Modena Bologna

Traveling from the elegant, supercar-famed city of Modena to the culinary and historic capital of Bologna covers a short distance of approximately 23 miles. This quick eastbound journey follows the ancient Roman route of the Via Emilia, cutting straight through the agricultural and industrial heart of the Po Valley. Taking the train is the absolute standard of convenience for this route, completing the transit in as little as 20 minutes. It serves as an incredibly efficient, stress-free alternative to driving on the congested regional highways and completely bypasses the strict ZTL (limited traffic zones) in both city centers.

Choosing Your Train: High-Speed vs. Regionale Veloce

The rail corridor connecting Modena and Bologna is exceptionally active, with more than 80 daily trains ensuring unparalleled scheduling flexibility from early morning until late at night. Travelers primarily choose between two train categories:

1. Regionale Veloce (Fast Regional): This is the most practical and popular option for this short hop. These comfortable, air-conditioned regional services run multiple times per hour and complete the journey in about 25 to 30 minutes. Tickets start at a fixed price of $4.80. Because regional fares are based on distance rather than dynamic demand, there is no price increase for booking last-minute at the station.

2. Frecciarossa & Italo (High-Speed): These premium, state-of-the-art trains offer the absolute fastest direct transit (~20 minutes). Running at speeds up to 190 mph, they feature climate-controlled carriages, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and multiple service classes. Fares are dynamic, meaning they are more expensive than regional tickets and should be booked digitally in advance to secure the best rates.

Practical Advice for Eastbound Travelers

Navigating this quick transit is highly straightforward when keeping a few local logistical rules in mind:

• Seat Reservations: High-speed Frecciarossa and Italo tickets automatically include a mandatory seat reservation, which is clearly printed on your digital ticket. Regional trains do not have assigned seats and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Ticket Validation: If you purchase a physical paper ticket at Modena station for a regional train, you must validate it by inserting it into the green or yellow electronic stamp machines near the platforms before boarding. Digital regional tickets do not require physical validation but must be officially "checked in" via the Trenitalia mobile app prior to the train's scheduled departure.

• Connection Planning: Because Bologna Centrale is a major national hub, regional trains arriving from Modena often pull into surface-level platforms, while connecting high-speed trains to Florence, Rome, or Naples depart from deep subterranean levels. Allow at least 15 minutes for transfers.