- Must visit
Wallraf-Richartz Museum
Major art museum with one of Europe’s best collections from medieval painting to modern masters, including notable Impressionist works.
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Journey information
Overview: Bologna to Cologne flight
ItalyItaly
Flights from Bologna to Cologne depart on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 13m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at €180 but you can travel from only €3 by train.
The fastest flight covers the 101 miles (163 km) distance in 2h 10m.
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
Train from €3
Distance 101 miles (163 km) |
Average flight duration 3h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price €180 |
Flights per day 9 |
Fastest flight 2h 10m |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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
Train from €3
Travel Information
Compare train for Bologna to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bologna to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €26 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 4m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €26, while a flight costs an average of €415.
Distance: 101 miles (163 km)
Compare flight with
| Flight | Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€415 Average price | €29 Average price | €26 Average price Cheapest | €172 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 13m Average total duration 3h 13m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 4m Average total duration Fastest 2h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 8m Average total duration 3h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular airline |  Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Bologna to Cologne is a bus with an average price of €26.
This is compared to other travel options from Bologna to Cologne:
A bus is €4 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bologna to Cologne costing on average €29.
A bus is €389 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bologna to Cologne costing on average €415.
The fastest way to travel from Bologna to Cologne is by train with an average journey time of 2h 34m.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Flight takes on average 3h 13m.
Bus takes on average 3h 38m.
Yes, you can take a train between Bologna and Cologne.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Bologna to Cologne among Omio's users.
Compare prices and tickets Bologna to Cologne 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.
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Airlines: ITA, British Airways from Bologna to CologneFind the best flights between Bologna to Cologne with Omio's travel partners ITA, British Airways from €3. We can find you the best deals, schedules and tickets when comparing and booking the best trip.
ITA
About
ITA Airways is Italy's national flag carrier, established in 2020 as the successor to Alitalia. Co-owned by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance and Lufthansa Group, it operates a modern, predominantly Airbus fleet. ITA Airways serves over 70 domestic, European, and intercontinental destinations, with its main hub at Rome Fiumicino Airport. The airline offers Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class, with complimentary meals and in-flight Wi-Fi on many routes. ITA Airways was a SkyTeam member until April 2025 and is expected to join Star Alliance in the first half of 2026.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average ITA Duration
2h 10m
Cheapest ITA Price
€180
ITA frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
1 carry-on bag (8kg, 55x35x25cm) and 1 personal item (40x30x20cm)
Additional luggage
Up to 2 checked bags (23kg each)
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation within 24h of booking if flight is more than 7 days away. After that, fees apply based on fare type
Pregnant on board
Up to end of 36th week for single pregnancy, up to end of 32nd week for multiple pregnancy. Medical certificate required after 28th week
Unaccompagned minor
Service available for children aged 5-14. Must be booked at least 48h in advance
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
Food sold onboard
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance available for passengers with reduced mobility, must be requested at least 48h before departure
Pets
Small pets in cabin, max 10kg including carrier
Entertaiment on board
British Airways
About
British Airways (BA) is the United Kingdom’s flag carrier airline with headquarters in London near its main hub at London Heathrow Airport (LHR). BA is the second largest UK-based airline in terms of fleet size and number of passengers carried. Known as a full-service global airline, British Airways offers year-round low fares to destinations worldwide and flies to and from centrally-located airports. Its extensive global route network includes more than 170 destinations in nearly 80 countries throughout Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Australia. syn p British Airways (BA) is the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom with its headquarters in London near its main hub at London Heathrow Airport (LHR). Known as a full-service global airline, BA offers low fares year-round to destinations around the globe and flies to and from centrally-located airports. Its extensive global route network includes more than 170 destinations in nearly 80 countries throughout Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Australia. BA is also the second largest airline based in the UK in terms of its fleet size and number of passengers carried.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average British Airways Duration
4h 25m
Cheapest British Airways Price
€537
British Airways frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
Economy Basic includes 1 cabin bag (max 23kg, 56x45x25cm) plus 1 personal item (40x30x15cm)
Additional luggage
Additional checked bags can be purchased, with prices varying by route and fare class
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policy depends on ticket type - Basic tickets non-refundable, Flexible tickets can be cancelled for a full refund
Pregnant on board
Travel permitted until end of 36th week for single pregnancies, end of 32nd week for multiple pregnancies. Medical clearance required after 28th weeks
Unaccompagned minor
Young flyers aged 5-11 can travel alone using British Airways' Skyflyer Solo service. Service must be booked in advance and is available on most routes
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
Food sold onboard
USB plugs
Accessibility
British Airways provides assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair assistance and special assistance through airports.
Pets
Pets travel in the hold except assistance dogs. Advance booking required. Only cats and dogs accepted on most routes
Entertaiment on board
Complete guide to Cologne
Things to do in Cologne
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Leading museum of modern and contemporary art, known for Picasso, Pop Art, and major postwar European collections.
- Recommended
Romano-Germanic Museum
Large archaeology museum presenting Cologne’s Roman past through mosaics, glass, inscriptions, and everyday artifacts.
- Must visit
Altstadt
Historic old town lanes with colorful houses, breweries, and churches; ideal for wandering between the Rhine and cathedral.
- Must visit
Rhine Promenade
Lively riverside promenade with classic skyline views, boat traffic, and easy walks connecting the old town and southern harbor.
- Recommended
Rheinauhafen
Modern harbor redevelopment known for the dramatic Kranhaus buildings, waterfront paths, and a polished urban atmosphere.
- Vegetarian
Canederli
Canederli are bread dumplings from the Alpine north, often served in broth or with butter. They reflect Tyrolean influence and are a classic local comfort dish.
- Gluten-free
Speck Alto Adige
Speck is lightly smoked, cured ham from South Tyrol. It is prized for its mountain-aging tradition and is commonly served with bread, cheese, or dumplings.
- Vegetarian
Schlutzkrapfen
Schlutzkrapfen are half-moon pasta filled with spinach and ricotta, usually dressed with butter and chives. They are a hallmark of the region’s Alpine cuisine.
Restaurant Zur Rose
Michelin-starred dining with creative tasting menus rooted in local ingredients. Elegant atmosphere for a high-end South Tyrolean meal.
Wirtshaus Vögele
Historic traditional restaurant known for South Tyrolean classics, wood-paneled rooms, and a refined but welcoming atmosphere in the old town.
Forsterbräu Central
Well-known local tavern serving canederli, schnitzel, and regional wine in a rustic setting popular with residents and visitors.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Western Europe; hotels can be pricey in peak season, but dining and public transport are generally manageable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes.
FAQs: Bologna to Cologne Flight
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bologna to Cologne by flight. 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 flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap plane tickets from Bologna to Cologne can start from as little as €180 when you book in advance. The average flight ticket price for Bologna to Cologne is €415 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by plane from Bologna to Cologne is 2h 10m to travel the 101 miles (163 km) long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
Flights from Bologna to Cologne generally leave from Bologna Airport and arrive in Milan Linate Airport.Bologna Airport is 3 miles (5 km) away from Bologna city centre and Milan Linate Airport is 3 miles (6 km) from Cologne city centre.
Yes, you can take a train between Bologna and Cologne.
Since both Bologna and Cologne are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
There is no time difference between Bologna and Cologne.
The best events to attend in Cologne include:
- Karneval der Kulturen, a vibrant festival celebrating cultural diversity with parades, music, and dance
- Cologne Christmas Market, a magical holiday market featuring festive stalls, local crafts, and seasonal treats
- Art Cologne, one of the oldest art fairs in the world showcasing contemporary art from renowned galleries.
The best holidays to experience in Cologne include:
- Easter, vibrant celebrations and beautiful spring weather
- Ferragosto, lively summer festivities and beach culture
- Immaculate Conception, local traditions and festive atmosphere.
The best season to visit Cologne is Spring or Fall. The best weather to explore Cologne is during April-June or September-October.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Bologna to Cologne among Omio's users.
For domestic flights we recommend to arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before departure. Please check the website of your departure airport if in doubt. Some airports may offer booking time slots for security checks or offer additional information on when to get there based on time of day.
Most airlines permit carry-on bags that fit within specific dimensions (e.g., 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. Bags must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Many airlines impose weight limits, commonly ranging between 7 kg (15 lbs) and 12 kg (26 lbs). Typically, passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item (for example a purse, laptop bag, or backpack). Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you. Budget Airlines (like Ryanair or Wizz Air) have stricter size and weight limits, often requiring fees for larger carry-ons. Full-Service Airlines have more lenient policies, sometimes including more spacious dimensions or higher weight limits depending on your ticket class.
The list of items prohibited on an airplane varies by country and airline, but in general, the following items are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage: Weapons and self-defence items, sharp objects, flammable materials, explosives, toxic substances, or liquids over 100ml (except for medications and baby essentials). In checked baggage, firearms (without authorization), explosives, large lithium batteries, and hazardous chemicals are prohibited. Electronic cigarettes must be in carry-on bags, while alcohol and dry ice have restrictions. Always check with your airline for specific regulations.
Italy uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards for most payments, especially in cities and larger establishments, but carrying some cash is advisable for small shops, markets, and rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Cologne, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like train stations, public transport, and around popular attractions such as the Cologne Cathedral. Common scams include distraction techniques and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to avoid unlicensed taxis and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help. Staying alert and keeping valuables secure helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular airports
Popular airports from Bologna to Cologne
Most Bologna to Cologne flights use the Bologna Airport to Milan Linate Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Bologna and Cologne airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Departure airports in Bologna
Arrival airports in Cologne
Which Bologna airport do flights to Cologne leave from?
Flights from Bologna to Cologne depart from Bologna Airport. The airport is 3 miles (6 km) from Bologna city centre at Via del Triumvirato, 84, 40132 Bologna BO, Italy.
Bologna Airport (BLQ)Via del Triumvirato, 84, 40132 Bologna BO, Italy
City-centre transport
Getting to Bologna Airport from Bologna city centre
Bologna Airport is 5 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainMex · 7m · every ~15 min
Bus949 · 28m · €6 · every ~2 min
Shuttle8m · €15
Bologna Airport airport facilities and services
Bologna Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge, and Lost and Found Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in the arrivals and departures areas.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bologna Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna Airport: Elevators, ramps.
More options for your journey from Bologna to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular flights to and from Cologne and Bologna
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