Bologna to Cologne train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE)

Thu, Nov 20
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Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
Italo
iryo
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Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
Italo
iryo
Frecciarossa
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bologna to Cologne

Showing times and prices for Nov 20

Cheapest price

$173

Average price

$229

Fastest journey

12 h 10 m

Average duration

12 h 12 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

787 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bologna to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bologna to Cologne will cost around $229 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $173.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Bologna for Cologne on Thu, Nov 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Nov 20 the direct trains cover the 787 km distance in an average of 12 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 12 h 10 m .

On Thu, Nov 20 the slowest trains will take 12 h 14 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.

Deutsche Bahn
05:45AM12h10
Bologna
05:55PMCologne
$1731One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche Bahn
07:52AM12h14
Bologna
08:06PMCologne
$2861One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, flight, and train for Bologna to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Bologna to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €52. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €52, and a train costs an average of €56.

Distance: 489 miles (787 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Bus

€256

Average price

€221

Average price

€95

Average price

Cheapest

12h 24m

Average total duration

11h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 50m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 50m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

20h 17m

Average total duration

19h 47m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

Ryanair

Most popular airline

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Bologna to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Bologna to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Thursday, November 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 3:28 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
deutsche_bahn5:45 AM Bologna
12h10
5:55 PM Cologne0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahn7:52 AM Bologna
12h14
8:06 PM Cologne0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bologna to Cologne by bus, flight, or train

Compare bus, flight, and 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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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Bologna to Cologne?

The best time to book your train from Bologna to Cologne is 70 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Bologna to Cologne route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Bologna to Cologne per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Bologna to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bologna to Cologne

ItalyItaly
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Bologna to Cologne run on average 3 times per day, taking around 11h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $69 (€56) but you can travel from only $37 (€30) by flight.

The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 489 miles (787 km) distance in 11h 13m.

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 $37 (€30)
Distance
489 miles (787 km)
Average train duration
11h 54m
Cheapest ticket price
$69 (€56)
Trains per day
3
Fastest train
11h 13m
First train
00:20
Last train
23:55
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 $37 (€30)

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Bologna to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Bologna and Cologne from $37 (€30). 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.
Learn more about Deutsche Bahn
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 13m
Cheapest Price
$111 (€90)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
2 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.
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.
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.
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Bologna to Cologne

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bologna to Cologne 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Bologna to Cologne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $69 (€56), while the average price is around $316 (€256).
Three days are generally recommended to explore Cologne's main attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, Old Town, and museums.
A day trip from Bologna to Cologne is not feasible since the journey takes 11h 13m each way. Trains run 3 times per day for this 489 miles (787 km) journey.
The cheapest way to get from Bologna to Cologne is by flight, with a cost of around $37 (€30).
The train journey from Bologna to Cologne offers varied scenery, including the picturesque landscapes of Northern Italy, the rolling hills and vineyards of the Rhine Valley, and charming German towns, providing a pleasant visual experience.
In Cologne, you can explore the Cologne Chocolate Museum to learn about chocolate history and production, enjoy a scenic Rhine River Cruise, and visit the Botanical Gardens Flora for stunning floral displays. Discover trendy boutiques and vibrant street art in the Belgian Quarter, or attend a concert at the renowned Cologne Philharmonic Hall. Don't miss the iconic Cologne Cathedral, the modern art collection at Museum Ludwig, and the love lock-adorned Hohenzollern Bridge. Wander through the charming Old Town (Altstadt) and visit the diverse Cologne Zoo.
The distance by train from Bologna to Cologne is 489 miles (787 km).
Yes, you can take the train from Bologna to Cologne.
The train from Bologna to Cologne takes 11h 13m and runs 3 per day.
The first train from Bologna to Cologne leaves at 12:20 AM.
The train station in Bologna that goes to Cologne is Bologna Centrale, which connects to Cologne Hbf.
The last train from Bologna to Cologne leaves at 11:55 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Bologna to Cologne.
There is no direct train service currently available from Bologna to Cologne.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Bologna to Cologne

Bologna
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Bologna is Bologna Centrale. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bologna Centrale for your trip from Bologna to Cologne.
Bologna CentraleWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
address
Address
Piazza delle Medaglie d'Oro, 40121 Bologna, Italy
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Luggage facility, open daily from 07:00 to 22:00, is located in front of binario 7 Ovest (Track 7 West).
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • A Cafè
  • VyTA Boulangerie
  • Venchi
  • Scambio
  • Juice Bar
  • KFC
  • Dispensa Emilia
  • Lavazza
  • Mokà
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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.
Hotel
Hotel
  • Starhotels Excelsior
  • Millenn Hotel Bologna
  • UNA Hotels
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Customer service center is on the ground floor and open every day from 06:30 to 23:00.
Public transit options for Bologna Centrale
  • Bus lines: 21, 25, 30, 36, 61, 62, 77, BLQ
  • Monorail lines: Marconi Express
  • Train lines: FR, FA, FB, IC, ICN, R, Italo, ÖBB EC, EN

More options for your journey from Bologna to Cologne

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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Tickets and more information for trains to Cologne

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