Venice

Private car transfer
from Bologna to Venice

Door-to-door
in 1 h 50 min
From ...
per seat
Comfortable
car
One way
Cancel for free 24 hours before departure
Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2024
Excellent
trustpilot-stars

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Bologna.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 1 h 50 min.

  • Optional sight-seeing
  • Clean, comfortable car
  • Professional driver
  • Bottled water
  • Child seats
  • Prepared for handicapped
  • Smoke-free
  • Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Venice.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage
In total
  • 155 km
  • 1 h 50 min

Overview: car trip from Bologna to Venice

Buckle up and get ready to head from Bologna to Venice. The distance between these northern Italian cities is about 96 miles (154 km) and the drive will take about two hours, give or take the speed and traffic. On your way to the “City of Canals,” you’ll have several sightseeing stops inviting you to hop out of the car and explore them on foot.

Starting in Bologna, the “Learned City”, you can head northeast towards Ferrara. This Renaissance city, just 31 miles (50 km) from Bologna, is famous for its well-preserved historical center and the Estense Castle. Continuing your northbound trip, head to Padua. Located about 75 miles (120 km) from Bologna, Padua invites you to see the world’s first botanical garden which was established in 1545.

Stop at these locations

Making these stops during the day will break up the distance but also make the drive more enjoyable.

About Venice

The car trip from Bologna to Venice culminates in one of the most unique cities in the world. Venice, known as "La Serenissima," has a history that dates back over a thousand years. You’ve seen the images online, but did you know that Venice is comprised of about 120 islands? Not only that but there are roughly 440 bridges connecting different parts of the city together.

In 2020, there were around 258,600 residents in greater Venice. Zooming into the historical island city of Venice, the number of residents was about 51,000—this is very little compared to the number of tourists they get yearly.

Each year, about 20 million visitors come to Venice to check its waters, most of whom don’t stay overnight but make it a day trip.

Go on a “wave-cation”

Clocked as one of Europe’s most romantic cities, Venice is also one of Europe’s most strategic cities. The city's location on the Adriatic Sea made it a hub of commerce and culture, attracting traders and artisans from around the globe. \

Its intricate canal system allows for more convenient transportation and trading. The Grand Canal, the main waterway, is lined with palaces that showcase the wealth and artistic achievement of the city during its zenith. \

There are roads in Venice. So, if you decide to drive just remember that you might have to park your car on the mainland side of Venice. Once you hit the historic center you’ll have to trade in your car for a gondola.

From Bologna to Venice: travel tips

Traveling by car for a day trip from Bologna to Venice requires some planning.

For starters, in case of an emergency, you should know how to swim before going to Venice. But if you’d like to swim in the canals for fun, be prepared to pay a fine for a couple of hundred euros as diving into the canals is illegal.

Next up is safety! Italy is generally safe, but it’s advisable to keep your belongings tucked away in case there are pickpockets. The real danger comes from the water. If you are drinking, don’t walk near the edges, and if you’re taking pictures, try to put your phone inside a waterproof case.

While making payments, don’t ever assume that you can just pay with your card. Have cash on hand. Even though Italy is a part of the Eurozone, smaller shops and vendors are far more likely to only accept cash. You should also alert your bank of your travel plans to prevent unwanted card suspensions.

How to get from Bologna to Venice

A car trip from Bologna to Venice is just one of several ways to travel between these two cities. Each mode of transport offers its own pros and cons.

Bologna to Venice by car

Driving from Bologna to Venice allows for flexibility and the opportunity to explore stops along the way. The distance is approximately 96 miles (154 km), and it takes around two hours. The cost of driving includes fuel and potential tolls, and you'll need to park your car on the outskirts of Venice, as the city is car-free.

Bologna to Venice by train

The train goes from Bologna Centrale to Venezia S. Lucia. This option is very popular. The train is fast, and tickets range from $10 to $60 (€9-€65). The faster trains take about 90 minutes to transport you, and the other trains will take about two hours and 10 minutes.

Bologna to Venice by bus

Traveling by bus is another cost-effective option. The tickets are cheap, ranging from $8 to $22 (€7.50-€20). Although buses move at a slower rate than trains, the duration of the ride can be up to two hours and 45 minutes.

Bologna to Venice by airplane

There are no direct flights from Bologna to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). If you’re dying to soar the skies and willing to handle a layover, you can take a plane and fly for 5 hours to arrive in Venice. This doesn’t include the time that you need to wait at the airport and the time it takes to arrive there early.

Bologna to Venice with Daytrip

Avoid parking fees and add comfort to your drip. Daytrip’s private car service will pick you up wherever you are in Bologna and take you to the closest drop-off point in Venice. Each driver speaks English, each car has AC, and you can customize your road trip by adding stops along the way.

Things to do when you get to Venice

You’ve done it; you’ve made it from Bologna to Venice. Now, what’s next? It’s time to explore the city.

History and culture

A must-see stop in Venice is St. Mark’s Basilica and Square. Wrapped in the heart of Venice, the current structure was rebuilt in 1063 and takes us back to a time when the city’s Byzantine and Gothic influences were strong.

Next up on the list is Doge’s Palance. It was established in 1340 and showcases opulent chambers, creepy prisons, and the Bridge of Sighs. If you’d like to see more local life, then head over to the oldest of the four bridges in the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge. It’s a pedestrian bridge that practically begs you to take a view of the Grand Canal from up top.

Culinary adventures

Try the traditional food. You won’t regret it. Venice cooks up and serves dishes like bigoli in salsa, sarde in saor, and baccala mantecato. There’s also the infamous spritz that you can drink at an old Venetian tavern, also known as a bacaro.

And since you’re in Venice, Italy, taking cooking classes and going out for wine tasting are no-brainers. You can learn the secrets of Venetian kitchen culture and savor regional flavors and scents through wine tours. There are also bacaro tours available!

If your taste buds are prepared for optimal dining experiences, then try out one of Venice’s Michelin-starred restaurants, Quadri or Canova. These are great ways to experience traditional Italian food coupled with ground-breaking cooking techniques.

Venetian experiences

A traveler must take gondola rides. This slow-paced form of travel will allow you to explore the nooks and crannies of Venice from the water. This experience is unique to the city. Historically, the gondoliers could only receive a license from their fathers as they were passed down from generation to generation. In the instance of there not being a male heir, the license would go to another male in the family.

When is the best time to visit Venice

Traveling from Bologna to Venice can be tricky, and maybe not for the reasons you think. The city is slowly sinking, and sea levels are slowly rising. Waters start to roll in from the Adriatic between fall and early spring, increasing flood tides.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Venice depends on your preferences for weather, crowd levels, and local events. These events don’t typically stop tourists from seeing the city unless conditions are extreme.

From May to August, there are over 14 hours of sunshine each day. Temperatures range from 71.6°F to 83.1°F (22°C to 28.4°C).

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Bologna to Venice

To travel from Bologna airport to Venice, you can take a bus or train to Bologna Centrale station, then transfer to a high-speed train to Venice. Alternatively, you can blend comfort, speed, and experience by getting a private car with Daytrip.
The easiest way to travel from Bologna to Venice is by high-speed train, which takes about 1.5 hours. Trains are frequent and convenient, making this a fast and efficient option. The bus is also fairly convenient, however, if you’re low on time, it’ll take an hour away from your chances to explore the city.
The fastest way to travel from Bologna to Venice is by high-speed train, with a journey time of approximately 1.5 hours. These trains run frequently and offer comfortable seating, making it the quickest option. The next fastest option is driving or being driven by a private driver.
Yes, there are high-speed trains from Bologna to Venice. The Frecciarossa and Italo trains provide a fast and comfortable journey, taking about an hour and a half. Tickets can be purchased online or at the station; just be sure to buy them early.
You should definitely check out the Butterfly House and Fairy Wood Butterfly Arc. Each year, during Halloween and the spring, they have themed events for kids and adults. There are workshops, dances, harp and yoga classes, wine tasting, and, of course, butterflies.
The distance from Bologna to Venice is about 96 miles (154 km). This relatively short drive can be comfortably covered in around 2 hours by car. If you have a lot of time available then it’s recommended to plan some stops along the way.

Visit these sights on the way

Ferrara

Ferrara

Europe’s first modern city, Ferrara is a spectacular metropolis of art and culture. It blends medieval and Renaissance for a distinctive combination. City of the Renaissance 

Petrarca's House

Petrarca's House

The father of the Renaissance and Italian language spent his final days in this peaceful villa. A Quiet Literary Monument 

Castello di Monselice

Castello di Monselice

Built over the course of several centuries, this castle complex gives a masterclass survey of Italian art and architecture. A Complex History 

Padua

Padua

Home to Italy’s second oldest university, the 14th-century frescoes scattered throughout this ancient city make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Keeping it fresco 

Why people love Daytrip

Tripadvisor logo
4,800+ reviews
  • 513 travelers took this route with us
Dec 4, 2024

Excellent service for transfers in Thailand

I was unsure about this company but a few good reviews on Trip Advisor made me take the chance. I am so happy that we did. We needed a ride from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Our driver Saksun was an excellent driver - it's not a long distance to drive (by Texas standards!) but the road is challenging and there are a lot of places where improvements to the road are being made. It took around 3 hours with a stop at a place with very clean bathrooms, very interesting hot springs and a place to get a snack and cold drinks. Saksun had a vehicle that was fantastic for this type of drive - a very comfortable ride indeed and was obviously well maintained and very clean. I highly recommend this company. I used to post on trip advisor as "lakekariba" but got out of the habit of doing so. This company was so easy to use and the result was so enjoyable that I felt that the company Daytrip and the driver Saksun had earned our trust and a glowing review. Gillian and Ted Pearsall Austin, Texas

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler lakekariba
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lakekariba

Dec 4, 2024
Dec 3, 2024

Excellent option to get to Vienna to Budapest!

We used Daytrip to travel between Budapest and Vienna with a 2 hour stop for lunch in Bratislava. Our driver Zsombor arrived on time at our hotel in Budapest and was very friendly and informative throughout our trip. His vehicle was roomy and clean and he was kind enough to provide us with some bottled water for the trip. Our quick visit stop in Bratislava was very nice as well. He gave us plenty of time to explore the city and have lunch before meeting him again when it was time to head for Vienna. Daytrip provided us with a happy and trouble free transfer between Budapest and Vienna. Many thanks to your team and especially to your driver Zsombor!

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler pgh1125
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pgh1125

Dec 3, 2024
Nov 9, 2024

Great communication with an actual person! They will take you ANYWHERE, No pre-set routes to choose from!

Last minute plan change and Daytrip was our last resort so I chatted with them and had an immediate response from a real person, best situation ever. Never used Daytrip before but the reviews were incredible so we took the chance and booked a driver at like 11-12pm and by 7am the next morning when we woke, they found us a driver and the driver had already texed us making contact! Very impressed and will definitely use them again. We went from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Tivat, Montenegro.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler James B
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James B

Nov 9, 2024
Aug 8, 2018

better than train/plane

We used daytrip for the first time from Venice to Bologna. We wanted to see the country side and visit some towns along the way. I was a bit nervous as I did not know what to expect. Igor was amazing. We got a little lost as the hotel to the car park was via water taxi (no cars allowed inside Venice). Igor went around and found us. We enjoyed his company and stories he shared with us. We had a stress-free trip to Bologna, stopping along the way twice with plenty of time to sight see, and Igor has since become a friend of ours. I would recommend Daytrip to anyone travelling. You see more, its comfortable and Igor even provided us with free cold bottle water. From the Moodleys, South Africa..

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Travel T
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Travel T

Aug 8, 2018

Vehicle options for this trip

Most popular

sedan

Sedan

Comparable to aVolkswagen Passat
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-3
  • 3x
  • 3x
  • Clean
  • Comfortable
  • Air conditioned
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Child seats
  • Pet friendly
  • Smoke-free
From ... per seatSelect

Best reviews

luxury sedan

Luxury sedan

Comparable to aMercedes Benz E-class
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-2
  • 2x
  • 2x
  • All standard sedan features
  • Luxurious vehicle
  • Chauffeur-style service
  • Extra amenities
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More options

mpv

Compact MPV

Comparable to aVolkswagen Touran
Passengers and luggage
  • 4
  • 4x
  • 4x
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van

Van

Comparable to aMercedes Vito
Passengers and luggage
  • 5-7
  • 7x
  • 7x
From ... per seatSelect

The Daytrip driver advantage

Daytrip driver
  • Local knowledge about the route from Bologna to Venice
    Including available sights:
  • English speaking*

    All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.

  • Safety first!

    We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.

World-class customer support

  • Available 24/7
  • Close relationship with drivers
  • Experts on the route from Bologna to Venice

Flexible cancellation policy

  • Cancellations: 100% refund up to 24 hours before the trip!
  • Changes: Free up to 24 hours before the trip!

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

  • Big luggage
  • 29x21x11 inches
  • 74x53x28 cm
  • Small luggage
  • 22x14x9 inches
  • 56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 13,800+ cities around the world.

Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.

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