- Must visit
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
A major art museum with Italian paintings from the Middle Ages to the modern era, plus temporary exhibitions in the city centre.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Bologna
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 15 Oct
Cheapest price on 15 Oct
£125
Average ticket price on 15 Oct
£125
Fastest journey on 15 Oct
12 h 22 m
Average journey duration on 15 Oct
12 h 22 m
Trains on 15 Oct
1
Distance
787 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 £125 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £125.
Fast trains
To travel from Cologne to Bologna you need to make at least one change.
ICE 513 · RJ 877:5412h22Cologne Hbf20:16Bologna Centrale£1251One-way1 change
- ICE 513 · RJ 877:5412h22Cologne Hbf20:16Bologna Centrale£1251One-way1 change
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Bologna
Germany
Italy
Trains from Cologne to Bologna run on average 1 times per day, taking around 11h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £36 but you can travel from only £16 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 787 km distance in 10h 54m.
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 £16
Distance 787 km |
Average train duration 11h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price £36 |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 10h 54m |
First train 0:20 |
Last train 23:30 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £16
Live departures
Cologne to Bologna train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Bologna trains for tomorrow, Thursday 15 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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
Why should you book Cologne to Bologna trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn operates all 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 Deutsche Bahn?
- 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Bologna.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Bologna.
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Cologne to Bologna trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Cologne and Bologna from £16. 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
10h 54m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£36
Deutsche Bahn frequency
1 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
Complete guide to Bologna
Things to do in Bologna
Discover the best of Bologna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bologna trip today.
- Recommended
MAMbo - Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna
Bologna’s modern and contemporary art museum presents rotating exhibitions and a compact permanent collection in a converted industrial space.
- Recommended
Museo del Patrimonio Industriale
An engaging museum on Bologna’s industrial and social history, with working models, scientific instruments, and practical displays for curious visitors.
- Must visit
Piazza Maggiore
Bologna’s grand central square is the city’s social and architectural heart, framed by major civic buildings and lively throughout the day.
- Must visit
Portico di San Luca
A long porticoed walk climbing towards San Luca, combining daily local life, historic architecture, and one of Bologna’s classic walking routes.
- Recommended
Via Pescherie Vecchie
This covered market street preserves medieval character under porticoes and is ideal for a short walk between historic shops and central landmarks.
Tagliatelle al ragù
Fresh egg pasta ribbons served with slow-cooked ragù. It is Bologna’s signature pasta dish and traditionally differs from spaghetti bolognese found abroad.
Tortellini in brodo
Small ring-shaped stuffed pasta served in rich capon or beef broth. A festive classic closely tied to Bolognese family cooking and winter meals.
Lasagne verdi alla bolognese
Green pasta sheets layered with ragù, béchamel and Parmigiano Reggiano. This baked dish is a traditional Sunday and holiday favourite in Bologna.
Trattoria da Me
Historic osteria known for classic Bolognese pasta and traditional meat dishes in a warm, old-world dining room near the city centre.
Ristorante I Carracci
Refined restaurant serving contemporary Italian cuisine in elegant rooms inside Palazzo Fava, suited to a special-occasion meal.
Trattoria Anna Maria
Long-standing trattoria popular for tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù and other local staples in a simple, bustling setting.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Italy: lodging is mid-priced, meals are reasonable, and local buses are cheap, though central hotel rates rise in peak season and during major fairs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or street food.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Service may be included; round up or leave €1-2 in cafés, 5-10% for very good restaurant service, and round up taxi fares.
Roger
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €2.30
- Day pass
- €9.00
To the city centre
Bologna Centrale -> Piazza Maggiore, Bologna
- Distance
- 1.6 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Tap a contactless card on Bologna urban buses to pay the standard fare; Tper applies a daily best fare cap of €9.00.
- Use the official Roger app to buy digital tickets and plan journeys on Tper services in Bologna.
Best day trips from Bologna by train
The most popular day trips by train from Bologna are Florence, Modena, Parma, Ferrara and Ravenna. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Bologna on Omio.
Day trip from Bologna to Florence by train
Why visit Florence for the day?
Florence is known for Renaissance art and architecture, with the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio shaping its skyline. Despite its fame, it feels compact and lived-in, with busy piazzas, artisan workshops and a strong Tuscan food culture.
How to get from Bologna to Florence by train?
There are 83 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 81 km distance in 33m.
Day trip from Bologna to Modena by train
Why visit Modena for the day?
Modena is known for its Romanesque cathedral, traditional balsamic vinegar and its links to Ferrari and Luciano Pavarotti. Its arcaded centre and well-rooted food culture give the city a polished but relaxed feel.
How to get from Bologna to Modena by train?
There are 66 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:46. The fastest train covers the 37 km distance in 15m.
Day trip from Bologna to Parma by train
Why visit Parma for the day?
Parma is known for elegant squares, Romanesque landmarks and a food culture centred on Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma. Its compact historic centre and calm, refined atmosphere make it easy to explore.
How to get from Bologna to Parma by train?
There are 52 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 23:52. The fastest train covers the 87 km distance in 48m.
Day trip from Bologna to Ferrara by train
Why visit Ferrara for the day?
Ferrara is a Renaissance city in Emilia-Romagna, known for the moated Castello Estense and its Este past. Its UNESCO-listed centre is calm and elegant, with arcaded streets, palaces and a strong cycling culture.
How to get from Bologna to Ferrara by train?
There are 64 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:43, the last at 23:23. The fastest train covers the 43 km distance in 20m.
Day trip from Bologna to Ravenna by train
Why visit Ravenna for the day?
Ravenna is best known for its remarkable Byzantine mosaics and UNESCO-listed early Christian monuments. Its compact historic centre, literary links to Dante and calm Adriatic character give it a thoughtful, unhurried feel.
How to get from Bologna to Ravenna by train?
There are 19 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:48, the last at 22:47. The fastest train covers the 69 km distance in 58m.
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 £36, while the average price tends to be around £123.
The train from Cologne to Bologna takes 10h 54m and runs once a day.
The train distance from Cologne to Bologna is 787 km.
The first train from Cologne to Bologna leaves at 0:20.
The last train from Cologne to Bologna departs at 23:30.
Trains from Cologne to Bologna run approximately 1 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Bologna.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Bologna.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Bologna is Cologne Hbf, and it arrives at Bologna Centrale.
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 picturesque views, especially through the Rhine Valley with its charming castles and vineyards, and the scenic landscapes of the Alps, making it a visually pleasing experience.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Bologna.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Bologna
Most Cologne to Bologna trains use the Köln Hbf to Bologna Centrale station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Bologna 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
Which Cologne station do trains to Bologna leave from?
Trains from Cologne to Bologna leave from Köln Hbf. The station is 1 km from Cologne city centre at Trankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany.
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 · £7 · 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.
Köln Messe/DeutzKöln Messe/Deutz, Ottoplatz 7, 50679 Köln
City-centre transport
Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRb26 · 12m · £3 · every ~3 min
Subway1, 9, 4, 3 · 15m · £2 · every ~52 min
Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services
Köln Messe/Deutz 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: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Köln/Bonn FlughafenKöln/Bonn Flughafen, Waldstraße 247, 51147 Köln
City-centre transport
Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRe · 17m · £4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 21m · £4
Re · 23m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 29m · £5
Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services
Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Which Bologna station do trains from Cologne arrive at?
Trains from Cologne to Bologna arrive at Bologna Centrale. Bologna Centrale is 1 km from Bologna city centre.
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 · £1 · every ~39 min
21, 30, 11, C, 62, N4, N3 · 6m · £1 · 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.
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
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