- Must visit
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
Leading city museum with major Italian paintings from the Middle Ages to modern times, essential for understanding Bologna's art history.
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Cheapest price
$114
Average price
$126
Fastest journey
18h 15m
Average duration
21h 7m
Buses per day
2
Distance
681 km
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Dortmund to Bologna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $55. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 38m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $55, and a train costs an average of $74.
Distance: 516 miles (832 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$176 Average price | $82 Average price Cheapest | $153 Average price | $94 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 54m Average total duration 12h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 51m Average total duration 17h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 38m Average total duration Fastest 1h 38m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Dortmund to Bologna:
A bus is $72 (€59) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Dortmund to Bologna costing on average $153 (€126).
A bus is $94 (€77) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Dortmund to Bologna costing on average $176 (€144).
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 24m.
Bus takes on average 17h 21m.
Tickets start at around $176 (€144) compared to roughly $94 (€77) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-81.69 (€-67.07). The journey takes 12h 24m versus 11h 40m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Dortmund to Bologna trains for tomorrow, Thursday, July 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 525 · RJ 85+ Regionale Veloce 3845 | On time 5:22 AM Dortmund Hbf | 14h43 | 8:05 PM Bologna Centrale | 2 transfers | |
ICE 525 · RJ 85+ FRECCIAROSSA 8527 | On time 5:22 AM Dortmund Hbf | 13h22 | 6:44 PM Bologna Centrale | 2 transfers | |
ICE 525 · RJ 85+ Regionale 16343 | On time 5:22 AM Dortmund Hbf | 13h39 | 7:01 PM Bologna Centrale | 2 transfers | |
ICE 101 · ICE 591 · RJ 85+ Regionale 16343 | On time 5:34 AM Dortmund Hbf | 13h27 | 7:01 PM Bologna Centrale | 3 transfers | |
ICE 101 · ICE 591 · RJ 85+ FRECCIAROSSA 8527 | On time 5:34 AM Dortmund Hbf | 13h10 | 6:44 PM Bologna Centrale | 3 transfers | |
ICE 101 · ICE 591 · RJ 85+ Regionale Veloce 3845 | On time 5:34 AM Dortmund Hbf | 14h31 | 8:05 PM Bologna Centrale | 3 transfers | |
ICE 529 · RJ 87+ Regionale TTPER 16421 · Regionale TTPER 22497 | On time 7:22 AM Dortmund Hbf | 15h05 | 10:27 PM Bologna Centrale | 4 transfers | |
ICE 529 · RJ 87+ Regionale Veloce 3847 | On time 7:22 AM Dortmund Hbf | 15h23 | 10:45 PM Bologna Centrale | 2 transfers | |
ICE 515 · RJ 89 | On time 8:36 AM Dortmund Hbf | 13h35 | 10:11 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
ICE 845 · ICE 1185 · RJ 89 | On time 8:46 AM Dortmund Hbf | 13h25 | 10:11 PM Bologna Centrale | 2 transfers | |
ICE 105 · ICE 595 · RJ 89 | On time 9:36 AM Dortmund Hbf | 12h35 | 10:11 PM Bologna Centrale | 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 Dortmund to Bologna run on average 3 times per day, taking around 12h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $74 (€61) but you can travel from only $27 (€22) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 516 miles (832 km) distance in 12h 35m.
Distance 516 miles (832 km) |
Average train duration 12h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $74 (€61) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 12h 35m |
First train 4:25 AM |
Last train 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Bologna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bologna trip today.
Leading city museum with major Italian paintings from the Middle Ages to modern times, essential for understanding Bologna's art history.
Archaeological museum with rich Egyptian, Etruscan, Greek, and Roman collections in a central historic palace.
Museum of Bologna's urban history using objects, rooms, and multimedia to trace the city from antiquity to today.
Bologna's main square, surrounded by landmark buildings and always lively, ideal for architecture, people-watching, and orientation.
Historic market quarter with narrow lanes, medieval character, and vibrant street life just behind Piazza Maggiore.
Long portico route climbing toward San Luca, UNESCO-listed and perfect for a memorable urban walk with changing views.
Handmade egg pasta ribbons traditionally served with slow-cooked ragù. A defining Bolognese dish protected by local culinary tradition.
Small ring-shaped stuffed pasta, usually filled with pork and Parmigiano Reggiano, served in rich capon or beef broth. A classic festive dish.
Green spinach pasta layered with ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano. Bologna's traditional baked lasagna is richer and more refined than many versions abroad.
Elegant Michelin-starred restaurant serving refined Emilian cuisine in a polished, intimate space within central Bologna.
Traditional deli and wine bar famed for mortadella, cheeses, fresh pasta, and informal counter dining in the Quadrilatero market area.
Historic trattoria known for classic Bolognese pasta, cured meats, and traditional dining rooms with a warm, old-city atmosphere.
Moderate for Italy: stays and dining are cheaper than Rome or Milan, while transit is affordable and tourist-center prices stay manageable.
Tipping is optional. Service may be included. Round up or leave €1-2 at cafes, 5-10% in restaurants for great service, and round up taxi fares.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dortmund to Bologna 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Dortmund to Bologna trains use the Dortmund Hbf to Bologna Centrale station pair. Use this guide to compare Dortmund and Bologna train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Dortmund 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 options include: Subway, Caliente, Ong Bui Asia Fusion, Kleimann
Wi-Fi is available at Dortmund Hbf. ATMs are available at Dortmund Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Dortmund Hbf. Information desks are available at Dortmund Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Dortmund Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dortmund Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dortmund Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dortmund Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Cityhotel Dortmund, Esplanade, Drei Kronen, Hotel Unique Novum.
Dortmund-Germania is 7 km from Dortmund city centre. Public transport options include:
Dortmund-Germania has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Óla Kalá, Imbiss Futterluke, Pizzeria Puzzle, Side Döner
Wi-Fi is available at Dortmund-Germania. ATMs are available at Dortmund-Germania.
Ticket office support is available at Dortmund-Germania. Information desks are available at Dortmund-Germania.
Luggage storage is available at Dortmund-Germania. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dortmund-Germania: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dortmund-Germania: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dortmund-Germania.
Dortmund Stadthaus 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 options include: Westermanns Deli, Subway, Caliente, Ong Bui Asia Fusion
Wi-Fi is available at Dortmund Stadthaus. ATMs are available at Dortmund Stadthaus.
Ticket office support is available at Dortmund Stadthaus. Information desks are available at Dortmund Stadthaus.
Luggage storage is available at Dortmund Stadthaus. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dortmund Stadthaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dortmund Stadthaus: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dortmund Stadthaus.
Nearby hotels include Ringhotel Drees, La Villa am Kaiserbrunnen, Hotel Neuhaus, Cityhotel Dortmund.
Bologna Centrale is 1 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Burger King, A Cafè, VyTA Boulangerie, Venchi, Scambio, Juice Bar, KFC, Dispensa Emilia, Lavazza, Mokà, & more
Free Wi-Fi. . ATMs are aTM is located in the main hall.
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 storage is luggage facility, open daily from 07:00 to 22:00, is located in front of binario 7 Ovest (Track 7 West).
Available at Bologna Centrale: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bologna Centrale: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Starhotels Excelsior, Millenn Hotel Bologna, UNA Hotels.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need