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Take the train from Bologna to Essen Hbf in 12 hours 14 minutes

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

You can expect the journey from Bologna to Essen Hbf by train to take around 14 hours 50 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 12 hours 14 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll usually find around 21 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 Essen Hbf.

You can save money on train tickets from Bologna to Essen Hbf if you book in Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices – we'll show you how much you can save on train tickets from Bologna to Essen Hbf if you book in advance.. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.

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!

Bologna to Essen Hbf by train

First train

05:06

Last train

22:54

Departure station

Bologna

Arrival station

Essen Hbf

Journey time

From 12h 14m

Distance

521 miles (838 km)

Frequency

21 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train and bus operators

Flixbus

FAQs about the train journey from Bologna to Essen Hbf

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

How do you get to Essen Hbf from Bologna?

To travel to Essen Hbf from Bologna, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 14 hours and 50 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 12 hours and 14 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

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

Trains from Bologna to Essen Hbf take an average of 14 hours and 50 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 12 hours and 14 minutes. You'll usually find 21 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

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

The quickest journey time between Bologna and Essen Hbf by train is 12 hours and 14 minutes.

Are there direct trains from Bologna to Essen Hbf?

No, there are no direct trains running from Bologna to Essen Hbf, you’ll usually need to make at least 1 change during the journey.

Bologna to Essen Hbf train times

Check out the next trains departing from Bologna to Essen Hbf for Tuesday 29th April 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
08:5221:0212h 10m, 1 change
09:2620:1510h 49m, 7 changes
10:1623:2313h 7m, 2 changes
10:1820:4010h 22m, 4 changes
10:3621:5911h 23m, 3 changes
11:2621:5910h 33m, 6 changes
12:2623:0210h 36m, 4 changes
12:3600:5012h 14m, 4 changes
12:3602:0213h 26m, 3 changes
12:5205:5817h 6m, 1 change

Cheap train tickets from Bologna to Essen Hbf

Book in advance

Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Bologna to Essen Hbf by booking early.§

Be flexible with your travel times

Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.

Choose a slower or connecting train

On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!

Look out for special deals

Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.

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

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