The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Bologna
Cheapest price
£157
Average price
£212
Fastest journey
9 h 40 m
Average duration
11 h 13 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
163 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Bologna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Bologna will cost around £212 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £157.
To travel from Cologne to Bologna you need to make at least 4 changes.










Live departures
Cologne to Bologna train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Bologna trains for today, Tuesday 2 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 05:48 Köln Hbf | 14h17 | 20:05 Bologna | 4 changes | |
![]() | 06:55 Köln Hbf | 9h39 | 16:34 Bologna | 4 changes | |
![]() | 07:55 Köln Hbf | 12h21 | 20:16 Bologna | 4 changes | |
![]() | 08:55 Köln Hbf | 9h47 | 18:42 Bologna | 4 changes | |
![]() | 10:55 Köln Hbf | 9h59 | 20:54 Bologna | 4 changes |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Bologna by train
Compare train 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.
03 Dec
04 Dec
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06 Dec
07 Dec
08 Dec
09 Dec
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Bologna
Trains from Cologne to Bologna run on average 40 times per day, taking around 2h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £158 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 22:48. The fastest train covers the 163 km distance in 9h 39m.
Distance 163 km |
Average train duration 2h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price £158 |
Trains per day 40 |
Fastest train 9h 39m |
First train 00:20 |
Last train 22:48 |
Train companies: Frecciarossa, Deutsche Bahn from Cologne to Bologna trainsFrecciarossa, Deutsche Bahn trains will get you between Cologne and Bologna from £158. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Frecciarossa
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
FAQs: Cologne to Bologna train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Bologna 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Bologna
- Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi.
- Luggage facility, open daily from 07:00 to 22:00, is located in front of binario 7 Ovest (Track 7 West).
- Burger King
- A Cafè
- VyTA Boulangerie
- Venchi
- Scambio
- Juice Bar
- KFC
- Dispensa Emilia
- Lavazza
- Mokà
- & more
- 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.
- Starhotels Excelsior
- Millenn Hotel Bologna
- UNA Hotels
- Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00
- Customer service center is on the ground floor and open every day from 06:30 to 23:00.
- Bus lines: 21, 25, 30, 36, 61, 62, 77, BLQ
- Monorail lines: Marconi Express
- Train lines: FR, FA, FB, IC, ICN, R, Italo, ÖBB EC, EN
More options for your journey from Cologne to Bologna
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