2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Basel to Cologne
Showing times and prices for May 06
Cheapest price
$34
Average price
$46
Fastest journey
5 h
Average duration
7 h 6 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
378 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Basel to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Cologne will cost around $46 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $34.
Fast buses
Of the 7 buses that leave Basel for Cologne on Wed, May 06, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, May 06 the direct buses cover the 378 km distance in an average of 7 h 6 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h .
On Wed, May 06 the slowest buses will take 8 h 15 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.
FlixBus1:05 AM7h20Basel, Bahnhof8:25 AMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$341One-way0 transfers- FlixBus8:05 AM8h15Basel, Bahnhof4:20 PMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$341One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus10:40 PM8h05Basel, Bahnhof6:45 AMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$361One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus5:40 PM9h15Basel, Bahnhof2:55 AMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$421One-way1 transfer
FlixTrain+FlixBus8:44 AM6h51Basel Bad Bhf3:35 PMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$421One-way1 transfer
5:40 PM5h00Basel10:40 PMCologne$651One-way0 transfers- FlixTrain+FlixBus8:44 AM6h51Basel Bad Bhf3:35 PMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$421One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus1:05 AM7h20Basel, Bahnhof8:25 AMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$341One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus10:40 PM8h05Basel, Bahnhof6:45 AMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$361One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus8:05 AM8h15Basel, Bahnhof4:20 PMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$341One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Basel to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basel to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 11m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $29, and a train costs an average of $35.
Distance: 234 miles (378 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
$48 Average price Cheapest | $119 Average price |
7h 10m Average total duration 6h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 41m Average total duration Fastest 5h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Basel to Cologne Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 13h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 03:05PM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:44AM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 6h51 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 03:35AM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $36 |
Live departures
Basel to Cologne bus times
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Cologne buses for today, Tuesday, May 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:40 PM Basel, Bahnhof | 9h15 | 2:55 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus | 10:40 PM Basel, Bahnhof | 8h05 | 6:45 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, May 6 | |||||
| FlixBus | 1:05 AM Basel, Bahnhof | 7h20 | 8:25 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
 4739 · 52119 | 1:05 AM Basel, Meret Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB) | 13h20 | 2:25 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus | 8:05 AM Basel, Bahnhof | 8h15 | 4:20 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain+FlixBus | 8:44 AM Basel Bad Bhf | 6h51 | 3:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Basel to Cologne by train, bus, or flight
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.
Wed
May 06
May 06
Thu
May 07
May 07
Fri
May 08
May 08
Sat
May 09
May 09
Sun
May 10
May 10
Mon
May 11
May 11
Tue
May 12
May 12
Wed
May 13
May 13
Thu
May 14
May 14
Fri
May 15
May 15
Sat
May 16
May 16
Sun
May 17
May 17
Mon
May 18
May 18
Tue
May 19
May 19
Wed
May 20
May 20
Thu
May 21
May 21
Fri
May 22
May 22
Sat
May 23
May 23
Sun
May 24
May 24
Mon
May 25
May 25
Tue
May 26
May 26
Why should you book Basel to Cologne buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Basel to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Basel to Cologne.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Basel to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Basel to Cologne.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Basel to Cologne
Switzerland
Germany
Buses from Basel to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $29 (€23) if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 234 miles (378 km) distance in 7h 20m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 234 miles (378 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€23) |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 7h 20m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 35 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar from Basel to CologneYou can travel by bus between Basel to Cologne with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar for as low as $29 (€23). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 20m
Cheapest Price
$29 (€23)
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
BlaBlaCar
About
BlaBlaCar is a French online marketplace for carpooling, connecting drivers with empty seats and passengers traveling to the same destination to share costs. Founded in 2006, it operates in Europe and Latin America, boasting 26 million active members. The platform also includes BlaBlaCar Bus, an intercity bus service. BlaBlaCar's name comes from its rating system for drivers' chattiness: "Bla" for quiet, "BlaBla" for talkative, and "BlaBlaBla" for very chatty. The company aims to be the leading marketplace for shared travel, offering affordable and sustainable solutions by combining carpooling with bus journeys.
Luggage & cancellation policy
BlaBlaCar frequency
3 a day
FAQs: Bus from Basel to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Basel to Cologne can start from as little as $29 (€23) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Basel to Cologne is $48 (€38) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Basel to Cologne is 7h 20m to travel the 234 miles (378 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Basel to Cologne leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Basel to Cologne leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 3 direct buses a day from Basel to Cologne with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Basel to Cologne, you can count on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar for the best way to get you to Cologne. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Basel and Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Basel , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Basel, Meret Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB), Basel, Bahnhof, Basel, Bahnhof SBB, Saint-Louis, EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, Lörrach, Hauptbahnhof, Mulhouse, Gare Routière . When arriving in Cologne , you can end your journey in bus stations like Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen), Leverkusen, Bf Mitte, Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Basel, Meret Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB), which is located around 1 away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen), located 13 away from the city centre.
A trip to Cologne from Basel is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Basel to Cologne is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Basel and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Basel to Cologne:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Basel to Cologne for bus company FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Cologne are:
- Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic Gothic masterpiece with twin spires
- Museum Ludwig, renowned for its extensive collection of modern art including works by Picasso and Warhol
- Hohenzollern Bridge, famous for its thousands of love locks and panoramic views of the Rhine River
- Old Town (Altstadt), a charming area with narrow streets, historic buildings, and traditional beer halls
- Cologne Zoo, one of the oldest and most diverse zoos in Germany, home to a wide variety of animal species.
The best things to do in Cologne include:
- Cologne Chocolate Museum, an interactive museum dedicated to the history and production of chocolate
- Rhine River Cruise, a scenic boat tour offering views of Cologne's skyline and iconic landmarks
- Visit the Botanical Gardens Flora, a beautiful park with diverse plant species and stunning floral displays
- Explore the Belgian Quarter, known for its trendy boutiques, cafes, and vibrant street art
- Attend a concert at the Cologne Philharmonic Hall, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and diverse musical performances.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Basel to Cologne depends on the bus companies:
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Basel to Cologne.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Basel to Cologne:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Basel to Cologne:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Basel to Cologne. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Basel to Cologne with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Basel to Cologne with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Basel to Cologne with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since both Basel and Cologne are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Basel to Cologne among Omio's users.
Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.
In Cologne, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like train stations, the main shopping streets, and during events such as Carnival. Common scams include distraction techniques and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to keep valuables secure and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or deals. Public transportation is generally safe, but vigilance is recommended during late hours.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Basel to Cologne
Basel
Cologne
The major bus station for departures in Basel is Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB) for your trip from Basel to Cologne.
Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB)
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 05:30-23:30
Distance to city center
1 km
Car connection
Meret-Oppenheim-StrasseWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafeteria Swiss (in the station)
- Italian Bistro (in the station)
- Café Express (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available on the concourse.
Public transit options for Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB)
- Bus: 30, 50 Tram: 8, 10, 11 Train: S3, S6
Basel, Bahnhof
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Cologne is Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) for your trip to Cologne from Basel.
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingATMAccessibilityWCinformation
Distance to city center
13 kmCar connection
KennedystraßeWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 00:00-23:59
Distance to city center
13 kmCar connection
KennedystrasseWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Taxis
- Available outside Terminal 2 arrivals area.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
- Bus: SB60 Train: S13, S19
Most popular bus connections from Basel
More options for your journey from Basel to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cologne and Basel
Most popular bus connections to Cologne
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
