Cologne to Bologna train with Frecciarossa

Tue 02 Dec
+ Add return
Frecciarossa
Deutsche Bahn
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
Frecciarossa
Deutsche Bahn
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Bologna

Showing times and prices for 03 Dec

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

To travel from Cologne to Bologna you need to make at least 4 changes.

Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express
05:4814h17
Köln Hbf
20:05Bologna
£1571One-way
4 changes
Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express
07:5512h21
Köln Hbf
20:16Bologna
£1751One-way
4 changes
Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express
19:5520h13
Köln Hbf
16:08Bologna
£1751One-way
4 changes
Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express
10:559h59
Köln Hbf
20:54Bologna
£2771One-way
4 changes
Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express
16:5515h54
Köln Hbf
08:49Bologna
£2771One-way
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.

Last updated at 02:59
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
deutsche_bahn05:48 Köln Hbf
14h17
20:05 Bologna4 changes
deutsche_bahn06:55 Köln Hbf
9h39
16:34 Bologna4 changes
deutsche_bahn07:55 Köln Hbf
12h21
20:16 Bologna4 changes
deutsche_bahn08:55 Köln Hbf
9h47
18:42 Bologna4 changes
deutsche_bahn10:55 Köln Hbf
9h59
20:54 Bologna4 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.

Wed
03 Dec
Thu
04 Dec
Fri
05 Dec
Sat
06 Dec
Sun
07 Dec
Mon
08 Dec
Tue
09 Dec

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Bologna

ItalyItaly
ItalyItaly
Icon of train

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.

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
£158
Trains per day
40
Fastest train
9h 39m
First train
00:20
Last train
22:48
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 £158. 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
£157
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.
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.
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.
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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Bologna can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £158, while the average price tends to be around £250.
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.
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.
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.
To travel from Cologne to Bologna, you can take a train.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Bologna is by train, costing approximately £158.
The train journey from Cologne to Bologna covers a distance of 163 km and takes approximately 9h 39m. Trains run 40 per day.
The train distance from Cologne to Bologna is 163 km.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Bologna is Cologne station, and it arrives at Bologna Centrale.
The last train from Cologne to Bologna departs at 22:48.
The first train from Cologne to Bologna leaves at 0:20.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Bologna.
Trains from Cologne to Bologna run approximately 40 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Cologne to Bologna.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Bologna.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Bologna.
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.
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.

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.
CologneAccessibility
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityAccessibility

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