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Trains from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Cologne (Germany) to Bologna

Travelling from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna by train

Looking to travel from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna by train? You've come to the right place!

On average, it takes around 11 hours 32 minutes to travel from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 6 hours 44 minutes though. You'll usually find 22 trains per day running along the 490 miles (788 km) route between these two destinations. Once you're onboard, you can sit back and relax, as you won’t need to make any changes on your way to Bologna.

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 Cologne (Germany) to Bologna.

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 by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.

Trains to Bologna from Cologne (Germany)

First train

03:21

Last train

23:54

Departure stationCologne (Germany)
Arrival stationBologna
Journey time

From 6h 44m

Distance

490 miles (788 km)

Frequency

22 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Train and bus operators

Flixbus

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna?

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

How do you travel to Bologna from Cologne (Germany)?

To get to Bologna from Cologne (Germany), why not take the train? With 22 trains per day and an average journey time of 11 hours and 32 minutes, taking the train is a great way to travel. You can also catch the bus from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna. See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

How long does it take to get from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna by train?

On average, it takes around 11 hours and 32 minutes to travel from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna by train, although you can get there in 6 hours and 44 minutes on the fastest services. With 22 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check our Journey Planner for more information.

How fast can trains travel from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna?

The fastest time a train can travel the 490 miles (788 km) from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna is 6 hours and 44 minutes.

Are there any direct trains from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna?

Yes, there are direct trains that run between Cologne (Germany) and Bologna. You'll usually find 2 travelling on this route each day.

What are the train times from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna?

Check out the next trains departing from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna for Tuesday 13th January 2026. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
12:3219:166h 44m, direct
08:5420:2411h 30m, 4 changes
09:5422:3512h 41m, 3 changes
10:0019:249h 24m, 3 changes
10:2822:3512h 7m, 5 changes
10:5423:0612h 12m, 5 changes
19:0704:389h 31m, direct
19:1704:389h 21m, 1 change
15:5406:0414h 10m, 5 changes
16:5406:0413h 10m, 7 changes

How do I find cheap train tickets from Cologne (Germany) 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 (Germany) 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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