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Trains from Essen Hbf to Bologna

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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

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  3. Essen Hbf to Bologna

Take the train from Essen Hbf to Bologna in 10 hours 21 minutes

If you want to travel from Essen Hbf to Bologna by train, you've come to the right place.

You can expect the journey from Essen Hbf to Bologna by train to take around 13 hours 3 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 10 hours 21 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll usually find around 28 trains per day running on this route, which spans 521 miles (838 km). You’ll have to make 1 change along the way on your journey to Bologna.

Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices and we'll show you how much you can save. Tickets from Essen Hbf to Bologna start from £176.64 when you book in advance.

If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for timetables, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!

Trains to Bologna from Essen Hbf

It takes an average of 13h 3m to travel from Essen Hbf to Bologna by train, over a distance of around 521 miles (838 km). There are normally 28 trains per day travelling from Essen Hbf to Bologna and tickets for this journey start from £176.64 when you book in advance.

First train

01:09

Last train

22:36

Departure stationEssen Hbf
Arrival stationBologna
Journey time

From 10h 21m

Distance

521 miles (838 km)

Frequency

28 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Price

From £176.64

Train and bus operators

Flixbus

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Essen Hbf to Bologna?

Want to know more about your journey from Essen Hbf to Bologna? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do you get to Bologna from Essen Hbf?

To travel to Bologna from Essen Hbf, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 13 hours and 3 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 10 hours and 21 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Essen Hbf to Bologna?

Trains from Essen Hbf to Bologna take an average of 13 hours and 3 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 10 hours and 21 minutes. You'll usually find 28 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

How much does it cost to get from Essen Hbf to Bologna by train?

Train tickets from Essen Hbf to Bologna can start from £176.64 when booked in advance, but they’re usually more expensive if bought on the day of travel. Prices may also vary depending on the time of day, route, and class you choose.

What is the quickest journey time between Essen Hbf and Bologna by train?

The quickest journey time between Essen Hbf and Bologna by train is 10 hours and 21 minutes.

What are the train times from Essen Hbf to Bologna?

Check out the next trains departing from Essen Hbf to Bologna for Tuesday 14th October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
06:0019:1613h 16m, 1 change
07:0018:0411h 4m, 4 changes
07:0019:1612h 16m, 3 changes
07:1419:0411h 50m, 5 changes
07:5619:0411h 8m, 6 changes
07:5619:2411h 28m, 4 changes
08:5320:2411h 31m, 2 changes
09:1620:2411h 8m, 4 changes
09:5422:3512h 41m, 5 changes
10:5723:0612h 9m, 3 changes

How do I find cheap train tickets from Essen Hbf to Bologna?

If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.

1. Book in advance

The price of train tickets from Essen Hbf to Bologna starts at £176.64§ one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.

2. Be flexible with your travel times

If you can, consider travelling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as many train companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.

3. Buy a rail pass

If you're visiting multiple locations on your trip, buying a rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. We're official retailers of Interrail Passes that are valid for travel within one country or multiple countries across Europe.

4. Choose a slower or connecting train

On some busier routes, you might have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have some extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare.

5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts

Many train companies in Europe will often run sales on tickets throughout the year or offer discounts to senior/youth/group travellers, so keep an eye out!

6. Take a night train

Save on accommodation and use the night to travel by sleeper train to your next destination.

For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

§Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

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