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Trains from Cologne Bonn Airport to Bologna

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  1. Home
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  3. Cologne Bonn Airport to Bologna

Taking the train from Cologne Bonn Airport to Bologna in 9 hours 38 minutes

Thinking about taking the train from Cologne Bonn Airport to Bologna? We’ve got you covered.

It usually takes around 12 hours to travel the 483 miles (777 km) from Cologne Bonn Airport to Bologna by train, although you can get there in as little as 9 hours 38 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll normally find around 30 trains per day running on this route. You’ll need to make 1 change along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line. You can travel on this route with either Frecciarossa and Trenitalia trains. Both train companies run modern comfortable services with plenty of room for luggage.

Train tickets from Cologne Bonn Airport to Bologna are usually cheaper when you book in advance compared to buying them on the day. Start a search in our Journey Planner to check out the latest prices.

Keen to book your train tickets to Bologna? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train timetable below, tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs, including first and last train times.

Trains to Bologna from Cologne Bonn Airport

First train

03:34

Last train

23:27

Departure stationCologne Bonn Airport
Arrival stationBologna
Journey time

From 9h 38m

Distance

483 miles (777 km)

Frequency

30 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train and bus operators

BlaBlaCar Bus, Flixbus, Trenitalia

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Cologne Bonn Airport to Bologna?

Want to know more about your journey from Cologne Bonn Airport 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 Cologne Bonn Airport?

To travel to Bologna from Cologne Bonn Airport, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 12 hours and 0 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 9 hours and 38 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Cologne Bonn Airport to Bologna?

Trains from Cologne Bonn Airport to Bologna take an average of 12 hours and 0 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 9 hours and 38 minutes. You'll usually find 30 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

Can I get a high-speed train from Cologne Bonn Airport to Bologna?

Yes, you can get a high-speed train from Cologne Bonn Airport to Bologna in as little as 9 hours and 38 minutes on the fastest services. High-speed trains from Frecciarossa offer a range of classes and onboard services - take a look to see what suits you best!

What is the quickest journey time between Cologne Bonn Airport and Bologna by train?

The quickest journey time between Cologne Bonn Airport and Bologna by train is 9 hours and 38 minutes.

What are the train times from Cologne Bonn Airport to Bologna?

Check out the next trains departing from Cologne Bonn Airport to Bologna for Tuesday 28th October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
05:5616:2410h 28m, 3 changes
06:2317:0410h 41m, 6 changes
06:2317:2411h 1m, 4 changes
07:2318:0410h 41m, 4 changes
08:2319:0410h 41m, 6 changes
08:2319:2411h 1m, 4 changes
09:4420:2410h 40m, 3 changes
09:4421:4512h 1m, 2 changes
09:5620:2410h 28m, 4 changes
10:2322:3512h 12m, 5 changes

Trenitalia and Frecciarossa trains from Cologne Bonn Airport to Bologna

You can travel from Cologne Bonn Airport to Bologna on Trenitalia and Frecciarossa trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.

More information

Frecciarossa trains are Trenitalia's flagship high-speed trains, capable of reaching speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). The "red arrow" trains are distinguished by their comfort, their ultra-modern design and their reduced impact on the environment. All Frecciarossa trains are equipped with a food carriage, free WiFi connection and 4 levels of service – Standard, Premium (with drinks and snacks served on arrival), Business (with drinks and snacks plus larger seats) and Executive (with Fast Track, access to FrecciaClub lounges in selected stations, and gourmet meals served to your seat). You can now also travel with Frecciarossa between Milan and Paris via Turin, Modane and Chambéry. The new Frecciarossa trains have 4 levels of service – Standard, Business, Executive and Meeting Room – and two types of carriage: Silence Area, for those who want to travel in total tranquillity, and Allegro Area, for those who want to chat with their fellow passengers.

More information

What Frecciarossa and Trenitalia Eurocity classes are there from Cologne Bonn Airport to Bologna?

Compare the different travel classes offered by Frecciarossa and Trenitalia Eurocity when travelling from Cologne Bonn Airport to Bologna.

Standard

With Frecciarossa Standard, you’ll enjoy high-quality services including eco-leather reclining seats, folding tables and free WiFi at a reasonable price. You can order food and drink from the FRECCIABistrò car or using the Easy Bistrò at-seat meal service.

  • AtSeatServiceAtSeatServiceEntertainment portal
  • LeatherSeatLeatherSeatLeather seats
  • WiFiWiFiFree WiFi
  • PlugPlugUSB sockets
  • BarBarBar/restaurant carriage
  • RestaurantRestaurantCatering at your seat
  • BarBarWelcome drink with sweet or salty snack
  • LegRoomLegRoomMore legroom
  • BarBarFoodbox + drink
  • QuietZoneQuietZoneQuiet area
  • StaffStaffMeeting room
  • BarBarOpen Bar
  • LoungeLoungeLounge access

    Premium

    Providing all the perks of First Class for the price of Second Class, Frecciarossa Premium offers more legroom and luggage space, as well as a total of 4 food / beverage products including: sweet or savory snack, welcome drink, small water bottle, 1 wet wipe.

    • AtSeatServiceAtSeatServiceEntertainment portal
    • LeatherSeatLeatherSeatLeather seats
    • WiFiWiFiFree WiFi
    • PlugPlugUSB sockets
    • BarBarBar/restaurant carriage
    • RestaurantRestaurantCatering at your seat
    • BarBarWelcome drink with sweet or salty snack
    • LegRoomLegRoomMore legroom
    • BarBarFoodbox + drink
    • QuietZoneQuietZoneQuiet area
    • StaffStaffMeeting room
    • BarBarOpen Bar
    • LoungeLoungeLounge access

      Business

      If you’re travelling for work, Frecciarossa Business is the ideal option for you – it offers more legroom, glass dividers for more privacy, and a private 4-seat compartment called Salottino. A free food box containing 7 fresh food & beverage products differentiated according to the time of day + Illy expresso coffee is also included.

      • AtSeatServiceAtSeatServiceEntertainment portal
      • LeatherSeatLeatherSeatLeather seats
      • WiFiWiFiFree WiFi
      • PlugPlugUSB sockets
      • BarBarBar/restaurant carriage
      • RestaurantRestaurantCatering at your seat
      • BarBarWelcome drink with sweet or salty snack
      • LegRoomLegRoomMore legroom
      • BarBarFoodbox + drink
      • QuietZoneQuietZoneQuiet area
      • StaffStaffMeeting room
      • BarBarOpen Bar
      • LoungeLoungeLounge access

        Executive

        Frecciarossa Executive can accommodate up to 10 single armchairs and offers plenty of legroom, wider reclining leather seats, free entry to FRECCIALounge at the main train stations, unlimited drinks, and monthly menus (some of which were ideated by Michelin star chef Carlo Cracco).

        • AtSeatServiceAtSeatServiceEntertainment portal
        • LeatherSeatLeatherSeatLeather seats
        • WiFiWiFiFree WiFi
        • PlugPlugUSB sockets
        • BarBarBar/restaurant carriage
        • RestaurantRestaurantCatering at your seat
        • BarBarWelcome drink with sweet or salty snack
        • LegRoomLegRoomMore legroom
        • BarBarFoodbox + drink
        • QuietZoneQuietZoneQuiet area
        • StaffStaffMeeting room
        • BarBarOpen Bar
        • LoungeLoungeLounge access

          Second Class

          From spacious armchairs to at-seat power sockets and reading lights, you’ve got everything you need to enjoy your journey in EuroCity's Second Class.

          • SeatSeatSeat reservation
          • PlugPlugPower sockets
          • PlusPlusClothes hanger
          • ReadingReadingReading light
          • LuggageLuggageLuggage storage
          • WiFiWiFiFree WiFi
          • BarBarBar/restaurant carriage
          • LegRoomLegRoomMore legroom

            First Class

            In addition to all the services available in Second Class, you’ll get to enjoy extra-wide and comfier seats, more legroom, and an at-seat catering service in EuroCity’s First Class:

            • SeatSeatSeat reservation
            • PlugPlugPower sockets
            • PlusPlusClothes hanger
            • ReadingReadingReading light
            • LuggageLuggageLuggage storage
            • WiFiWiFiFree WiFi
            • BarBarBar/restaurant carriage
            • LegRoomLegRoomMore legroom

              What are the onboard services on Frecciarossa and Trenitalia Eurocity?

              Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Cologne Bonn Airport to Bologna.

              LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?
              • You can take your bags on board Frecciarossa trains free of charge.
              • In most cases, there are no luggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your luggage is compatible with the space available on board.
              RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?
              • You can go to the FrecciaBistrò café-bar counter located in the middle part of the train to get snacks, main courses, and drinks.
              • You can also order your favorite meal from the comfort of your seat – go to the entertainment portal called FRECCIAPlay and use the EasyBistrò service or ask a member of staff.
              • If you travel in Premium Class, you’ll get a total of 4 food / beverage products is offered on board, including: sweet or savoury snack, welcome drink, small water bottle, 1 wet wipe.
              • Travellers in Business Class receive a food box containing 7 fresh food & beverage products differentiated according to the time of day, plus Illy expresso coffee.
              • If you travel in Executive Class, you’ll get unlimited drinks plus food from a rotating monthly menu where some meals were ideated by the renowned Michelin star chef Carlo Cracco.
              WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?
              • You’ll find free WiFi on all Frecciarossa trains. Connect to their entertainment portal called FRECCIAPlay and choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts.
              • You can also use the FRECCIAPlay portal to get the latest updates on your journey, as well as book other services that will help you reach your destination.
              ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?
              • Children under 4 can travel for free if a seat is not assigned to them. If they do have a seat, they can get 50% off Base tickets (Frecciarossa’s standard fare).
              • Children aged 4-14 also get 50% off.
              • Bimbi Gratis offer: You can also get free travel for children under 15 plus 40% off Base tickets for adults, if you’re travelling in a family group of 2 to 5 people (including at least one adult and one child). 
              ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?
              • You can travel with your bike for free on all Frecciarossa trains provided it’s not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm.
              • Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
              PetPetCan I bring pets on board?
              • Dogs, cats and other small pets can travel for free in a carrier with maximum dimensions of 70x30x50 cm (maximum one per passenger).
              • Bigger dogs can travel for only 5 € from Sunday to Friday, and for as little as 1 € on Saturday.
              • Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
              WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

              If you need to request special assistance, you can call: the toll-free number 800 90 60 60, which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232 which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).

              InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

              Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power sockets you can find at your seat.

              LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?
              • You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Eurocity trains free of charge.
              • In most cases, there are no luggage size limits – you can even travel with musical instruments and sports equipment. You’ll just need to make sure that your luggage is compatible with the space available on board.
              RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?
              • You’ll find a Bar-Bistrò on Eurocity trains that are travelling between Italy, Switzerland and Germany.
              • A minibar trolley service is also available – you can choose from a wide range of snacks and drinks.
              WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

              Free WiFi is available on Eurocity Giruno trains.

              ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

              Children under 4 can travel for free if they're accompanied by an adult and don't occupy a seat.

              ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

              Not all Eurocity trains allow you to take your bike on board – you’ll need to check in advance if you can travel with your bike. If that’s the case, you’ll need to buy a ticket and book your bike space before departure at the ticket office.

              PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

              Guide and assistance dogs can travel for free and don't need a ticket.

              WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

              All of Trenitalia’s Eurocity trains offer dedicated spaces to passengers with disabilities.

              InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

              A quiet area (or Area Silenzio) is available on all Eurocity Giruno trains.

              How do I find cheap train tickets from Cologne Bonn Airport 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 Cologne Bonn Airport to Bologna 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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