- Must visit
Museo Archeologico dell'Alto Adige
Archaeology museum housing Ötzi the Iceman and exhibits on Alpine prehistory. The city’s signature museum and a key cultural stop.
Cheapest price
£39
Average price
£103
Fastest journey
8 h 33 m
Average duration
9 h 41 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
589 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Bolzano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Bolzano will cost around £103 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £39.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cologne for Bolzano every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 589 km distance in an average of 9 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 33 m .
The slowest trains will take 10 h 59 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Bolzano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £36. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 30m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £36, and a flight costs an average of £44.
Distance: 589 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£101 Average Price | £55 Average Price Cheapest | £145 Average Price |
9h 15m Average total duration 8h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 9m Average total duration 11h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Bolzano trains for today, Monday 24 August. 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 | 8h42 | 17:27 Bolzano/Bozen | 1 change | |
IC 2040 · ICE 515 · RJ 89 | On time 8:53 Cologne Hbf | 10h34 | 19:27 Bolzano/Bozen | 2 changes | |
ICE 623 · RJ 89 | On time 10:35 Cologne Hbf | 8h52 | 19:27 Bolzano/Bozen | 1 change | |
ICE 2523 · RJ 89 | On time 10:35 Cologne Hbf | 8h52 | 19:27 Bolzano/Bozen | 1 change | |
ICE 105 · ICE 2585 · RJ 89 | Delayed 8:59 10:54Cologne Hbf | 8h33 | 19:27 Bolzano/Bozen | 2 changes |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach 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.
Trains from Cologne to Bolzano run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £47 but you can travel from only £36 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 589 km distance in 8h 33m.
Distance 589 km |
Average train duration 8h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price £47 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 8h 33m |
First train 0:06 |
Last train 23:57 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Bolzano — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bolzano trip today.
Archaeology museum housing Ötzi the Iceman and exhibits on Alpine prehistory. The city’s signature museum and a key cultural stop.
Modern and contemporary art museum with rotating exhibitions in a striking glass-fronted building. Good for current regional art scenes.
Museum in Castel Mareccio exploring South Tyrolean natural history, landscapes and archaeology. A strong all-round introduction to the region.
Bolzano’s main square, framed by historic buildings and cafés, with the cathedral close by. Ideal for people-watching and orientation.
Arcaded medieval street lined with shops and historic façades. One of the best places to experience the character of the old town.
Riverside promenade and park area popular for walking and relaxing. A pleasant green break close to the urban centre.
Buckwheat dumplings filled with spinach and ricotta, often baked with butter and Parmesan. A South Tyrolean staple linking Alpine and Italian cooking.
Bread dumplings made from stale bread, milk and eggs, served in broth or with butter. One of the region’s most traditional comfort dishes.
A peasant barley soup usually enriched with smoked meat, vegetables and herbs. It is a classic mountain dish in South Tyrol.
Elegant restaurant in Bolzano’s centre focused on refined regional cooking, with a calm dining room and a strong local wine selection.
Traditional South Tyrolean restaurant near the centre, known for canederli, Schlutzkrapfen and seasonal local dishes in a warm alpine setting.
Historic beer hall and restaurant serving hearty Tyrolean plates and house beers in a lively, classic wood-panelled atmosphere.
Moderate for northern Italy: hotels and dining are pricier than smaller towns, but local buses and trains are reasonable for visitors.
Service is often included. Round up or leave 5-10% for good restaurant service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, leaving small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Bolzano/Bozen railway station -> Bolzano/Bozen railway station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Bolzano 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 Bolzano, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Bolzano trains use the Köln Hbf to Bolzano-Bozen station pair, with some services arriving at Bolzano Sud. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Bolzano train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
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 storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Bolzano-Bozen is 1 km from Bolzano city centre. Public transport options include:
Bolzano-Bozen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Laurin, Restaurant Anita
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Bolzano-Bozen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Bolzano-Bozen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bolzano-Bozen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bolzano-Bozen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bolzano-Bozen: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Parkhotel Laurin, Hotel Greif, Four Points by Sheraton Bolzano.
Bolzano Sud is 2 km from Bolzano city centre. Public transport options include:
Bolzano Sud has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Bolzano Sud.
ATMs are available at Bolzano Sud.
Available at Bolzano Sud: Parking, WC.
Available at Bolzano Sud: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bolzano Sud.
Kaiserau is 1 km from Bolzano city centre. Public transport options include:
Kaiserau has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Kaiserau.
ATMs are available at Kaiserau.
Available at Kaiserau: Parking, WC.
Available at Kaiserau: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kaiserau.
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