- 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
€76
Average price
€119
Fastest journey
16 h 45 m
Average duration
17 h 10 m
Buses per day
32
Distance
956 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Budapest to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Budapest to Cologne will cost around €119 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €76.
Of the 32 buses that leave Budapest for Cologne on Sun, Aug 09, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 09 the direct buses cover the 956 km distance in an average of 17 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 16 h 45 m .
On Sun, Aug 09 the slowest buses will take 17 h 40 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+
FlixTrain
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Budapest to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €50. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 27m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €50, and a flight costs an average of €82.
Distance: 594 miles (956 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€75 Average price Cheapest | €144 Average price | €421 Average price | €202 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
18h 37m Average total duration 18h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 2m Average total duration 12h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 27m Average total duration Fastest 2h 27m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.0 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.9 - 5.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Budapest to Cologne:
A bus is €68 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Budapest to Cologne costing on average €144.
A bus is €346 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Budapest to Cologne costing on average €421.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 32m.
Bus takes on average 18h 7m.
Tickets start at around €75 compared to roughly €202 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €127. The journey takes 18h 7m versus 11h 35m 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 01:45AM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 20h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €75 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 20h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:05AM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 19h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 03:35AM | Duration 20h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 03:35AM | Duration 17h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 03:35AM | Duration 17h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 19h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €74 |
Operator RegioJet a.s. | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 21h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €91 |
Operator RegioJet a.s. | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €91 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 21h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 17h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €78 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 17h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 16h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 20h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 09:05AM | Duration 18h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 01:41PM | Duration 21h51 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €101 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 19h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €106 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 01:41PM | Duration 21h21 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €139 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 18h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €84 |
Operator FlixTrain | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 01:41PM | Duration 20h31 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €86 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 17h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price €80 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:55PM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 17h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €79 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 17h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €125 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 23h40 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €95 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 01:41PM | Duration 19h11 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €83 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 01:41PM | Duration 18h51 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €82 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 22h50 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €84 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 15h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €61 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 25h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 06:56PM | Duration 21h36 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €79 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 22h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 18h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €79 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 18h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €65 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20PM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 18h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €65 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 18h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 22h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 21h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €73 |
The table below shows live departures for Budapest to Cologne buses for today, Saturday, August 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:45 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 20h15 | 10:00 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:40 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 18h25 | 9:05 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 4:20 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 21h21 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:40 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 17h10 | 10:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:55 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 17h50 | 11:45 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 6:55 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 22h50 | 5:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus | 7:15 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 15h35 | 10:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:15 PM Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Kerepesi út) | 20h20 | 3:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:30 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 18h55 | 5:25 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 11:00 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 18h25 | 5:25 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:20 PM Budapest, Krisztina körút / Kosciuszkó Tádé utca | 18h05 | 5:25 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:20 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 18h05 | 5:25 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 11:30 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 18h15 | 5:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 11:35 PM Budapest, Mexikói Út M | 22h35 | 10:10 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:45 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 21h35 | 9:20 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 11:45 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 18h00 | 5:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, August 9 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:45 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 20h25 | 10:10 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:45 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 20h10 | 2:55 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:05 AM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 19h50 | 2:55 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:35 AM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 20h00 | 3:35 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:15 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 17h20 | 3:35 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:35 AM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 17h00 | 3:35 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:40 AM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 19h10 | 5:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
(Budapest -> Prague) · (Prague -> Amsterdam) | 10:50 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 21h15 | 8:05 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer | |
(Budapest -> Prague) · (Prague -> Amsterdam) | 11:15 AM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 20h50 | 8:05 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:30 PM Budapest, Mexikói Út M | 21h30 | 10:00 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:40 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 17h40 | 6:20 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 12:40 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 25h01 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:15 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 17h05 | 6:20 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:35 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 16h45 | 6:20 AM 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 Budapest to Cologne run on average 24 times per day, taking around 18h 7m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €50 if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 594 miles (956 km) distance in 15h 35m.
Distance 594 miles (956 km) |
Average bus duration 18h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price €50 |
Buses per day 24 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 15h 35m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 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 Budapest 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 Budapest to Cologne buses use the Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) station pair, with some services arriving at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2). Use this guide to compare Budapest and Cologne bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás is 4 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Kelenföld (in the station), Bistro Budapest (0.5 km), Café Central (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás.
Available at Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás: Elevators, ramps.
Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar is 5 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Népliget (in the station), Gulyás Tér (0.5 km), Pesti Burger (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar.
Available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar: 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