4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Bologna
Cheapest price
£80
Average price
£169
Fastest journey
11 h 17 m
Average duration
11 h 42 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
787 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 £169 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £80.
To travel from Cologne to Bologna you need to make at least one change.
ICE 105 · ICE 595 · RJ 8910:5411h17Cologne Hbf22:11Bologna Centrale£801One-way2 changes- ICE 515 · RJ 899:5412h17Cologne Hbf22:11Bologna Centrale£1431One-way1 change
- ICE 529 · RJ 878:4511h31Cologne Messe/Deutz20:16Bologna Centrale£2851One-way1 change
- ICE 105 · ICE 595 · RJ 8910:5411h17Cologne Hbf22:11Bologna Centrale£801One-way2 changes
- ICE 529 · RJ 878:4511h31Cologne Messe/Deutz20:16Bologna Centrale£2851One-way1 change
- ICE 515 · RJ 899:5412h17Cologne Hbf22:11Bologna Centrale£1431One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Cologne to Bologna
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Bologna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £47. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 46m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £47, and a flight costs an average of £16.
Distance: 787 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£157 Average Price | £186 Average Price | £70 Average Price Cheapest |
12h 14m Average total duration 11h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 46m Average total duration Fastest 1h 46m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 16h 32m Average total duration 16h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cologne to Bologna train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Bologna trains for tomorrow, Thursday 16 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 529 · RJ 87 | On time 8:45 Cologne Messe/Deutz | 11h31 | 20:16 Bologna Centrale | 1 change | |
| ICE 515 · RJ 89 | Delayed 8:02 9:54Cologne Hbf | 12h17 | 22:11 Bologna Centrale | 1 change | |
| ICE 105 · ICE 595 · RJ 89 | On time 10:54 Cologne Hbf | 11h17 | 22:11 Bologna Centrale | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Bologna by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train 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.
16 Jul
17 Jul
18 Jul
19 Jul
20 Jul
21 Jul
22 Jul
23 Jul
24 Jul
25 Jul
26 Jul
27 Jul
28 Jul
29 Jul
30 Jul
31 Jul
01 Aug
02 Aug
03 Aug
04 Aug
05 Aug
Why should you book Cologne to Bologna trains with Omio?
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 Trenitalia 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.
- 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?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Trenitalia to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Bologna.
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Bologna
Germany
Italy
Trains from Cologne to Bologna run on average 2 times per day, taking around 11h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £37 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 11h 17m.
Distance 787 km |
Average train duration 11h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price £37 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 11h 17m |
First train 0:20 |
Last train 23:30 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 63 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia from Cologne to Bologna trainsDeutsche Bahn, Trenitalia 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
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.
Trenitalia
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
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.
Which Cologne station do trains to Bologna leave from?
Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Which Bologna station do trains from Cologne arrive at?
Getting to Bologna Centrale from Bologna city centre
Bologna Centrale is 1 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
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
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
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
