- Must visit
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
Leading city museum with major Italian paintings from the Middle Ages to modern times, essential for understanding Bologna's art history.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cologne to Bologna
Showing times and prices for Jul 19
Cheapest price
$172
Average price
$204
Fastest journey
15 h 15 m
Average duration
16 h 44 m
Buses per day
9
Distance
787 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Bologna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Bologna will cost around $204 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $172.
Fast buses
Of the 9 buses that leave Cologne for Bologna on Sun, Jul 19, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 19 the direct buses cover the 787 km distance in an average of 16 h 44 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 15 h 15 m .
On Sun, Jul 19 the slowest buses will take 17 h 45 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 · FlixBus2:40 PM17h45Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)8:25 AMBologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)$1721One-way1 transfer- FlixBus · FlixBus2:00 AM18h25Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)8:25 PMBologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)$1721One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus7:55 PM15h15Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)11:10 AMBologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)$1771One-way0 transfers
(Amsterdam -> Prague) · (Prague -> Vienna) · (Prague -> Rome)7:40 PM37h35Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)9:15 AMBologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)$1771One-way2 transfers- FlixBus · FlixBus11:35 AM16h50Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)4:25 AMBologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)$1941One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus7:55 PM15h15Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)11:10 AMBologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)$1771One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus4:50 AM16h40Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)9:30 PMBologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)$2011One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus11:35 AM16h50Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)4:25 AMBologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)$1941One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus1:35 PM17h10Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)6:45 AMBologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)$2441One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus2:40 PM17h45Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)8:25 AMBologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)$1721One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Cologne to Bologna
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Bologna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $65. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 46m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $65, and a flight costs an average of $22.
Distance: 489 miles (787 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$96 Average price Cheapest | $254 Average price | $215 Average price | $88 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 32m Average total duration 16h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 46m Average total duration Fastest 1h 46m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 14m Average total duration 11h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cologne to Bologna is a bus with an average price of $96 (€79).
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Bologna:
A bus is $119 (€98) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Bologna costing on average $215 (€176).
A bus is $158 (€130) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Bologna costing on average $254 (€209).
The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Bologna is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 46m.
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Train takes on average 11h 44m.
Bus takes on average 16h 2m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Bologna including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Bologna among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about -5h -59m sooner (16h 2m by bus vs 11h 3m by car) and save roughly $-7.47 (€-6.13) compared to fuel and tolls ($96 (€79) vs $88 (€73)). 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 FlixBus.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Cologne to Bologna Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 18h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 16h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:14AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 22h31 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $127 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:01AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 21h44 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $125 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35AM | Arrival Time 04:25AM | Duration 16h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 04:25AM | Duration 16h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $155 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 27h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $146 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 17h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $121 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 17h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $106 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:14PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 23h16 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 17h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $119 |
Operator RegioJet a.s. | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 09:15AM | Duration 37h35 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $177 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 15h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 19h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $96 |
Live departures
Cologne to Bologna bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Bologna buses for today, Saturday, July 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 16h35 | 4:25 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
 50429 · 4787 | 11:55 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 27h00 | 2:55 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 17h10 | 6:45 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:40 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 17h45 | 8:25 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
 FlixTrain+FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 23h16 | 3:30 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 2 transfers | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 17h30 | 12:05 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:05 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 19h10 | 6:15 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, July 19 | |||||
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:00 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 18h25 | 8:25 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 16h40 | 9:30 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 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 Bologna by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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 Bologna buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Cologne to Bologna.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Bologna.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Bologna.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Bologna.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cologne to Bologna
Germany
Italy
Buses from Cologne to Bologna run on average 6 times per day, taking around 16h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $65 (€53) but you can travel from only $22 (€18) by flight.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:00, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 489 miles (787 km) distance in 15h 15m.
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
Flight from $22 (€18)
Distance 489 miles (787 km) |
Average bus duration 16h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $65 (€53) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 15h 15m |
First bus 1:00 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
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
Flight from $22 (€18)
Bus providers: FlixBus from Cologne to BolognaYou can travel by bus between Cologne to Bologna with FlixBus for as low as $22 (€18). 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
15h 15m
Cheapest Price
$65 (€53)
FlixBus frequency
7 a day
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.
Complete guide to Bologna
Things to do in Bologna
Discover the best of Bologna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bologna trip today.
- Recommended
Museo Civico Archeologico
Archaeological museum with rich Egyptian, Etruscan, Greek, and Roman collections in a central historic palace.
- Recommended
Museo Civico Medievale
Museum of Bologna's urban history using objects, rooms, and multimedia to trace the city from antiquity to today.
- Must visit
Piazza Maggiore
Bologna's main square, surrounded by landmark buildings and always lively, ideal for architecture, people-watching, and orientation.
- Must visit
Quadrilatero
Historic market quarter with narrow lanes, medieval character, and vibrant street life just behind Piazza Maggiore.
- Must visit
Portico di San Luca
Long portico route climbing toward San Luca, UNESCO-listed and perfect for a memorable urban walk with changing views.
Tagliatelle Al Ragù
Handmade egg pasta ribbons traditionally served with slow-cooked ragù. A defining Bolognese dish protected by local culinary tradition.
Tortellini In Brodo
Small ring-shaped stuffed pasta, usually filled with pork and Parmigiano Reggiano, served in rich capon or beef broth. A classic festive dish.
Lasagne Verdi Alla Bolognese
Green spinach pasta layered with ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano. Bologna's traditional baked lasagna is richer and more refined than many versions abroad.
I Portici Restaurant
Elegant Michelin-starred restaurant serving refined Emilian cuisine in a polished, intimate space within central Bologna.
Salumeria Simoni
Traditional deli and wine bar famed for mortadella, cheeses, fresh pasta, and informal counter dining in the Quadrilatero market area.
Trattoria Da Me
Historic trattoria known for classic Bolognese pasta, cured meats, and traditional dining rooms with a warm, old-city atmosphere.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Italy: stays and dining are cheaper than Rome or Milan, while transit is affordable and tourist-center prices stay manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or street food.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. Service may be included. Round up or leave €1-2 at cafes, 5-10% in restaurants for great service, and round up taxi fares.
Roger
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.50
- Day pass
- €6.00
To the city center
Bologna Stazione Centrale -> Piazza Maggiore, Bologna
- Distance
- 1.4 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Contactless bank card payment is available on TPER buses in Bologna; buy before boarding if using paper or app tickets.
- Validate paper tickets when boarding. City tickets are time-limited, so check the validity shown on the ticket or in the app.
FAQs: Bus from Cologne to Bologna
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Bologna 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 Bologna, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Cologne to Bologna can start from as little as $65 (€53) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cologne to Bologna is $96 (€79) ; 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 Bologna is 15h 15m to travel the 489 miles (787 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 Bologna leaves at 1:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cologne to Bologna leaves at 11:30 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Cologne to Bologna with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Cologne to Bologna, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Bologna. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cologne and Bologna 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, Köln, ZOB . When arriving in Bologna , you can end your journey in bus stations like Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen), which is located around 8 miles (13 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre), located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Bologna from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 15h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cologne to Bologna is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Bologna including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cologne to Bologna:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cologne to Bologna for bus company FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Bologna are:
- Piazza Maggiore, a central square surrounded by historic buildings and a hub for local events
- Two Towers, iconic medieval towers offering panoramic views of the city
- Basilica di San Petronio, a grand Gothic church known for its unfinished facade and impressive interior
- Archiginnasio of Bologna, a historic university building with a stunning anatomical theater and library
- Santo Stefano, a complex of religious buildings known as the Seven Churches with unique architectural features.
The best things to do in Bologna include:
- Piazza Maggiore, the central square surrounded by historic buildings and lively cafes
- Two Towers, iconic medieval towers offering panoramic views of the city
- Basilica di San Petronio, a grand church with impressive architecture and art
- Archiginnasio of Bologna, a historic university building with a stunning anatomical theater
- Mercato di Mezzo, a bustling market offering local delicacies and fresh produce.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cologne to Bologna depends on the bus companies:
- 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.
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 Bologna.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cologne to Bologna:
- 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 Bologna:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Cologne to Bologna. 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 Bologna with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cologne to Bologna with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cologne to Bologna with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since both Cologne and Bologna 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 flight as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Bologna among Omio's users.
Italy uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards for most payments, especially in cities and larger establishments, but carrying some cash is advisable for small shops, markets, and rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Bologna, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like train stations and popular tourist spots. Scams involving fake charity collectors or unofficial taxi drivers offering overpriced rides can also occur. It's advisable to use licensed taxis and keep personal belongings secure to avoid common safety issues.
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.
Most popular bus connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Bologna
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bologna and Cologne
Most popular bus connections to Bologna
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