- Must visit
Kunstmuseum Basel
One of Europe’s leading art museums, with outstanding Old Masters and modern works. An essential stop for Basel’s world-class cultural scene.
Cheapest price on Oct 07
$39
Average ticket price on Oct 07
$40
Fastest journey on Oct 07
7 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Oct 07
8 h 16 m
Buses on Oct 07
4
Distance
378 km
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 $40 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
On Wed, Oct 07, we found 4 buses from Cologne to Basel, including 3 direct services.
On Wed, Oct 07 the direct buses cover the 378 km distance in an average of 8 h 16 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 35 m .
On Wed, Oct 07 the slowest buses will take 8 h 57 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+
FlixTrain
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus+
FlixTrainBuses from Cologne to Basel run on average 5 times per day, taking around 8h 23m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $21 (€17) if you book in advance.
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 6h 55m.
Distance 234 miles (378 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 (€17) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 6h 55m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 35 days |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 05:12PM | Duration 8h57 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 04:10AM | Duration 12h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 02:45AM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 03:50AM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 03:50AM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $32 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Basel buses for today, Tuesday, October 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 8:15 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 8h57 | 5:12 PM Basel Bad Bhf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 2:40 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 8h10 | 10:50 PM Basel, Bahnhof | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:05 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 8h20 | 7:25 AM Basel, Bahnhof | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, October 7 | |||||
FlixBus | 4:50 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 7h35 | 12:25 PM Basel, Bahnhof | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Basel — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Basel trip today.
One of Europe’s leading art museums, with outstanding Old Masters and modern works. An essential stop for Basel’s world-class cultural scene.
A major contemporary art museum in a former paper mill, known for ambitious temporary exhibitions and a beautiful riverside location.
A renowned private museum presenting modern and contemporary art in a landmark building by Renzo Piano, set within a landscaped park.
Basel’s lively market square is framed by historic facades and the town hall. It is a practical and scenic starting point for exploring the old town.
This beautifully preserved old-town hill has narrow lanes, fountains, and noble houses. It offers some of Basel’s most atmospheric walks and views.
A riverside promenade packed with locals, swimmers, and postcard views of the old city. It captures Basel’s relaxed everyday life exceptionally well.
Basel’s signature hard honey-almond spice biscuit, traditionally made for autumn fairs and Christmas. A protected regional specialty with medieval roots.
A flaky butter pastry filled with hazelnut or almond mix. It is a classic Basel sweet sold in local bakeries and closely tied to the city’s confectionery tradition.
Basel-style flour soup, slowly browned for a deep roasted flavor and often served during Carnival. A comforting local classic linked to Fasnacht traditions.
Elegant fine dining in Hotel Les Trois Rois, known for refined French-inspired cuisine, Rhine views, and one of Basel’s most celebrated gastronomic experiences.
Stylish restaurant in Teufelhof Basel offering modern Swiss and seasonal cuisine. A polished but relaxed option with a strong local reputation.
Historic traditional venue serving Swiss classics in a lively old-town setting. A dependable place to try local dishes with a casual Basel atmosphere.
Very high hotel, dining, and everyday costs; transit is efficient but not cheap. Basel is pricier than most European city breaks.
Service is usually included. Round up small amounts in cafes, add about CHF 5-10 in restaurants for good service, and round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Basel, Meret Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB) -> Barfüsserplatz, 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.

Most Cologne to Basel buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Basel, Bahnhof station pair, with some services arriving at Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB). Use this guide to compare Cologne and Basel 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.
Basel, Bahnhof is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel, Bahnhof has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food outlets available inside the station.
Wi-Fi is available at Basel, Bahnhof. ATMs are aTMs available in the station concourse.
Ticket office support is available at Basel, Bahnhof.
Available at Basel, Bahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel, Bahnhof: Station is accessible to those with reduced mobility.
Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB) is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Swiss (in the station), Italian Bistro (in the station), Café Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and throughout the station.
Ticket office support is available at Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB).
Available at Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB): Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need