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The cheapest and fastest buses from Basel to Cologne
Showing times and prices for Nov 06
Cheapest price
$32
Average price
$48
Fastest journey
4 h 40 m
Average duration
5 h 18 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 $48 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
Fast buses
Of the 7 buses that leave Basel for Cologne on Thu, Nov 06, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 06 the direct buses cover the 378 km distance in an average of 5 h 18 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 40 m .
On Thu, Nov 06 the slowest buses will take 7 h 20 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.
02:00PM4h50
Basel06:50PMCologne
$321One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus10:05PM8h05
Basel, Meret Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB)06:10AMKöln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)
$431One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus01:05AM7h20
Basel, Meret Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB)08:25AMKöln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)
$451One-way
0 transfers
09:50PM4h40
Basel02:30AMCologne
$501One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus · FlixBus05:40PM9h15
Basel, Meret Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB)02:55AMKöln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)
$541One-way
1 transfer
09:50PM4h40
Basel02:30AMCologne
$501One-way
0 transfers
05:00PM4h40
Basel09:40PMCologne
$571One-way
0 transfers
02:00PM4h50
Basel06:50PMCologne
$321One-way
0 transfers
03:00PM5h00
Basel08:00PMCologne
$581One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus01:05AM7h20
Basel, Meret Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB)08:25AMKöln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)
$451One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus 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 €25. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 14m. 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 €25, and a train costs an average of €25.
Distance: 234 miles (378 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€38 Average price Cheapest | €103 Average price |
7h 9m Average total duration 6h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 44m Average total duration Fastest 5h 14m 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 BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:10AM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 13h20 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:50AM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:55AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 10h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 05:46PM | Duration 12h56 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:09AM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 8h26 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:10AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 10h05 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 12:40AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Live departures
Basel to Cologne bus times
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Cologne buses for today, Wednesday, November 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 1:04 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:55 AM Basel, Meret Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB) | 10h05 | 12:00 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 3:50 AM Basel, Meret Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB) | 12h56 | 4:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:50 AM Basel, Meret Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB) | 10h15 | 2:05 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:40 PM Basel, Meret Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB) | 9h15 | 1:55 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, November 6 | |||||
| FlixBus | 12:05 AM Basel, Meret Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB) | 7h20 | 7:25 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Basel to Cologne by train or bus
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Basel to Cologne
Switzerland
Germany
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 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $30 (€25) |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 7h 20m |
First bus 00:05 |
Last bus 23:50 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Basel to Cologne start from as low as $30 (€25) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $46 (€38) depending on the train type and class.
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: BlaBlaCar, FlixBus from Basel to CologneYou can travel by bus between Basel to Cologne with BlaBlaCar, FlixBus for as low as $30 (€25). 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
8h 0m
Cheapest Price
$29 (€23)
FlixBus frequency
6 a day
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 $34 (€27) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Basel to Cologne is $50 (€41); 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 8 h 5 min to travel the 234 mile (377 km) long route, with around there are 8 buses per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Basel to Cologne leaves at 2: 00AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last bus from Basel to Cologne leaves at 10: 40PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Basel to Cologne with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
For the route from Basel to Cologne you can take a bus with FlixBus or BlaBlaCar. Be sure to check out all possible bus providers that offer services to Cologne from Basel on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
The cheapest month for a bus from Basel to Cologne is December.
You have options as you can travel from Basel to Cologne 2 different ways: train or bus.
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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Basel to Cologne depends on the bus company:
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Basel to Cologne, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
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.
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
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
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