Bologna to Cologne bus with FlixBus

Sat, Sep 19
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Bologna to Cologne

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19

Cheapest price on Sep 19

$88

Average ticket price on Sep 19

$109

Fastest journey on Sep 19

15 h 55 m

Average journey duration on Sep 19

17 h 23 m

Buses on Sep 19

8

Distance

787 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bologna to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bologna to Cologne will cost around $109 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $88.

Fast buses

On Sat, Sep 19, we found 8 buses from Bologna to Cologne, including 1 direct services.

On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 787 km distance in an average of 17 h 23 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 15 h 55 m .

On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 18 h 30 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    11:20 AM18h30
    Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)
    5:50 AMKöln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
    $881One-way
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    1:55 PM18h30
    Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)
    8:25 AMKöln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
    $891One-way
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    12:15 PM18h30
    Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)
    6:45 AMKöln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
    $891One-way
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain
    3:00 PM22h41
    Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)
    1:41 PMCologne Hbf
    $1081One-way
    2 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    5:00 PM15h55
    Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)
    8:55 AMKöln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
    $1121One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Bologna to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Bologna to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $116 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 35m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $116, while a flight costs an average of $415.

Distance: 489 miles (787 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Flight
Train

$116

Average price

Cheapest

$415

Average price

$232

Average price

17h 29m

Average total duration

16h 59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 35m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 35m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

11h 47m

Average total duration

11h 17m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Air Dolomiti

Most popular airline

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Bologna to Cologne is a bus with an average price of $116.

This is compared to other travel options from Bologna to Cologne:

A bus is $116 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bologna to Cologne costing on average $232.

A bus is $298 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bologna to Cologne costing on average $415.

The fastest way to travel from Bologna to Cologne is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 35m.

Other travel options to Cologne take longer:

Train takes on average 11h 17m.

Bus takes on average 16h 59m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bologna and Cologne including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Bologna to Cologne among Omio's users.

Bologna to Cologne Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:20AM
Arrival Time
05:50AM
Duration
18h30
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$87
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:50AM
Arrival Time
06:45AM
Duration
18h55
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$80
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
12:15PM
Arrival Time
06:45AM
Duration
18h30
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$71
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
01:55PM
Arrival Time
08:25AM
Duration
18h30
Departure days
Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$71
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:00PM
Arrival Time
01:42PM
Duration
22h42
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$70
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:40PM
Arrival Time
08:55AM
Duration
17h15
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Fri
Cheapest price
$73
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
05:00PM
Arrival Time
08:55AM
Duration
15h55
Departure days
Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$72
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:10PM
Arrival Time
01:30PM
Duration
19h20
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Fri
Cheapest price
$73
Operator
RegioJet a.s.
Departure Time
06:35PM
Arrival Time
08:05AM
Duration
37h30
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$128
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
10:20PM
Arrival Time
03:05PM
Duration
16h45
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$100
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:30PM
Arrival Time
09:55PM
Duration
22h25
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$79

Live departures

Bologna to Cologne bus times

The table below shows live departures for Bologna to Cologne buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus11:30 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)
17h15
4:45 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain11:30 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)
22h25
9:55 PM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
Saturday, September 19
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus11:20 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)
18h30
5:50 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus12:15 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)
18h30
6:45 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus1:55 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)
18h30
8:25 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain3:00 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)
22h41
1:41 PM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus5:00 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)
15h55
8:55 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus10:20 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)
16h45
3:05 PM 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 prices and tickets Bologna to Cologne by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, train, 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.

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Sep 19
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Why should you book Bologna to Cologne buses with Omio?

FlixBus operates all buses services from Bologna to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bologna 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bologna to Cologne.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Bologna to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Bologna to Cologne

ItalyItaly
GermanyGermany
Icon of bus

Buses from Bologna to Cologne run on average 7 times per day, taking around 16h 59m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $58 but you can travel from only $23 by flight.

There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:00, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 489 miles (787 km) distance in 14h 55m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $23
Distance
489 miles (787 km)
Average bus duration
16h 59m
Cheapest ticket price
$58
Buses per day
7
Direct buses
1
Fastest bus
14h 55m
First bus
1:00 AM
Last bus
11:30 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
21 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $23

Bus providers: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Infobus, OneBus from Bologna to CologneYou can travel by bus between Bologna to Cologne with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Infobus, OneBus for as low as $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 FlixBus Duration
14h 55m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$58
FlixBus frequency
7 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.

Infobus

About
Infobus is an international IT company that operates as an online service for finding and purchasing bus, train, and plane tickets, rather than being a bus company itself. Established in 2002, Infobus acts as an intermediary between passengers and various transport carriers, particularly helping smaller bus companies offer online booking services. They utilize their own "BusSystem" to manage routes and ticket sales globally. Infobus covers over 30 countries and 300 cities, offering a wide range of routes and daily departures. While amenities can vary by carrier, Infobus aims to provide affordable and convenient travel with features like online booking, 24/7 support, and prompt notifications.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Infobus Duration
17h 20m
Cheapest Infobus Price
$174
Infobus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; may require prior reservation and an additional fee.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets may require a separate ticket.

BlaBlaCar Bus

About
BlaBlaCar Bus (formerly known as Ouibus or iDBUS) is a long-distance coach company operating in 10 European countries and connecting over 300 destinations. A subsidiary of the French carpooling company BlaBlaCar, it offers comfortable travel with standard amenities such as air conditioning, toilets, USB and power outlets for charging devices, extra legroom, and adjustable seats. Free Wi-Fi is available on select routes. BlaBlaCar Bus offers only a Standard ticket type, which allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and up to two checked bags per person.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average BlaBlaCar Bus Duration
23h 55m
Cheapest BlaBlaCar Bus Price
$108
BlaBlaCar Bus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating options.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; additional fees may apply.

OneBus

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average OneBus Duration
17h 20m
Cheapest OneBus Price
$183
OneBus frequency
1 a day

Complete guide to Cologne

Things to do in Cologne

Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.

  • 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.

  • Must visit

Kolumba

Excellent private museum for modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and a sculpture-filled former industrial hall.

  • Must visit

Wallraf-Richartz Museum

Art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, blending contemporary architecture with historic ruins and carefully curated sacred art.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak trade fair periods, but dining and local transit are generally manageable for most tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or street food.
Mid-range
€20-35 per person for a meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
€2.50-4 for cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Bus from Bologna to Cologne

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bologna 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Bologna to Cologne can start from as little as $58 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Bologna to Cologne is $116 ; 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 Bologna to Cologne is 14h 55m to travel the 489 miles (787 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 Bologna to Cologne leaves at 1:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Bologna to Cologne leaves at 11:30 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Bologna to Cologne with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Bologna to Cologne, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Cologne. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Bologna and Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Bologna , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) . When arriving in Cologne , you can end your journey in bus stations like Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen), Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2), Leverkusen, Bf Mitte, Köln, ZOB .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre), which is located around 0 miles (1 km) 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 Bologna is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 14h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Bologna to Cologne is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bologna and Cologne including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Bologna to Cologne:
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Bologna 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 Bologna 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 Bologna to Cologne.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Bologna 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 Bologna to Cologne:
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Bologna 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 Bologna to Cologne with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Bologna to Cologne with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Bologna to Cologne with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since both Bologna 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 flight as it is the most popular way to get from Bologna 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 Bologna to Cologne

Most Bologna to Cologne buses use the Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) station pair, with some services arriving at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2). Use this guide to compare Bologna and Cologne bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Bologna
Arrival bus stations in Cologne

Which Bologna station do buses to Cologne leave from?

Buses from Bologna to Cologne leave from Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre). The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Bologna city centre at Piazza XX Settembre, 6, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy.
Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)Piazza XX Settembre, 6, 40121 Bologna BO, ItalyWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) from Bologna city centre

Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) is 1 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:

BusA, 97, 98 · 8m · $1 · every ~15 min
A · 10m · $1 · every ~6 min

Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) bus station facilities and services

Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Cafeteria Autostazione (in the station), Trattoria del Rosso (0.5 km), Osteria Broccaindosso (0.7 km).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre): Elevators, ramps.

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