My family is arriving at Bologna Centrale at 1:38 pm from Parma and need to catch the next train at 1:53 pm heading to Venezia S. Lucia. This was the best option for us and so I purchased the tickets. Now I'm a little worried after reading that Bologna Centrale is Italy's 5th busiest train station! My husband is going to, well, freak, when he hears this and that we only have 15 minutes (if on time) to catch the next train. I have searched the internet and cannot find a map of platforms for Bologna Centrale. Has anyone transferred here in 15 minutes and can reassure us that it is enough time? Any advice? We are traveling on June 15th, so unfortunately, it is busy season. Thank you for anything you can offer!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11838 posts
You should be fine. In many years of traveling in Italy I have never missed a train connection due to the train being late. Bologna is well laid out. Be ready to de-board your train as soon as it arrives. 15 minutes is enough but do not dawdle, look for a restroom, etc.
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3303 posts
My personal experience is that the trains run pretty close to schedule. So you don’t stress too much, plan on being among the first to get off the train at Bologna. When you exit, I,mediately look for the electronic info boards on the platform and, using the train number, check from which track the Venice leg will be departing. Then it’s all hands on deck to get to the right platform. 15 minutes should be adequate to get there with time to spare. Once you get to the platform, watch the info boards to make sure that the platform assignment isn’t changed. It happened to me once in Padua when an intercity Swiss train was running late and was given priority - mine was switched to a different track and I missed the announcement and the train. Fortunately it was a Regionale and the next one arrived in 30 minutes.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23653 posts
Americans are conditioned by our airline schedule and the need for lots of lead time when changing. Fifteen minutes is plenty of time. Doubt if you have to change more than two or three platforms and there is always the possibility that you just walk across the platform. The critical items is to know you next train number. It will be on either the electronic board or on the water fall board. Sometimes the end station that is listed with the number can be confusing so pay strict attention to the train number. And when you get to the platform don't hesitate to ask someone if this train is going to _______. They may not speak English but will recognize the name and indicate yes or no. But if you hit an Am tourists with panic in their eye because they will think you are a threatening pickpocket, then move on to someone else. Except for Am tourists the majority of people on the platform will be friendly and helpful.
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
Take a virtual walk around:
https://www.google.it/maps/@44.505758,11.342098,3a,75y,139.22h,76.91t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sJQITjeFxxRI8U5KCyRU3SA!2e0!3e5!7i13312!8i6656
Are you taking a Freccia/Italo high speed train to Venice? Do you know the train code?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16205 posts
If you know the train number I can give you the scheduled track number (but always look at displays for possible changes).
The high speed tracks are underground so you may have to change level as well.
Posted by
OP
25 posts
Roberto -- My train is Frecciarossa 1000 number 9420. I'm coming off of a Frecciabianca, number 8891 -- I believe that may be high speed as well, so we may not have to switch levels? If so, does switching to a high speed train underground take long? Thank you so much!
Posted by
99 posts
Wait for Robertos response. Changing from the lower level to the level above does take time at Bologna. Not all high speed are below. Some of the frecciabianca are on the main level that you go down one level to access. I was on one yesterday. I'm in Bologna frequently and after my first time it's become much easier. Move quickly is good advice.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16205 posts
8891
arr. 13:38 - dep 13:43
Track 4
9420
arr. 13:50 - dep. 13:53
Track 16 (underground*)
*Note: tracks 16 through 19 are on the underground level
There are 4 levels:
0 LEVEL GROUND tracks 1-11 also 1-4EAST and tracks 1-7WEST (for Regionals)
- 1 LEVEL pedestrian underpasses level
- 2 LEVEL Kiss & Ride level
- 3 LEVEL Hall for high speed passengers
- 4 tracks no. 16 through 19 for Frecciarossa and Frecciargento.