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Take the train from Essen Hbf to Bologna in 10 hours 20 minutes

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

You can expect the journey from Essen Hbf to Bologna by train to take around 12 hours 50 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 10 hours 20 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll usually find around 27 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 Bologna.

You can save money on train tickets from Essen Hbf to Bologna 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 Essen Hbf to Bologna 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!

Essen Hbf to Bologna by train

First train

03:09

Last train

23:00

Departure station

Essen Hbf

Arrival station

Bologna

Journey time

From 10h 20m

Distance

521 miles (838 km)

Frequency

27 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train and bus operators

Flixbus

FAQs about the train journey from Essen Hbf to Bologna

Want to know more about your journey from Essen Hbf 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 Essen Hbf?

To travel to Bologna from Essen Hbf, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 12 hours and 50 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 10 hours and 20 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

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

Trains from Essen Hbf to Bologna take an average of 12 hours and 50 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 10 hours and 20 minutes. You'll usually find 27 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 Essen Hbf and Bologna by train?

The quickest journey time between Essen Hbf and Bologna by train is 10 hours and 20 minutes.

Are there direct trains from Essen Hbf to Bologna?

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

Essen Hbf to Bologna train times

Check out the next trains departing from Essen Hbf to Bologna for Tuesday 10th June 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
06:5318:0411h 11m, 4 changes
06:5319:1612h 23m, 1 change
07:1419:0411h 50m, 5 changes
07:1419:2412h 10m, 3 changes
08:0019:0411h 4m, 6 changes
08:0019:2411h 24m, 4 changes
08:3921:1112h 32m, 1 change
09:0020:2411h 24m, 2 changes
09:1420:2411h 10m, 4 changes
09:5422:3512h 41m, 5 changes

Cheap train tickets from Essen Hbf 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 Essen Hbf 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.

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