- Must visit
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Iconic contemporary art museum designed by Frank Gehry, famous for its titanium architecture and major modern art exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$120
Average price
$140
Fastest journey
22 h 35 m
Average duration
1 d 20 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
1132 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Bilbao is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Bilbao will cost around $140 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $120.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Bilbao without transferring at least 2 times.
FlixTrain+
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixTrain+
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixTrain+
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Bilbao among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $39. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 20m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $39, and a flight costs an average of $149.
Distance: 703 miles (1132 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$88 Average price Cheapest | $473 Average price | $421 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
21h 43m Average total duration 21h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 20m Average total duration Fastest 3h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 15h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Bilbao:
A bus is $385 (€312) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Bilbao costing on average $473 (€383).
Other travel options to Bilbao take longer:
Bus takes on average 21h 13m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 23h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:35AM | Arrival Time 12:05AM | Duration 22h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $167 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45AM | Arrival Time 12:05AM | Duration 22h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $197 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:05AM | Arrival Time 02:10AM | Duration 23h05 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $127 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:14AM | Arrival Time 08:50AM | Duration 26h36 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:50AM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 22h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:14AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 26h36 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 22h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:14AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 27h11 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:01AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 26h24 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 22h45 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 22h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 23h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 26h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 23h05 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:14PM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 22h36 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $102 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 03:05PM | Duration 26h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 21h35 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $127 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 03:05PM | Duration 25h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:01PM | Arrival Time 03:05PM | Duration 24h04 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $152 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 03:05PM | Duration 23h10 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $137 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:14PM | Arrival Time 03:05PM | Duration 22h51 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 26h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $130 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55PM | Arrival Time 12:05AM | Duration 27h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 30h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 12:05AM | Duration 24h15 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $150 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 02:10AM | Duration 26h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $111 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Bilbao buses for today, Wednesday, June 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:55 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 27h10 | 12:05 AM Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:55 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 26h15 | 2:10 AM Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 2 transfers | |
| Thursday, June 18 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 22h35 | 6:25 AM Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:01 AM Cologne Hbf | 26h24 | 11:25 AM Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:15 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 22h45 | 8:00 AM Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 26h51 | 3:05 PM Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 26h51 | 3:05 PM Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:20 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 25h45 | 3:05 PM Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 31h51 | 12:05 AM Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 3 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 Bilbao run on average 6 times per day, taking around 21h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $39 (€31) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 703 miles (1132 km) distance in 21h 35m.
Distance 703 miles (1132 km) |
Average bus duration 21h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $39 (€31) |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 21h 35m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Bilbao — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bilbao trip today.
Iconic contemporary art museum designed by Frank Gehry, famous for its titanium architecture and major modern art exhibitions.
One of Spain’s leading art museums, with strong collections spanning medieval works to modern Basque and Spanish art.
Maritime museum by the estuary covering Bilbao’s shipbuilding, port history, and relationship with the sea.
Bilbao’s historic Old Town, known for its narrow lanes, traditional architecture, lively squares, and local atmosphere.
Revitalized riverside district around the Guggenheim, ideal for walking, architecture, and skyline views.
Popular panoramic viewpoint above Bilbao with wide city views, especially attractive at sunset.
Salt cod gently cooked with olive oil, garlic, and chili until the sauce emulsifies. A Basque classic strongly associated with Bilbao and nearby coastal cuisine.
Salt cod served with a rich Bizkaian red pepper and onion sauce. It is one of the signature dishes of the province of Bizkaia.
A traditional Basque fisherman’s stew of tuna, potatoes, peppers, and onions. It is especially emblematic of the Cantabrian coast.
Well-known fine dining restaurant overlooking the river, offering a seasonal tasting-menu approach rooted in high-level Basque cooking.
Popular pintxos bar on Plaza Nueva, celebrated for creative Basque bites and a busy, classic old-town setting.
Established Bilbao dining room and deli known for quality Basque produce, seafood, ham, and a polished but traditional atmosphere.
Moderate for Spain: pintxos and local bars can be good value, while hotels and fine dining cost more in peak season.
Service is usually included. Locals often round up or leave EUR 1-2 in bars, 5-10% in restaurants for very good service. Tipping is appreciated, not expected.
Official public transport app
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses -> Moyua
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Bilbao 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 Bilbao, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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