4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale
Cheapest price
€462
Average price
€462
Fastest journey
11 h 40 m
Average duration
11 h 40 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 €462 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €462.
It's difficult to get from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale without transferring at least once.
ICE 521 · RJ 834:28 AM11h40Cologne Hbf4:08 PMBologna Centrale€4621One-way1 transfer
- ICE 521 · RJ 834:28 AM11h40Cologne Hbf4:08 PMBologna Centrale€4621One-way1 transfer
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 train with prices starting from €11. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 21m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €11, and a flight costs an average of €60.
Distance: 489 miles (787 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€57 Average price Cheapest | €429 Average price | €116 Average price | €76 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 47m Average total duration 11h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 21m Average total duration Fastest 2h 21m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 17h 26m Average total duration 16h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale:
A train is €59 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale costing on average €116.
A train is €372 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale costing on average €429.
Other travel options to Bologna Centrale take longer:
Train takes on average 11h 17m.
Bus takes on average 16h 56m.
Tickets start at around €57 compared to roughly €76 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €19. The journey takes 11h 17m versus 10h 52m 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
Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 521 · RJ 83 | On time 4:28 AM Cologne Hbf | 11h40 | 4:08 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
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.
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Aug 31
Sep 01
Why should you book Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH to find the best option for your trip from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale.
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 Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale
Germany
Italy
Trains from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale run on average 3 times per day, taking around 11h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €11 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 06:31, the last at 07:54. The fastest train covers the 489 miles (787 km) distance in 10h 29m.
Distance 489 miles (787 km) |
Average train duration 11h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price €11 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 10h 29m |
First train 6:31 AM |
Last train 7:54 AM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Cologne Hbf and Bologna Centrale from €60. 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
Most Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale trains use the Köln Hbf to Bologna Centrale station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne Hbf and Bologna Centrale train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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.
More options for your journey from Cologne Hbf to Bologna Centrale
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bologna Centrale and Cologne Hbf
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