- Must visit
South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology
Bolzano’s best-known museum, famous for Ötzi the Iceman and excellent exhibits on Alpine prehistory and conservation.
Cheapest price
$149
Average price
$166
Fastest journey
8 h 33 m
Average duration
9 h 40 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
589 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Bolzano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Bolzano will cost around $166 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $149.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Bolzano without transferring at least once.
ICE 105 · ICE 595 · RJ 89
ICE 515 · RJ 89
IC 1940 · ICE 515 · RJ 89
ICE 103 · ICE 593 · RJ 87
ICE 1225 · ICE 225+
79077+
CJX 6124
ICE 103 · ICE 593 · RJ 87
ICE 105 · ICE 595 · RJ 89
ICE 515 · RJ 89
IC 1940 · ICE 515 · RJ 89
ICE 1225 · ICE 225+
79077+
CJX 6124Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Bolzano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $45. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $45, and a flight costs an average of $38.
Distance: 365 miles (589 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$171 Average price | $70 Average price Cheapest | $339 Average price | $194 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 14m Average total duration 8h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 13m Average total duration 11h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 5m Average total duration Fastest 5h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Bolzano:
A bus is $101 (€81) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Bolzano costing on average $171 (€138).
A bus is $269 (€217) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Bolzano costing on average $339 (€274).
Other travel options to Bolzano take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 44m.
Bus takes on average 11h 43m.
The journey is about 17m faster (8h 44m by train vs 9h 1m by car) and roughly $23 (€18) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($171 (€138) vs $194 (€157)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Bolzano trains for today, Tuesday, May 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 513 · RJ 87 | Delayed 5:56 AM 7:54 AMCologne Hbf | 9h33 | 5:27 PM Bolzano/Bozen | 1 transfer | |
IC 1940 · ICE 515 · RJ 89 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 10h34 | 7:27 PM Bolzano/Bozen | 2 transfers | |
ICE 103 · ICE 593 · RJ 87 | Delayed 6:57 AM 8:54 AMCologne Hbf | 8h33 | 5:27 PM Bolzano/Bozen | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1225 · ICE 225+ 79077+ CJX 6124 | On time 9:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 11h06 | 8:59 PM Bolzano/Bozen | 5 transfers | |
ICE 515 · RJ 89 | On time 9:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 9h33 | 7:27 PM Bolzano/Bozen | 1 transfer | |
ICE 105 · ICE 595 · RJ 89 | Delayed 8:56 AM 10:54 AMCologne Hbf | 8h33 | 7:27 PM Bolzano/Bozen | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cologne to Bolzano run on average 5 times per day, taking around 8h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $54 (€44) but you can travel from only $38 (€31) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 365 miles (589 km) distance in 8h 33m.
Distance 365 miles (589 km) |
Average train duration 8h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $54 (€44) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 8h 33m |
First train 12:06 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Bolzano — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bolzano trip today.
Bolzano’s best-known museum, famous for Ötzi the Iceman and excellent exhibits on Alpine prehistory and conservation.
The city’s contemporary art museum, known for its striking modern building and changing international exhibitions.
A compact museum inside the historic Mercantile Palace, illustrating Bolzano’s role as a major trading center.
Bolzano’s most characteristic street, lined with arcades, historic façades, shops, and a lively city atmosphere.
The city’s social heart and a natural starting point for sightseeing, events, and old-town walks.
A compact historic center with arcades, colorful buildings, churches, and a distinctly Central European character.
Lightly smoked, cured ham from South Tyrol, typically served thinly sliced with rye bread or on a traditional platter. It is one of the region's signature products.
Bread dumplings typical of South Tyrol, often made with speck, cheese, or spinach and served in broth or with butter. They reflect the area's Tyrolean heritage.
Half-moon pasta filled traditionally with spinach and ricotta, usually dressed with melted butter and chives. A classic Alpine first course in the Bolzano area.
Elegant dining room in the historic Parkhotel Laurin, offering refined cuisine with strong regional roots and a more upscale atmosphere.
Historic restaurant in central Bolzano known for South Tyrolean classics such as dumplings, goulash, and seasonal regional dishes in a traditional setting.
Well-known beer hall and restaurant serving hearty local specialties and house beers in a lively, rustic atmosphere near the old town.
Moderate for Italy. Hotels can be pricier in peak seasons, but everyday dining and coffee are reasonable.
Service is often included or modest. Tipping is not mandatory; round up or leave 5-10% for very good service. Small tips for taxis are appreciated, but not expected.
Official public transport app
Bolzano/Bozen Airport -> Bolzano Bozen Railway Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Bolzano 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 Bolzano, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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