Cologne to Bologna train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,EC)

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Bologna

Showing times and prices for Jul 10

Cheapest price

$75

Average price

$177

Fastest journey

11 h 21 m

Average duration

11 h 33 m

Trains per day

Distance

787 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cologne to Bologna will cost around $177 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $75.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Cologne for Bologna on Thu, Jul 10, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Jul 10 the direct trains cover the 787 km distance in an average of 11 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 11 h 21 m .

On Thu, Jul 10 the slowest trains will take 11 h 58 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.

06:55AM11h21

Cologne

06:16PMBologna

$751One-way

0 transfers

07:55AM11h21

Cologne

07:16PMBologna

$1251One-way

0 transfers

07:18AM11h58

Cologne

07:16PMBologna

$3331One-way

0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Bologna

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Bologna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €46. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €46, and a train costs an average of €40.

Distance: 489 miles (787 km)

Compare train with

Train	Most popular Flight	Bus
€169 Average price	€164 Average price	€82 Average price Cheapest
12h 27m Average total duration 11h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	5h 18m Average total duration Fastest 2h 18m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time*	17h 3m Average total duration 16h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time*
Most popular train company	Most popular airline	Most popular bus company
Direct Options	Direct Options	Direct Options

Live departures

Cologne to Bologna train times

Showing trains for today, Wednesday, July 9

Last updated at 6:14 AM

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
ICE 103 · ICE 593 · RJ 87	Delayed 6:56 AM 6:55 AMCologne Hbf	11h21	6:16 PM Bologna Centrale	2 transfers
ICE 515 · RJ 89	On time 7:55 AM Cologne Hbf	12h16	8:11 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 to Bologna by train, bus, or flight

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Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Bologna

Germany

Italy

Trains from Cologne to Bologna run on average 3 times per day, taking around 11h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $50 (€40) but you can travel from only $37 (€29) 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 $37 (€29)

Distance

489 miles (787 km)

Average train duration

11h 57m

Cheapest ticket price

$50 (€40)

Trains per day

Fastest train

11h 21m

First train

00:20

Last train

23:30

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Flight from $37 (€29)

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain from Cologne to Bologna trains

Buy your official Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain train tickets between Cologne and Bologna from $50 (€40) with Omio. Find train times and tickets for over 1000 travel companies to compare and book the most affordable route.

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.

Cologne to Bologna train information with Deutsche Bahn:

Average Duration: 11 h 5 min
Cheapest Price: $50

Flixtrain GmbH is a German railway company owned by Flixmobility. FlixTrain already connects many cities in Germany with its green trains. The trains run on 100 percent renewable energy. Onboard facilities: FlixTrain trains are equipped with air conditioning, toilets, USB and sockets and have plenty of legroom. You will find free WiFi on most trains and a range of food and drinks is available. There is a standard ticket that guarantees you a seat. You can take luggage with you free of charge, provided it can be stowed in the luggage racks. Find the current FlixTrain timetable for your journey at Omio and easily book FlixTrain train tickets online.

Train Providers: Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia, FlixTrain from Cologne to Bologna

Deutsche Bahn

About

Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

Luggage & cancellation policy

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

Trenitalia

About

Trenitalia is not only Italy's national railroad company but also the country's largest train operator. Trenitalia’s fleet of trains ncludes the high-speed Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca trains as well as intercity, regional and night trains. Bathrooms and WiFi access are standard on long-distance routes. In most cases, the trains also provide barrier-free access. Trenitalia offers different tickets, which vary in price and flexibility: Base, Economy, Super Economy and Ordinaria. You can even use Trenitalia discount cards on Omio. Make sure to look out for the latest offers from Trenitalia on Omio to score special deals!

Learn more about Trenitalia

Luggage & cancellation policy

Luggage included

2 pieces of hand luggage per passenger included in ticket price

Luggage storage

Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, and spaces between seat backs

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation policies vary by ticket type

Refund

Full refund provided for canceled trains

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Restaurant car on high-speed trains, trolley service with snacks and beverages, vending machines on some trains

Seat reservation

Optional seat reservation, costs extra except on high-speed trains where it's mandatory and included

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance service available with advance notice

Pets

Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle, guide dogs travel free

Quiet zone

FlixTrain

About

Luggage & cancellation policy

Luggage included

1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)

Luggage storage

Overhead racks and designated luggage areas

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions

Refund

Full refund if train is cancelled by operator

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service

Seat reservation

Seat reservation included in ticket price

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available

Pets

Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle

Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Bologna

FAQs: Travel by train from Cologne to Bologna 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 Cologne to Bologna.

Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Bologna can start from as little as $50 (€40) when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Bologna is $188 (€151); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.

On average the Cologne to Bologna train time is 11 h 32 min covering the 488 mile (787 km) long trip, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.

The first train from Cologne to Bologna leaves at 12: 46 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

The last train from Cologne to Bologna leaves at 11: 30 PM.

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

Take the Cologne to Bologna train with Deutsche Bahn. However, it's always good to check out all possible train companies for the trip from Cologne to Bologna as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.

No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 11: 30 PM.

The cheapest month to travel from Cologne to Bologna by train is November.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel from Cologne to Bologna including taking a train, bus or flight.