4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Bologna Centrale to Cologne Hbf
Cheapest price on Sep 17
€256
Average ticket price on Sep 17
€256
Fastest journey on Sep 17
12 h 13 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
12 h 13 m
Trains on Sep 17
1
Distance
787 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bologna Centrale to Cologne Hbf is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bologna Centrale to Cologne Hbf will cost around €256 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €256.
It's difficult to get from Bologna Centrale to Cologne Hbf without transferring at least once.
RJ 86 · ICE 5129:52 AM12h13Bologna Centrale10:05 PMCologne Hbf€2561One-way1 transfer
- RJ 86 · ICE 5129:52 AM12h13Bologna Centrale10:05 PMCologne Hbf€2561One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Bologna Centrale to Cologne Hbf
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bologna Centrale to Cologne Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €35 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 25m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €35, while a flight costs an average of €383.
Distance: 489 miles (787 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€35 Average price Cheapest | €106 Average price | €383 Average price | €164 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 58m Average total duration 11h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 31m Average total duration 17h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration Fastest 2h 25m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 10h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Bologna Centrale to Cologne Hbf:
A train is €71 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bologna Centrale to Cologne Hbf costing on average €106.
A train is €348 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bologna Centrale to Cologne Hbf costing on average €383.
Other travel options to Cologne Hbf take longer:
Train takes on average 11h 28m.
Bus takes on average 17h 1m.
Tickets start at around €35 compared to roughly €164 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €130. The journey takes 11h 28m versus 10h 22m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Bologna Centrale to Cologne Hbf train times
The table below shows live departures for Bologna Centrale to Cologne Hbf trains for tomorrow, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RJ 86 · ICE 512 | On time 9:52 AM Bologna Centrale | 12h13 | 10:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bologna Centrale to Cologne Hbf by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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.
Sep 17
Sep 18
Sep 19
Sep 20
Sep 21
Sep 22
Sep 23
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Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Bologna Centrale to Cologne Hbf.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bologna Centrale to Cologne Hbf
Italy
Germany
Trains from Bologna Centrale to Cologne Hbf run on average 8 times per day, taking around 11h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €11 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:45, the last at 07:52. The fastest train covers the 489 miles (787 km) distance in 10h 38m.
Distance 489 miles (787 km) |
Average train duration 11h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price €11 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 10h 38m |
First train 5:45 AM |
Last train 7:52 AM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Bologna Centrale to Cologne Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Bologna Centrale and Cologne Hbf from €11. 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.
FAQs: Trains from Bologna Centrale to Cologne Hbf
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bologna Centrale to Cologne Hbf 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 Cologne Hbf, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Bologna Centrale to Cologne Hbf
Most Bologna Centrale to Cologne Hbf trains use the Bologna Centrale to Köln Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Bologna Centrale and Cologne Hbf train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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.
Most popular train connections from Bologna Centrale
More options for your journey from Bologna Centrale to Cologne Hbf
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne Hbf and Bologna Centrale
Most popular train connections to Cologne Hbf
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