is Europe’s leading platform for train and bus tickets
Compare prices from over 270 rail and coach companies in Europe
Buy your tickets with us and easily find them on your phone
Safely pay with PayPal, Visa and all international payment cards
Looking for the cheapest date to travel?
Within 7 days
Outbound fromWithin 1 month
Outbound fromWithin 3 months
Outbound fromWhat customers say about Trainline
Read real reviews from real users
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 12 hours 18 minutes to travel from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 10 hours 21 minutes though. You'll usually find 16 trains per day running along the 490 miles (788 km) route between these two destinations. You’ll need to make 1 change during the journey to Bologna, 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 Cologne (Germany) to Bologna start from £89.37 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 by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.
Cologne (Germany) to Bologna by train
It takes an average of 12h 18m to travel from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna by train, over a distance of around 490 miles (788 km). There are normally 16 trains per day travelling from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna and tickets for this journey start from £89.37 when you book in advance.
| First train | 03:21 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:42 | |
| Departure station | Cologne (Germany) | |
| Arrival station | Bologna | |
| Journey time | From 10h 21m | |
| Distance | 490 miles (788 km) | |
| Frequency | 16 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Price | From £89.37 | |
| Train and bus operators |
Cheap train tickets from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna
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 Cologne (Germany) to Bologna 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.
Journey details
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 long does the train from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna take?
The average journey time by train between Cologne (Germany) and Bologna is 12 hours and 18 minutes, with around 16 trains per day. 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 Cologne (Germany) and Bologna by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna is 10 hours and 21 minutes.
How much does the train from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna cost?
Train ticket prices from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna can start from as little as £89.37 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna?
No, there are no direct train services from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna. Travelling from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna by train will require a minimum of 1 change.
What time does the first train from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna leave?
The first train from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna leaves at 03:21. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna leave?
The last train from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna leaves at 23:42. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Cologne (Germany) and Bologna by train?
Trains travelling from Cologne (Germany) to Bologna cover a distance of around 490 miles (788 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Bologna to Cologne (Germany).