- 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.
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Cheapest price
$35
Average price
$40
Fastest journey
3h 10m
Average duration
4h 13m
Buses per day
2
Distance
33 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Brussels Airport to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 7m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $27, and a flight costs an average of $368.
Distance: 107 miles (173 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$44 Average price Cheapest | $100 Average price | $552 Average price | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 5m Average total duration 4h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 37m Average total duration Fastest 2h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 28m Average total duration 5h 28m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Brussels Airport to Cologne:
A bus is $56 (€46) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Brussels Airport to Cologne costing on average $100 (€82).
A bus is $508 (€416) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Brussels Airport to Cologne costing on average $552 (€452).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 35m.
Flight takes on average 5h 28m.
You'll arrive about -2h 0m sooner (4h 35m by bus vs 2h 35m by car) and save roughly $-4.13 (€-3.38) compared to fuel and tolls ($44 (€36) vs $40 (€33)). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by BlaBlaCar.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:30AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:15AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:30AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00AM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 10h25 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 10h25 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:55PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 06:56PM | Duration 5h16 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:35PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 02:00AM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $39 |
The table below shows live departures for Brussels Airport to Cologne buses for today, Thursday, July 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 1:40 PM Zaventem, Brussels Airport Leopoldlaan (Parking P16) | 5h16 | 6:56 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, July 17 | |||||
![]() | 3:15 AM Brussels Airport | 9h10 | 12:25 PM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:15 AM Brussels Airport | 10h25 | 7:40 PM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:15 AM Brussels Airport | 10h25 | 8:40 PM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Brussels Airport to Cologne run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) but you can travel from only $24 (€20) by train.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 107 miles (173 km) distance in 5h 5m.
Distance 107 miles (173 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€22) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 5h 5m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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 Brussels Airport 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 Brussels Airport to Cologne buses use the Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) station pair, with some services arriving at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2). Use this guide to compare Brussels Airport and Cologne bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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