- 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
$105
Average price
$140
Fastest journey
15 h 55 m
Average duration
17 h 23 m
Buses per day
11
Distance
787 km
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 $140 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $105.
Of the 11 buses that leave Bologna for Cologne on Wed, Aug 05, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 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 Wed, Aug 05 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.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio 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 prices starting from $60. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $60, and a flight costs an average of $26.
Distance: 489 miles (787 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train |
|---|---|---|
$89 Average price Cheapest | $207 Average price | $202 Average price |
20h 17m Average total duration 19h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 50m Average total duration Fastest 1h 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 32m Average total duration 12h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Bologna to Cologne:
A bus is $113 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bologna to Cologne costing on average $202.
A bus is $118 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bologna to Cologne costing on average $207.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 2m.
Bus takes on average 19h 47m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator OneBus | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 17h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $184 |
Operator OneBus | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 17h20 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $184 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 04:35AM | Duration 20h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $112 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 04:35AM | Duration 18h55 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $147 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 18h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $125 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 18h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $116 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 18h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $127 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 18h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $122 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 01:41PM | Duration 22h41 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $151 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 26h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $159 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 16h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $128 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 15h55 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $107 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 18h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $144 |
Operator RegioJet a.s. | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 37h30 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $178 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20PM | Arrival Time 03:05PM | Duration 16h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $105 |
Operator OneBus | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 17h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $184 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 17h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $125 |
The table below shows live departures for Bologna to Cologne buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 3:00 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 22h41 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:40 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 16h45 | 8:25 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
94742 · 50428 | 3:40 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 26h10 | 5:50 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:10 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 18h50 | 1:00 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:20 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 16h45 | 3:05 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 11:30 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 22h10 | 9:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:30 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 17h15 | 4:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, August 5 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:30 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 20h05 | 4:35 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:20 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 18h30 | 5:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:50 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 18h55 | 6:45 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:55 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 18h30 | 8:25 AM 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 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.
Buses from Bologna to Cologne run on average 7 times per day, taking around 19h 47m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $60 but you can travel from only $26 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 15h 55m.
Distance 489 miles (787 km) |
Average bus duration 19h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $60 |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 15h 55m |
First bus 1:00 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 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 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.

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.
Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) is 1 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Autostazione (in the station), Trattoria del Rosso (0.5 km), Osteria Broccaindosso (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre).
Available at Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre): 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.
Köln, ZOB is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln, ZOB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria im ZOB (in the station), McDonald's (0.2 km), Vapiano (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Köln, ZOB.
Available at Köln, ZOB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, ZOB: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need