Private car transfer from Bologna to Venice

Door-to-door
in 1 h 50 min

From €54
per seat

Comfortable
car

One wayReturn

Bologna

Venice

Cancel for free 24 hours before departure

Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2024

Excellent

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 km1 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

The Euganean Hills Regional Park
Villa Pisani National Museum
Villa Widmann – Foscari
Fort Marghera
Butterfly House and Fairy Wood Butterfly Arc
The Basilica of St. Anthony
Iris Park

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

How do I go from Bologna airport 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.

What is the easiest way to get from Bologna to Venice?

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.

What is the fastest way to get from Bologna to Venice?

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.

Is there a high-speed train to Venice from Bologna?

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.

What stops should I make along the way?

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.

How far is it from Bologna to Venice?

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

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

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

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

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

5,100+ reviews

529 travelers took this route with us

Apr 22, 2025

Reasonably Priced and Safe Transportation

“Gonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler COCO

Apr 2, 2025

Daytrip never disappoints

“We were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Julie M

Feb 28, 2025

Great driver in Egypt

“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Maps315861

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

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 a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.

All Daytrip bookings are one way. If you need a return trip on a different date, simply book this as a separate one-way trip. For a same-day excursion, please request a custom trip. If you plan to stay more than a couple hours, we still recommend booking two one way trips so you're not paying a driver for waiting.

For Daytrip’s private service, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24-hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15-minutes before departure. While you can cancel your booking for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, changes requested under 36 hours are subject to driver availability, especially in the high season.

Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on screen. It's a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!

Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.

Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.

Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,200+ 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.