Pavia, Lombardy to Bologna, Emilia-Romagna from $10: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Onboard Services: The Trenitalia and Italo trains operating on the Pavia to Bologna route provide catering services, including a selection of snacks, beverages, and light meals available through onboard vending or trolley service. Trenitalia offers a 'self-service' option where you can purchase items from a dedicated wagon, while Italo provides a more refined service with a catering cart that includes fresh pastries and sandwiches. Consider bringing your own refreshments as well for a more substantial meal.

Seating Options: On this route, Trenitalia offers three main seating classes: First Class (Business Class) provides spacious seating with complimentary refreshments; Second Class (Economy Class) features comfortable seating with standard amenities. Italo offers both Smart (Economy) and Comfort (Business) classes, with Comfort providing wider seats and complementary snacks. Decide based on your budget and preference for comfort, especially if traveling during peak hours.

Arrival Station Tip: Bologna Centrale is a bustling railway hub. Expect crowds but enjoy numerous amenities, including luggage storage at the station (approx. €6 for 24 hours) for convenience. Restrooms are available, but there are no showers. To navigate the station, keep an eye on the electronic boards displaying train information. Signage is excellent, making it easy to move from platform to platform.

Fastest Way to City Center: From Bologna Centrale, the quickest way to reach the city center is to take the TPER bus service line 28, which runs frequently and takes about 10-15 minutes to reach the heart of Bologna. Alternatively, you can walk, as it’s only around a 20-25 minute stroll to landmarks like Piazza Maggiore.

Operators: The main operators for this route are Trenitalia (trenitalia.com) and Italo (italotreno.it). Check their websites for schedules and ticket purchases.

Useful Links: For local transport schedules in Bologna, check the TPER website (tper.it). For station maps or dining options at Bologna Centrale, visit the official station website (gruppobfs.it)