Bologna to Cologne train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE)

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bologna to Cologne

Showing times and prices for Jul 20

Cheapest price

$124

Average price

$195

Fastest journey

12 h 10 m

Average duration

13 h 32 m

Trains per day

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 $195 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $124.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Bologna for Cologne on Sun, Jul 20, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Jul 20 the direct trains cover the 787 km distance in an average of 13 h 32 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 12 h 10 m .

On Sun, Jul 20 the slowest trains will take 16 h 15 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.

12:52PM16h15

Bologna

05:07AMCologne

$1241One-way

0 transfers

06:45AM12h10

Bologna

06:55PMCologne

$1491One-way

0 transfers

05:45AM12h10

Bologna

05:55PMCologne

$3121One-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 €56. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 9m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €56, and a train costs an average of €56.

Distance: 489 miles (787 km)

Compare train with

Train	Most popular Flight	Bus
€226 Average price	€177 Average price	€91 Average price Cheapest
12h 19m Average total duration 11h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	6h 9m Average total duration Fastest 3h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time*	20h 17m Average total duration 19h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time*
Most popular train company	Most popular airline	Most popular bus company
Direct Options	Direct Options	Direct Options

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

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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.

Trains

from $76

Buses

from $76

Flights

from $224

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bologna to Cologne

Italy

Germany

Trains from Bologna to Cologne run on average 3 times per day, taking around 11h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $111 (€90) but you can travel from only $31 (€25) by flight.

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 $31 (€25)

Distance

489 miles (787 km)

Average train duration

11h 53m

Cheapest ticket price

$111 (€90)

Trains per day

Fastest train

11h 22m

First train

00:20

Last train

23:55

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Flight from $31 (€25)

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Intercity and Italo from Bologna to Cologne trains

For as little as $50 (€40) you can travel by train between Bologna and Cologne with Deutsche Bahn, Intercity and Italo. Omio will show you the best deals, schedules and tickets available for this journey.

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is the main provider of train services in Germany, making on average 40,000 journeys per day. A special feature of Deutsche Bahn is its wide range of ticket types, savings offers including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible fares and discount cards like the Bahncard 25, 50 and 100. DB uses different types of trains such as the ICE (Intercity Express), IC (Intercity), EC (Eurocity), IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express) and RB (Regionalbahn) on its routes, which differ in terms of comfort and the time required to travel.

Deutsche Bahn from Bologna to Cologne train information:

Average Duration: 11 h 50 min
Cheapest Price: $50

Trenitalia Intercity is a high-speed train service operated by the Italian national railway company, Trenitalia. It operates throughout the country, with services running from early morning to late evening. The Intercity trains come in two types: the Intercity Plus, which is the fastest and most comfortable, and the Intercity, which is slightly slower but still offers a comfortable journey. The most popular routes for Trenitalia Intercity are from Rome to Milan, Naples to Florence, and Turin to Venice.

Intercity from Bologna to Cologne train information:

Average Duration: 19 h 33 min
Cheapest Price: $494
Intercity frequency: 1 a day

Italo is a brand of high-speed trains operated by the Italian train company Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori (NTV). Its fleet includes the Italo AGV 575, the premier high-speed service reaching speeds up to 186 mph (300 km/h), and the Italo EVO, an eco-friendly #[+travelMode] that can reach a maximum speed of 150 mph (250 km/h). Italo offers four different class options, but each car is modernly equipped with a high level of comfort. You can choose between the Smart, Comfort, Prima and Club Executive classes. Italo offers three types of fares with different prices and flexibility: Low Cost, Economy, and Flex.

Train information from Bologna to Cologne with Italo:

Average Duration: 20 h 7 min
Cheapest Price: $537
Italo frequency: 1 a day

Step on board a Frecciarossa train and relax as you travel across Italy. Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa high-speed trains make about 200 connections across Italy per day and are renowned for their comfort, speed and reduced environmental impact. Frecciarossa reach speeds up to 186 mph (300 kmh). When booking your Frecciarossa you can choose between four different classes: Standard, Premium, Business, and Executive.

Frecciarossa from Bologna to Cologne train information:

Average Duration: 10 h 22 min
Cheapest Price: $350
Frecciarossa frequency: 1 a day

FAQs: Trains from Bologna to Cologne

FAQs: Travel by train from Bologna to Cologne easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Bologna to Cologne.

Cheap train tickets from Bologna to Cologne can start from as little as $50 (€40) when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Bologna to Cologne is $154 (€124); 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 train from Bologna to Cologne is 11 h 50 min to travel the 488 mile (787 km) long route, with around there are 2 trains per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.

The first train from Bologna to Cologne leaves at 6: 45AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

The last train from Bologna to Cologne leaves at 2: 50PM.

There are 2 trains a day from Bologna to Cologne which require at least one change with Deutsche Bahn, Intercity, Frecciarossa or Italo. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.

Yes, you can take a high-speed train from Bologna to Cologne with Frecciarossa or Italo. Overall you can travel with the following companies: Deutsche Bahn, Intercity, Frecciarossa or Italo.

For the journey from Bologna to Cologne you can take a train with Deutsche Bahn, Intercity, Frecciarossa or Italo. Be sure to check out all possible train companies that offer services from Bologna to Cologne on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.

The cheapest month for a train from Bologna to Cologne is October.

You have options as you can travel to Cologne from Bologna 3 different ways: train, bus or flight.