- 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
$150
Average price
$159
Fastest journey
1 d 8 h 20 m
Average duration
1 d 12 h 31 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
1599 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bucharest to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bucharest to Cologne will cost around $159 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $150.
It's difficult to get from Bucharest to Cologne without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus · FlixBus+
FlixTrainOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bucharest to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $64. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 34m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.6 - 4.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $64, and a flight costs an average of $35.
Distance: 993 miles (1599 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$119 Average price Cheapest | $248 Average price | $224 Average price | $391 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
33h 39m Average total duration 33h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 34m Average total duration Fastest 3h 34m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 38h 1m Average total duration 37h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 19h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.6 - 4.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 4.8 - 9.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Bucharest to Cologne:
A bus is $105 (€86) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bucharest to Cologne costing on average $224 (€184).
A bus is $129 (€106) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bucharest to Cologne costing on average $248 (€204).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 33h 9m.
Train takes on average 37h 31m.
Tickets start at around $119 (€98) compared to roughly $391 (€321) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $272 (€224). The journey takes 33h 9m versus 19h 58m 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 02:05AM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 52h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:05AM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 52h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $141 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 32h05 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05AM | Arrival Time 05:43PM | Duration 37h38 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $166 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 35h55 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $125 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 35h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $184 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 03:35AM | Duration 35h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $119 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 34h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $116 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 08:50AM | Duration 37h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $171 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 10:56AM | Duration 38h56 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $136 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 40h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 37h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $151 |
Operator Union Ivkoni | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 40h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 32h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $114 |
The table below shows live departures for Bucharest to Cologne buses for today, Saturday, July 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:00 PM București, Autogara Militari | 35h35 | 3:35 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 11:00 PM București, Autogara Militari | 39h41 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:00 PM București, Autogara Militari | 32h20 | 6:20 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, July 19 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 5:05 AM București, Autogara Militari | 37h38 | 5:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:05 AM București, Autogara Militari | 37h20 | 5:25 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
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 Bucharest to Cologne run on average 3 times per day, taking around 33h 9m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $64 (€53) but you can travel from only $35 (€29) by flight.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 993 miles (1599 km) distance in 32h 5m.
Distance 993 miles (1599 km) |
Average bus duration 33h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $64 (€53) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 32h 5m |
First bus 1:10 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Bucharest 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 Bucharest to Cologne buses use the București, Autogara Militari to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) station pair, with some services arriving at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2). Use this guide to compare Bucharest 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.
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