- Must visit
Pergamonmuseum (currently partially closed)
One of Berlin’s most famous museums on Museum Island, known for monumental antiquities such as the Pergamon Altar and Ishtar Gate collections; major sections remain under renovation.
Cheapest price
$81
Average price
$101
Fastest journey
10 h 50 m
Average duration
10 h 58 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
479 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Berlin is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Berlin will cost around $101 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $81.
Of the 2 buses that leave Cologne for Berlin on Fri, Jun 26, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 26 the direct buses cover the 479 km distance in an average of 10 h 58 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 50 m .
On Fri, Jun 26 the slowest buses will take 11 h 5 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
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Berlin among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 58m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $26, and a flight costs an average of $85.
Distance: 297 miles (479 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$46 Average price Cheapest | $66 Average price | $302 Average price | $104 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 23m Average total duration 6h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 58m Average total duration 5h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 58m Average total duration Fastest 1h 58m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.9kg 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 Cologne to Berlin:
A bus is $20 (€17) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Berlin costing on average $66 (€55).
A bus is $256 (€212) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Berlin costing on average $302 (€250).
Other travel options to Berlin take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 28m.
Bus takes on average 6h 53m.
Tickets start at around $46 (€38) compared to roughly $104 (€86) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $58 (€48). The journey takes 6h 53m versus 6h 38m 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, BlaBlaCar.
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 BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 03:10AM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:45PM | Arrival Time 03:10AM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 01:20AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 03:20AM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Berlin buses for today, Thursday, June 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 7:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 9h10 | 5:00 PM Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 9h45 | 5:35 PM Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 4:05 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 10h50 | 2:55 AM Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 4:05 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 11h05 | 3:10 AM Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 9h25 | 3:10 AM Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 9h45 | 3:30 AM Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:30 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 9h15 | 6:45 AM Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:30 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 8h55 | 6:25 AM Berlin, Kronprinzessinnenweg (Wannsee) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:30 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 9h40 | 7:10 AM Berlin, Hardenbergplatz (Zoologischer Garten) | 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 Cologne to Berlin run on average 9 times per day, taking around 6h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $26 (€22) but you can travel from only $22 (€19) by train.
There are 8 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 297 miles (479 km) distance in 8h 55m.
Distance 297 miles (479 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€22) |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 8 |
Fastest bus 8h 55m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Berlin — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Berlin trip today.
One of Berlin’s most famous museums on Museum Island, known for monumental antiquities such as the Pergamon Altar and Ishtar Gate collections; major sections remain under renovation.
A highlight of Museum Island housing Egyptian and prehistoric collections, including the celebrated bust of Nefertiti in a beautifully restored historic building.
A major museum of Jewish history and culture, renowned for Daniel Libeskind’s architecture and powerful permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Berlin’s most important cultural ensemble and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ideal for architecture, riverside views and world-class museums in one area.
Berlin’s central park offers broad paths, lakes and monuments, making it one of the best areas for a long walk or break from the city.
A major central square and transport hub known for its energy, shopping access and proximity to several headline sights.
Berlin’s iconic street food: sliced pork sausage topped with curried ketchup and usually served with fries or a bread roll.
A Berlin staple with Turkish roots, typically shaved meat in flatbread with salad and sauces; widely associated with the city’s everyday food culture.
Traditional pork knuckle, usually cured and simmered, served with peas, potatoes, or sauerkraut; a classic hearty Berlin and Brandenburg dish.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant focused on regional German ingredients, offering a distinctly Berlin contemporary culinary experience.
Historic Berlin tavern in Kreuzberg known for classic regional dishes such as Eisbein, sausages, and hearty beer-hall fare in a traditional setting.
One of Berlin’s oldest restaurants, serving traditional German and Berlin specialties in a historic, atmospheric dining room.
Moderate by Western European standards. Budget eats and transit are reasonable, while central hotels and nightlife can be pricey.
Service is usually included. In restaurants, round up or tip about 5-10% for good service. Round up for taxis. Small tips are appreciated at cafes; not expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Berlin Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB), Berlin -> Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Berlin
Buses in Germany are a convenient and affordable way to travel, with a number of companies offering a variety of domestic and international routes. Buses from Cologne to Berlin are operated by Eurolines and Flixbus. There are regular and frequent services offered, from early morning until late in the evening. Buses from Cologne to Berlin take between 8 and 15 hours to make the journey, depending on the service chosen. Some FlixBus and Eurolines buses may require a transfer, which significantly lengthen journey time. Weekend buses from COlogne to Berlin are also frequent.
Return buses from Berlin to Cologne | Compare all modes of traveling from Cologne to Berlin | Or learn more about cheap buses to Berlin
Average prices for buses from Cologne to Berlin when you book in advance
Booking Period |
Average Price |
|---|---|
Same Day |
€31 |
1 Day in Advance |
€30 |
1 Week in Advance |
€30 |
2 Weeks in Advance |
€30 |
1 Month in Advance |
€30 |
3 Months in Advance |
€30 |
Cologne to Berlin Buses: General Information
While taking a bus is slower than both the bus and train it is significantly cheaper and can take as little as 7:50 h to arrive in Berlin.
Cologne's main bus station, the ZOB, is on the north side of Hauptbahnhof, the city's central railway station, which is within a few minutes walking distance of the Cologne city centre. There are adjacent stops on the city's efficient S-bahn, U-bahn and bus services. Public transport is available until the early hours of the morning each day. Cologne has many yellow taxis which can be hailed in the street.
Berlin is Germany's vibrant capital city. The re-developed Museum Island offers some of the world's greatest art treasures. Berlin is renowned for its cultural life, from performances by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra to its many night clubs, catering to all tastes. Buses from Cologne to Berlin arrive at the city's main bus station, the ZOB, in the Charlottenburg district to the west of the city centre. The bus station has connections to Berlin's public transport system. The city's U-bahn and S-bahn services link to the city centre in about 30 minutes. On the weekend, these services run all night. On weekdays, night buses are available. Taxis can be hailed on the street or are available at taxi stands but are more expensive than using public transport.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Berlin 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 Berlin, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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