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Why should you book Cologne to Bologna trains with Omio?
Frecciarossa as well as Deutsche Bahn offer trains services from Cologne to Bologna.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Bologna.
Why book with Omio vs Frecciarossa?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Frecciarossa, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Bologna.
- 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.
Why book with Omio over Raileurope, Trainline or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Bologna.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Bologna
ItalyItaly
Trains from Cologne to Bologna run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £154 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.
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
Distance 163 km |
Average train duration 2h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price £154 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 9h 39m |
First train 0:20 |
Last train 22:48 |
Best time to book 14 days |
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
Train companies: Frecciarossa, Deutsche Bahn from Cologne to Bologna trainsFrecciarossa, Deutsche Bahn trains will get you between Cologne and Bologna from £154. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Frecciarossa
About
Step on board a Frecciarossa train and relax as you travel across Italy. Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa high-speed trains make around 200 connections across the country each day and are renowned for their comfort, speed, and reduced environmental impact. Reaching speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h), they connect major destinations such as Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, and Naples quickly and efficiently. When booking your Frecciarossa journey, you can choose between four classes: Standard, Premium, Business, and Executive. While each class offers different levels of comfort, all provide free Wi-Fi access, power outlets, air conditioning, bathrooms, luggage storage, onboard entertainment, and restaurant and bar services. Ticket options include Super Economy, Economy, and Base, making it easy to find the right balance of comfort and price for your trip.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Frecciarossa frequency
21 a day
Luggage included
1 carry-on bag and 1 suitcase per passenger
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at carriage ends, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with full meals, bar service with snacks and beverages, at-seat service in Executive class
Seat reservation
Included in Executive class, optional fee for other classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle, service animals free
Quiet zone
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 Duration
9h 39m
Cheapest Price
£154
Deutsche Bahn frequency
8 a day
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
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Bologna can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £154, while the average price tends to be around £244.
The train journey from Cologne to Bologna covers a distance of 163 km and takes approximately 9h 39m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Cologne to Bologna is 163 km.
The first train from Cologne to Bologna leaves at 0:20.
The last train from Cologne to Bologna departs at 22:48.
Trains from Cologne to Bologna run approximately 8 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Cologne to Bologna.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Bologna.
To travel from Cologne to Bologna, you can take a .
There is no night train service from Cologne to Bologna.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Bologna is Cologne station, and it arrives at Bologna Centrale.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Bologna is by train, costing approximately £154.
Booking trains from Cologne to Bologna in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cologne to Bologna offers scenic views as it traverses the picturesque landscapes of the Rhine Valley, the Black Forest, and parts of the Swiss Alps, providing passengers with stunning vistas of rivers, forests, and mountainous terrain.
A day trip from Cologne to Bologna is not feasible as the journey takes 9h 39m. However, there are 40 trains available per day for this route.
In Bologna, you can explore Piazza Maggiore, a lively central square surrounded by historic buildings and cafes. Climb the Two Towers for panoramic city views, and visit the Basilica di San Petronio to admire its impressive architecture and art. Discover the Archiginnasio of Bologna, a historic university building known for its stunning anatomical theatre. Don't miss the Mercato di Mezzo for local delicacies, and visit Santo Stefano, a complex of religious buildings known as the Seven Churches with unique architectural features.
Three days in Bologna is typically sufficient to explore its historic centre, savour local cuisine, and visit key attractions such as Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers, and the Basilica of San Petronio.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Bologna.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Bologna
Cologne
Bologna
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Cologne. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cologne for your trip from Cologne to Bologna.
Cologne
Amenities at train station
Accessibilityinformation
The major train station for arrivals in Bologna is Bologna Centrale. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bologna Centrale for your journey to Bologna from Cologne.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
TaxisAccessibility
WC
Hotel
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi.
Lockers
- Luggage facility, open daily from 07:00 to 22:00, is located in front of binario 7 Ovest (Track 7 West).
Dining
- Burger King
- A Cafè
- VyTA Boulangerie
- Venchi
- Scambio
- Juice Bar
- KFC
- Dispensa Emilia
- Lavazza
- Mokà
- & more
Accessibility
- 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.
Hotel
- Starhotels Excelsior
- Millenn Hotel Bologna
- UNA Hotels
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00
Information Desk
- Customer service center is on the ground floor and open every day from 06:30 to 23:00.
Public transport options for Bologna Centrale
- 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
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bologna and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Bologna
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