1st Class
- Power plugs
- Wide seats
- Extra legroom
- Quiet zone
- WC
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 03 Sept
Cheapest price on 03 Sept
£230
Average ticket price on 03 Sept
£230
Fastest journey on 03 Sept
11 h 40 m
Average journey duration on 03 Sept
12 h 1 m
Trains on 03 Sept
2
Distance
787 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale will cost around £230 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £230.
Fast trains
To travel from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale you need to make at least one change.
ICE 521 · RJ 834:2811h40Cologne Hbf16:08Bologna Centrale£2301One-way1 change- ICE 513 · RJ 877:5412h22Cologne Hbf20:16Bologna Centrale£2301One-way1 change
- ICE 521 · RJ 834:2811h40Cologne Hbf16:08Bologna Centrale£2301One-way1 change
- ICE 513 · RJ 877:5412h22Cologne Hbf20:16Bologna Centrale£2301One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £62 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 32m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £62, while a flight costs an average of £130.
Distance: 787 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£70 Average Price | £130 Average Price | £62 Average Price Cheapest | £69 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 51m Average total duration 11h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 32m Average total duration Fastest 1h 32m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 17h 48m Average total duration 17h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale is a coach with an average price of £62.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale:
A coach is £8 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale costing on average £70.
A coach is £68 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale costing on average £130.
The fastest way to travel from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 32m.
Other travel options to Bologna Centrale take longer:
Train takes on average 11h 21m.
Coach takes on average 17h 18m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne Hbf and Bologna Centrale including taking a train, coach and flight.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £70 compared to roughly £69 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-1.59. The journey takes 11h 21m versus 10h 52m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale trains for tomorrow, Thursday 3 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 521 · RJ 83 | On time 4:28 Cologne Hbf | 11h40 | 16:08 Bologna Centrale | 1 change | |
| ICE 513 · RJ 87 | On time 7:54 Cologne Hbf | 12h22 | 20:16 Bologna Centrale | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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03 Sept
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Why should you book Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH offer trains services from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH to find the best option for your trip from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale
Germany
Italy
Trains from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale run on average 3 times per day, taking around 11h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £55 but you can travel from only £39 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 06:31, the last at 07:54. The fastest train covers the 787 km distance in 11h 45m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £39
Distance 787 km |
Average train duration 11h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £55 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 11h 45m |
First train 6:31 |
Last train 7:54 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £39
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale trainsDeutsche Bahn, Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH trains will get you between Cologne Hbf and Bologna Centrale from £39. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Duration
11h 45m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£55
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone
What's included in each class
Compare Deutsche Bahn classes and the amenities included in each one.
2nd Class
- Power plugs
- WC
Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH Duration
12h 43m
Cheapest Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH Price
£154
Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH frequency
1 a day
FAQs: Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Bologna Centrale, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £55, while the average price tends to be around £70.
The train journey from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale covers a distance of 787 km and takes approximately 11h 45m. Trains run 3 per day.
The train distance from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale is 787 km.
The first train from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale leaves at 6:31.
The last train from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale departs at 7:54.
Trains from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale run approximately 3 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale.
To get from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale is by flight, costing approximately £39.
Booking trains from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Köln Hbf to Bologna Centrale offers a scenic experience, especially as it traverses the picturesque landscapes of the Rhine Valley in Germany and the rolling hills and countryside of Switzerland and northern Italy. Passengers can enjoy views of charming villages, lush vineyards, and the majestic Alps along the way.
A day trip from Köln Hbf to Bologna Centrale is not feasible as the journey takes 11h 45m. However, there are 3 trains available per day for this route, covering a distance of 787 km.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne Hbf and Bologna Centrale
Most Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale trains use the Köln Hbf to Bologna Centrale station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne Hbf and Bologna Centrale train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Bologna
Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRb26 · 16m · £6 · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · £5 · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · £5 · every ~14 min
Köln Hbf train station facilities and services
Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Bologna CentralePiazza delle Medaglie d'Oro, 40121 Bologna, Italy+39 892021
City-centre transport
Getting to Bologna Centrale from Bologna city centre
Bologna Centrale is 1 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus11, 181, 21, 30, 38, 445, C, 61, 62, 81, 87, 91, N4, 92, N3 · 4m · £0.90 · every ~39 min
21, 30, 11, C, 62, N4, N3 · 6m · £0.90 · every ~36 min
Bologna Centrale train station facilities and services
Bologna Centrale has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King, A Cafè, VyTA Boulangerie, Venchi, Scambio, Juice Bar, KFC, Dispensa Emilia, Lavazza, Mokà, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. . ATMs are aTM is located in the main hall.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00. Information desks are customer service center is on the ground floor and open every day from 06:30 to 23:00.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is luggage facility, open daily from 07:00 to 22:00, is located in front of binario 7 Ovest (Track 7 West).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bologna Centrale: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bologna Centrale: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna Centrale: Accessible facilities including barrier-free restrooms, elevators and ramps. Sala Blu mobility assistance available from 07:45 to 22:30 with advanced one-hour notice.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Starhotels Excelsior, Millenn Hotel Bologna, UNA Hotels.
Most popular train connections from Cologne Hbf
Most popular trains to and from Bologna Centrale and Cologne Hbf
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