- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Outstanding collection of Picasso, pop art, and modern masters in a central museum complex. A major stop for twentieth-century art lovers.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$43
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$63
Fastest journey on Sep 18
6 h 51 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
8 h 7 m
Buses on Sep 18
7
Distance
378 km
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 $63 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $43.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 7 buses from Basel to Cologne, including 2 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct buses cover the 378 km distance in an average of 8 h 7 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 51 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest buses will take 8 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio 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 an average ticket price of $51 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 30m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $51, while a train costs an average of $134.
Distance: 234 miles (378 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$51 Average price Cheapest | $134 Average price | $164 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 49m Average total duration 8h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration Fastest 5h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Basel to Cologne:
A bus is $83 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basel to Cologne costing on average $134.
A bus is $628 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Basel to Cologne costing on average $679.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 0m.
Bus takes on average 8h 19m.
Tickets start at around $51 compared to roughly $164 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $113. The journey takes 8h 19m versus 4h 36m 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.
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 01:05AM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 13h20 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 03:05PM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:44AM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 6h51 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 03:35AM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 19h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $147 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $44 |
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Cologne buses for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 10:40 PM Basel, Bahnhof | 8h05 | 6:45 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, September 18 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:40 AM Basel, Bahnhof | 8h30 | 12:10 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 8:05 AM Basel, Bahnhof | 8h15 | 4:20 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 8:44 AM Basel Bad Bhf | 6h51 | 3:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:40 PM Basel, Bahnhof | 9h15 | 2:55 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:40 PM Basel, Bahnhof | 8h55 | 3:35 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Basel to Cologne run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $25 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 5m.
Distance 234 miles (378 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 7h 5m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Outstanding collection of Picasso, pop art, and modern masters in a central museum complex. A major stop for twentieth-century art lovers.
Excellent private museum for modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and a sculpture-filled former industrial hall.
Art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, blending contemporary architecture with historic ruins and carefully curated sacred art.
The heart of Cologne’s old town, filled with historic lanes, churches, squares, and Rhine views. Best area for first walks and atmosphere.
Broad riverside promenade ideal for walking, skyline views, and photos of the cathedral, bridge, and Rhine traffic.
Popular east-bank steps and terrace with one of Cologne’s best panoramic views across the Rhine to the cathedral and old town.
Marinated beef roast in a sweet-sour gravy, traditionally served with red cabbage and dumplings. It is a Rhineland classic long associated with Cologne.
Pan-fried black pudding with onions and mashed potatoes or rye bread. This hearty Rhineland dish is a long-standing Cologne pub favorite.
Halved rye roll with butter, Gouda, onions, and mustard. It is Cologne's iconic simple pub snack, traditionally enjoyed with Kölsch.
Celebrated fine-dining restaurant with modern German cuisine, polished service, and panoramic Rhine views from the upper floors.
Well-known brewery restaurant with classic local fare, seasonal dishes, and its own Kölsch in a spacious historic atmosphere.
Beloved traditional brauhaus serving Mühlen Kölsch, Halve Hahn, and other Cologne staples in a bustling old-city setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak trade fair periods, but dining and local transit are generally manageable for most tourists.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. Tip about 5-10% in restaurants, round up for taxis, and leave small change at cafes.
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.

Most Basel to Cologne buses use the Basel, Bahnhof to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) station pair, with some services arriving at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2). Use this guide to compare Basel and Cologne bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Basel, Bahnhof is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel, Bahnhof has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food outlets available inside the station.
Wi-Fi is available at Basel, Bahnhof. ATMs are aTMs available in the station concourse.
Ticket office support is available at Basel, Bahnhof.
Available at Basel, Bahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel, Bahnhof: Station is accessible to those with reduced mobility.
Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB) is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Swiss (in the station), Italian Bistro (in the station), Café Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and throughout the station.
Ticket office support is available at Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB).
Available at Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB): Elevators, ramps.
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, and WC.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Elevators, ramps.
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance and baggage claim area.
Ticket office support is available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2).
Available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need