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Trains from Essen Hbf to Bologna Centrale

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Essen Hbf to Bologna Centrale

Travelling from Essen Hbf to Bologna Centrale by train

Looking to travel from Essen Hbf to Bologna Centrale by train? You've come to the right place!

On average, it takes around 12 hours 36 minutes to travel from Essen Hbf to Bologna Centrale by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 10 hours 21 minutes though. You'll usually find 28 trains per day running along the 520 miles (836 km) route between these two destinations. You’ll need to make 1 change during the journey to Bologna Centrale, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route.

Plan your trip ahead and book your train tickets in advance if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Just start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices for trains from Essen Hbf to Bologna Centrale.

If you’re feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Bologna Centrale by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.

Trains to Bologna Centrale from Essen Hbf

First train

03:10

Last train

23:00

Departure stationEssen Hbf
Arrival stationBologna Centrale
Journey time

From 10h 21m

Distance

520 miles (836 km)

Frequency

28 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train and bus operators

Flixbus

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

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

How do I travel from Essen Hbf to Bologna Centrale?

You can get from Essen Hbf to Bologna Centrale by train in 12 hours and 36 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 10 hours and 21 minutes. You can also take the bus from Essen Hbf to Bologna Centrale. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Essen Hbf to Bologna Centrale take?

The average journey time by train between Essen Hbf and Bologna Centrale is 12 hours and 36 minutes, with around 28 trains per day running on this route. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Essen Hbf and Bologna Centrale by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Essen Hbf to Bologna Centrale is 10 hours and 21 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from Essen Hbf to Bologna Centrale?

No, there are no direct train services from Essen Hbf to Bologna Centrale. Travelling from Essen Hbf to Bologna Centrale by train will require a minimum of 1 change.

What are the train times from Essen Hbf to Bologna Centrale?

Check out the next trains departing from Essen Hbf to Bologna Centrale for Tuesday 21st October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
06:0017:2411h 24m, 3 changes
06:5019:1612h 26m, 1 change
07:0018:0411h 4m, 4 changes
07:0019:1612h 16m, 3 changes
07:1419:0411h 50m, 5 changes
07:1419:2412h 10m, 3 changes
07:5619:0411h 8m, 6 changes
07:5619:2411h 28m, 4 changes
08:5320:2411h 31m, 2 changes
09:5422:3512h 41m, 5 changes

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

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 Centrale starts at § 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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