- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$35
Fastest journey
3 h 40 m
Average duration
3 h 47 m
Buses per day
20
Distance
214 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Amsterdam to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Amsterdam to Cologne will cost around $35 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
Of the 20 buses that leave Amsterdam for Cologne on Sat, Jun 20, 14 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 214 km distance in an average of 3 h 47 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 40 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 3 h 55 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
(Amsterdam -> Prague)
FlixBus · FlixBus
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FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Amsterdam to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 45m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, and a flight costs an average of $292.
Distance: 132 miles (214 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$32 Average price Cheapest | $72 Average price | $613 Average price | $59 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 21m Average total duration 5h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 54m Average total duration 4h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 45m Average total duration Fastest 45m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Amsterdam to Cologne:
A bus is $40 (€32) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Amsterdam to Cologne costing on average $72 (€59).
A bus is $581 (€476) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Amsterdam to Cologne costing on average $613 (€502).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 24m.
Bus takes on average 5h 51m.
Tickets start at around $32 (€26) compared to roughly $59 (€48) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $26 (€22). The journey takes 5h 51m versus 3h 14m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International, Infobus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:45AM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 05:43PM | Duration 5h13 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 05:43PM | Duration 4h53 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator RegioJet a.s. | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:05PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 02:15AM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
The table below shows live departures for Amsterdam to Cologne buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 7:45 AM Amsterdam, Piarcoplein (Amsterdam Sloterdijk) | 4h40 | 12:25 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:00 AM Amsterdam, De Ruijterkade | 8h30 | 4:30 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
1646 · 50458 | 8:55 AM Amsterdam, Piarcoplein (Amsterdam Sloterdijk) | 7h55 | 4:50 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 9:00 AM Amsterdam, Piarcoplein (Amsterdam Sloterdijk) | 4h25 | 1:25 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 9:00 AM Amsterdam, Piarcoplein (Amsterdam Sloterdijk) | 4h41 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 9:50 AM Amsterdam, Piarcoplein (Amsterdam Sloterdijk) | 4h55 | 2:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:45 AM Amsterdam, Piarcoplein (Amsterdam Sloterdijk) | 5h20 | 4:05 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
(Amsterdam -> Prague) | 2:00 PM Amsterdam, Piarcoplein (Amsterdam Sloterdijk) | 5h40 | 7:40 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 3:15 PM Amsterdam, Piarcoplein (Amsterdam Sloterdijk) | 4h10 | 7:25 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 4:15 PM Amsterdam, Piarcoplein (Amsterdam Sloterdijk) | 4h50 | 9:05 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 4:15 PM Amsterdam, Piarcoplein (Amsterdam Sloterdijk) | 4h41 | 8:56 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 4:50 PM Schiphol, Airport Terminal 1 | 6h30 | 11:20 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 6:00 PM Amsterdam, Piarcoplein (Amsterdam Sloterdijk) | 3h40 | 9:40 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:30 PM Amsterdam, Piarcoplein (Amsterdam Sloterdijk) | 3h55 | 11:25 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
4744 · 50448 | 8:10 PM Amsterdam, Piarcoplein (Amsterdam Sloterdijk) | 10h15 | 6:25 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 9:45 PM Amsterdam, Piarcoplein (Amsterdam Sloterdijk) | 4h05 | 1:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:30 PM Amsterdam, Piarcoplein (Amsterdam Sloterdijk) | 3h45 | 2:15 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
FlixBus | 12:45 AM Amsterdam, Piarcoplein (Amsterdam Sloterdijk) | 3h55 | 4:40 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Amsterdam to Cologne run on average 16 times per day, taking around 5h 51m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 (€16) if you book in advance.
There are 12 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 132 miles (214 km) distance in 3h 40m.
Distance 132 miles (214 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€16) |
Buses per day 16 |
Direct buses 12 |
Fastest bus 3h 40m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cologne’s key archaeology museum for Roman heritage, especially famous for the Dionysus mosaic and Roman artifacts from the city.
Important fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century painting, including one of Germany’s leading Impressionist collections.
Popular riverfront promenade in Deutz with one of the city’s best postcard views toward the cathedral skyline, especially at sunset.
Classic walking area with narrow lanes, traditional houses, churches, and river access, ideal for first-time visitors.
One of the Old Town’s best-known squares, surrounded by historic facades and a lively atmosphere close to major sights.
Cologne’s signature top-fermented pale beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a local brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, usually served with black pudding and fried onions. The sweet-savory combination is strongly associated with Rhineland home cooking.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye bread roll with aged Gouda, butter, mustard, and onions. It is a beloved Kölsch beer snack in traditional Cologne pubs.
An established fine-dining restaurant in central Cologne offering refined modern European cuisine, polished service, and an elegant hotel dining room.
A well-known casual restaurant loved for schnitzel and hearty German comfort food. It has a relaxed, local feel and a strong reputation among visitors and residents.
One of Cologne’s most famous brauhäuser near the cathedral, known for Kölsch and classic Rhineland dishes in a lively traditional atmosphere.
Moderate by German standards. Museums and transit are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up small bills; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Add EUR 1-2 for taxis, and round up in cafés if table service is provided.
Official public transport app
Köln ZOB, Cologne -> Köln Hauptbahnhof, Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Amsterdam to Cologne by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need