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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cologne to Basel
Showing times and prices for Apr 09
Cheapest price
$34
Average price
$55
Fastest journey
4 h 50 m
Average duration
6 h 24 m
Buses per day
10
Distance
378 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Basel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Basel will cost around $55 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $34.
Fast buses
Of the 10 buses that leave Cologne for Basel on Thu, Apr 09, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Apr 09 the direct buses cover the 378 km distance in an average of 6 h 24 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 50 m .
On Thu, Apr 09 the slowest buses will take 8 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.
1:30 PM5h10Cologne6:40 PMBasel$341One-way0 transfers- 10:30 PM4h50Cologne3:20 AMBasel$481One-way0 transfers
FlixBus · FlixBus11:30 PM9h00Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)8:30 AMBasel, Bahnhof$481One-way1 transfer- FlixBus · FlixBus7:10 PM8h40Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)3:50 AMBasel, Bahnhof$481One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus11:55 PM11h45Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)11:40 AMBasel, Bahnhof$481One-way1 transfer
- 10:30 PM4h50Cologne3:20 AMBasel$481One-way0 transfers
- 1:30 PM5h10Cologne6:40 PMBasel$341One-way0 transfers
- 3:20 PM5h10Cologne8:30 PMBasel$571One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus2:40 PM8h10Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)10:50 PMBasel, Bahnhof$551One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus7:10 PM8h40Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)3:50 AMBasel, Bahnhof$481One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Basel
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Basel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $28. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 9m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $28, and a train costs an average of $7.
Distance: 234 miles (378 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
$45 Average price Cheapest | $127 Average price |
8h 43m Average total duration 8h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 39m Average total duration Fastest 5h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Cologne to Basel Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 05:11PM | Duration 8h56 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 09:09PM | Duration 7h34 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 12h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 03:50AM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 03:50AM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55PM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 03:20AM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 11h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $48 |
Live departures
Cologne to Basel bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Basel buses for today, Wednesday, April 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 9:05 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 8h20 | 5:25 AM Basel, Bahnhof | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, April 9 | |||||
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:10 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 10h30 | 11:40 AM Basel, Bahnhof | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus | 12:40 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 8h10 | 8:50 PM Basel, Bahnhof | 0 transfersDirect | |
 52120 · 4740 | 1:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 12h25 | 2:00 AM Basel, Meret Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:10 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 8h40 | 1:50 AM Basel, Bahnhof | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:55 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 11h25 | 6:20 AM Basel, Bahnhof | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Basel by train, bus, or flight
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.
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Why should you book Cologne to Basel buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as BlaBlaCar Bus offer buses services from Cologne to Basel.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Basel.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of BlaBlaCar Bus to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Basel.
- 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Basel.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trainline or Checkmybus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of BlaBlaCar Bus to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Basel.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Basel.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cologne to Basel
Germany
Switzerland
Buses from Cologne to Basel run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $28 (€23) but you can travel from only $7 (€6) by train.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 234 miles (378 km) distance in 7h 29m.
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
Train from $7 (€6)
Distance 234 miles (378 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 (€23) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 7h 29m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
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
Train from $7 (€6)
Bus providers: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, BlaBlaCar Bus from Cologne to BaselYou can travel by bus between Cologne to Basel with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, BlaBlaCar Bus for as low as $7 (€6). 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 Duration
7h 29m
Cheapest Price
$28 (€23)
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.
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 Duration
12h 25m
Cheapest Price
$55 (€45)
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.
BlaBlaCar
About
BlaBlaCar is a French online marketplace for carpooling, connecting drivers with empty seats and passengers traveling to the same destination to share costs. Founded in 2006, it operates in Europe and Latin America, boasting 26 million active members. The platform also includes BlaBlaCar Bus, an intercity bus service. BlaBlaCar's name comes from its rating system for drivers' chattiness: "Bla" for quiet, "BlaBla" for talkative, and "BlaBlaBla" for very chatty. The company aims to be the leading marketplace for shared travel, offering affordable and sustainable solutions by combining carpooling with bus journeys.
Luggage & cancellation policy
BlaBlaCar frequency
2 a day
FAQs: Bus from Cologne to Basel
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Basel 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 Basel, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Cologne to Basel can start from as little as $28 (€23) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cologne to Basel is $45 (€36) ; 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 Cologne to Basel is 7h 29m to travel the 234 miles (378 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 Cologne to Basel leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cologne to Basel leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 3 direct buses a day from Cologne to Basel with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Cologne to Basel, you can count on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, BlaBlaCar Bus for the best way to get you to Basel. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cologne and Basel and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Cologne , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen), Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2), Leverkusen, Bf Mitte, Bonn, Museumsmeile . When arriving in Basel , you can end your journey in bus stations like Basel, Meret Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB), Basel, Bahnhof, Basel, Bahnhof SBB, Saint-Louis, EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, Lörrach, Hauptbahnhof, Mulhouse, Gare Routière .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen), which is located around 13 away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Basel, Meret Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB), located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Basel from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 29m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cologne to Basel is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Basel including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cologne to Basel for bus company FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cologne to Basel:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating options.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Basel are:
- Basel Minster, a Gothic cathedral known for its twin towers and stunning views of the Rhine River
- Kunstmuseum Basel, Switzerland's oldest public art collection featuring works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art
- Tinguely Fountain, a playful kinetic sculpture fountain created by artist Jean Tinguely
- Basel Zoo, a popular attraction with diverse animal species and conservation programs
- Rathaus Basel, a striking red sandstone town hall with a richly decorated facade and historical significance.
The best things to do in Basel include:
- Tinguely Museum, dedicated to the works of Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, featuring kinetic sculptures
- Rhine River Cruise, a scenic boat tour providing unique perspectives of Basel's architecture and landscapes
- Explore the Old Town, a charming area with cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and vibrant markets
- Visit the Fondation Beyeler, a renowned art museum with a collection of modern and tribal art
- Attend Art Basel, an international art fair showcasing contemporary artworks from around the world.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cologne to Basel depends on the bus companies:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
- 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, BlaBlaCar Bus.
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 Cologne to Basel.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cologne to Basel:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
- 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 Cologne to Basel:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Cologne to Basel. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Cologne to Basel with the following bus company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cologne to Basel with the following bus company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cologne to Basel with the following bus company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Since both Cologne and Basel 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 train as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Basel among Omio's users.
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards; however, credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in cities and larger establishments, making card payments convenient. Cash is still useful for small purchases, local markets, or remote areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Basel, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transportation and popular tourist spots. Scams involving fake charity collectors and overpriced taxi rides have also been reported. Staying alert and using official transportation services can help ensure a safe visit.
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 Cologne to Basel
Cologne
Basel
The major bus station for departures in Cologne is Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) for your trip from Cologne to Basel.
Amenities at bus station
Wifi
Parking
ATM
Accessibility
WCinformation
Distance to city center
13 km
Car connection
KennedystraßeWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 00:00-23:59
Distance to city center
13 kmCar connection
KennedystrasseWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Taxis
- Available outside Terminal 2 arrivals area.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
- Bus: SB60 Train: S13, S19
The major bus station for arrivals in Basel is Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB) for your trip to Basel from Cologne.
Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB)
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 05:30-23:30
Distance to city center
1 kmCar connection
Meret-Oppenheim-StrasseWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafeteria Swiss (in the station)
- Italian Bistro (in the station)
- Café Express (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available on the concourse.
Public transit options for Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB)
- Bus: 30, 50 Tram: 8, 10, 11 Train: S3, S6
Basel, Bahnhof
information
Most popular bus connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Basel
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Basel and Cologne
Most popular bus connections to Basel
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