord | ~€6.80 | ~€3.40 |
| Bologna Borgo Panigale → Rimini | ~€7.20 | ~€3.60 |
Indicative 2026 prices — always verify on autostrade.it or Telepass App
Toll-free alternative: the SS9 Via Emilia
The Via Emilia state road (SS9) connects Bologna to Rimini via Faenza, Forlì, and Cesena. It's free but takes at least 2h–2h30, and in summer gets even slower. Recommended only if you have no rush or want to stop along the way.
Parking in Rimini
If you arrive by car, plan your parking:
- Parking Km Rosso (near the beach): paid, ~€2/hour
- Free parking in residential areas: exists, but requires a 20–30 minute walk to the sea
- Park & Ride: free peripheral car parks with bus/metromare connections
👉 Full guide: Free parking in Rimini 2026
By bus: FlixBus and private operators
For budget-first travellers, the bus is the cheapest option — but also the slowest.
FlixBus Bologna–Rimini
- Price: €5–20 (varies significantly based on advance booking and season)
- Time: 2h–2h30 (with stops)
- Rimini stop: "SGR" parking area near the stadium, not central
- Book on: flixbus.com or the FlixBus app
Autolinee Marino and other regional coaches
Some regional operators connect Bologna and Rimini with competitive fares. Check their official websites for up-to-date schedules.
⚠️ In July and August, FlixBus services fill up fast. Book at least 1–2 weeks ahead.
By air: Bologna Airport
If you're arriving in Italy from abroad, Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is the logical starting point to reach Rimini.
- From Bologna airport, take the People Mover to the central station (7 min, €3)
- Then take a Trenitalia train to Rimini (1h–1h30, €10–25)
- Total door-to-door: approximately 1h30–2h
Note: Rimini Federico Fellini International Airport also exists and is served by low-cost carriers (Ryanair, Wizz Air) with flights from the UK, Poland, Romania and others. Always check if there's a direct flight to Rimini before routing through Bologna.
Getting around once in Rimini
Once in the city, getting around is easy:
From Rimini station to the beach
- On foot: 20–25 minutes along Viale Vespucci
- Bus line 11 (Metromare): 10 minutes, stop directly on the seafront
- Taxi: €8–12, rank available outside the station
- Bike rental: many rental shops near the station, €10–15/day
Getting around the Riviera
Once in Rimini, you can reach:
- Riccione: 10 min by train (€1.70) or Metromare
- Cesenatico: 20 min by train (~€3)
- Cattolica: 25 min by train (~€3)
Practical travel tips
In summer (July–August)
- Avoid Friday afternoon by car: the A14 is gridlocked from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- The Friday evening train from Bologna fills up. Book in advance or board the first carriage.
- Early departure: if you want to arrive fresh for the weekend, leave Saturday morning early (before 8:00 AM) — traffic is still manageable
In low season
- Regional trains are more comfortable and punctual
- The A14 is clear all day
- Prices drop significantly: regional trains from €7–8
FAQ
How long does the train from Bologna to Rimini take? From 1h00 (direct Frecciabianca) to 1h50 (regional stopping everywhere). The average for fast trains is 1h10–1h20.
What's the cheapest train from Bologna to Rimini? The Trenitalia Regional costs €8–12 and is the cheapest option. If you book in advance, Frecciabianca tickets can cost similarly with less travel time.
Can you visit Rimini without a car? Yes, very easily. Train from Bologna and then bus/metro/bike in Rimini work great. You don't need a car unless you plan to explore the hinterland extensively.
How much is the A14 toll from Bologna to Rimini? Around €6.80–7.20 for a car, depending on which exit you use. With Telepass, payment is automatic.
Is there overnight transport from Bologna to Rimini? Overnight transport is limited. Trenitalia has some services until around midnight. After that, options are taxi, private hire, or waiting for morning.
Can I bring my bike on the train? On Regional trains, yes (with a bike supplement ticket). On Frecciabianca, bikes must be packaged as luggage.
👉 Find seasonal jobs in Rimini — arrive prepared
Fonti, verifica e aggiornamenti
Questo contenuto e costruito con taglio pratico: confronto tra zone della Riviera, dati di contesto e verifica editoriale. Quando disponibili, usiamo fonti ufficiali, portali istituzionali e riscontri diretti dal territorio.
- Data di pubblicazione e data di aggiornamento sempre visibili.
- Revisione periodica nei periodi chiave della stagione.
- Segnalazioni lettori integrate nel ciclo di aggiornamento.
Hai una correzione o una fonte migliore? Scrivi a info@vitaromagna.it.
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