The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale
Cheapest price
$285
Average price
$285
Fastest journey
12 h 16 m
Average duration
12 h 16 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
787 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale will cost around $285 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $285.
Of the 1 trains that leave Cologne Hbf for Bologna Centrale on Sat, Nov 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Nov 22 the direct trains cover the 787 km distance in an average of 12 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 12 h 16 m .
On Sat, Nov 22 the slowest trains will take 12 h 16 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.


Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €54. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €54, and a flight costs an average of €25.
Distance: 489 miles (787 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€110 Average price | €123 Average price | €80 Average price Cheapest |
11h 54m Average total duration 11h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 36m Average total duration Fastest 1h 36m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 24h 12m Average total duration 23h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale trains for today, Friday, November 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:55 AM Cologne Hbf | 11h21 | 6:16 PM Bologna Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:55 AM Cologne Hbf | 12h16 | 8:11 PM Bologna Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale 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.
Nov 22
Nov 23
Nov 24
Nov 25
Nov 26
Nov 27
Nov 28
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale
Trains from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale run on average 3 times per day, taking around 11h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $61 (€50) but you can travel from only $31 (€25) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 06:31, the last at 07:55. The fastest train covers the 489 miles (787 km) distance in 11h 21m.
Distance 489 miles (787 km) |
Average train duration 11h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $61 (€50) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 11h 21m |
First train 06:31 |
Last train 07:55 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Cologne Hbf and Bologna Centrale from $31 (€25). 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 Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale 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 Bologna Centrale, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi.
- Luggage facility, open daily from 07:00 to 22:00, is located in front of binario 7 Ovest (Track 7 West).
- Burger King
- A Cafè
- VyTA Boulangerie
- Venchi
- Scambio
- Juice Bar
- KFC
- Dispensa Emilia
- Lavazza
- Mokà
- & more
- 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.
- Starhotels Excelsior
- Millenn Hotel Bologna
- UNA Hotels
- Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00
- Customer service center is on the ground floor and open every day from 06:30 to 23:00.
- 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
Most popular train connections from Cologne Hbf
More options for your journey from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale
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