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Trains from Essen Hbf to Bologna Centrale

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  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 13 hours 48 minutes to travel from Essen Hbf to Bologna Centrale by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 11 hours 16 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 2 changes during the journey to Bologna Centrale, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route.

Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Essen Hbf to Bologna Centrale start from £146.10 when you book in advance, so use our Journey Planner to view the latest prices.

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

It takes an average of 13h 48m to travel from Essen Hbf to Bologna Centrale by train, over a distance of around 520 miles (836 km). There are normally 28 trains per day travelling from Essen Hbf to Bologna Centrale and tickets for this journey start from £146.10 when you book in advance.

First train

00:48

Last train

22:20

Departure stationEssen Hbf
Arrival stationBologna Centrale
Journey time

From 11h 16m

Distance

520 miles (836 km)

Frequency

28 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Price

From £146.10

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 13 hours and 48 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 11 hours and 16 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 13 hours and 48 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.

How much does the train from Essen Hbf to Bologna Centrale cost?

Train tickets from Essen Hbf to Bologna Centrale can start from as little as £146.10 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book.

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 11 hours and 16 minutes.

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 27th January 2026. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
07:0818:2411h 16m, 5 changes
07:2019:2412h 4m, 4 changes
07:2819:2411h 56m, 5 changes
08:2020:2412h 4m, 3 changes
08:2820:2411h 56m, 4 changes
08:4822:0613h 18m, 6 changes
09:2022:3513h 15m, 5 changes
09:2822:3513h 7m, 6 changes
13:0804:3815h 30m, 2 changes
14:2006:0415h 44m, 4 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 £146.10§ 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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