- Must visit
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
Major state gallery with important Emilian paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries, including works by Giotto, Raffaello, and the Carracci.
Cheapest price
$94
Average price
$100
Fastest journey
15 h 15 m
Average duration
16 h 44 m
Buses per day
9
Distance
787 km
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 $100 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $94.
Of the 9 buses that leave Cologne for Bologna on Thu, Jun 04, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jun 04 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 Thu, Jun 04 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 · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixTrain+
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio 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 $66. 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 $66, and a flight costs an average of $22.
Distance: 489 miles (787 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$98 Average price Cheapest | $258 Average price | $218 Average price | $90 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Bologna:
A bus is $121 (€98) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Bologna costing on average $218 (€176).
A bus is $161 (€130) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Bologna costing on average $258 (€209).
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Train takes on average 11h 44m.
Bus takes on average 16h 2m.
You'll arrive about -5h -59m sooner (16h 2m by bus vs 11h 3m by car) and save roughly $-7.59 (€-6.13) compared to fuel and tolls ($98 (€79) vs $90 (€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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 18h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 02:35AM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 17h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $186 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:50AM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 19h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $112 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 18h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:14AM | Arrival Time 05:30AM | Duration 23h16 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:14AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 22h31 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $191 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:01AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 21h44 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 16h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 20h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35AM | Arrival Time 04:25AM | Duration 16h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 27h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $126 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 17h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:14PM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 23h16 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 17h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:14PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 23h16 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:35PM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 18h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:35PM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 18h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 17h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator RegioJet a.s. | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 09:15AM | Duration 37h35 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $124 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 15h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 19h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $129 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 19h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $74 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Bologna buses for today, Wednesday, June 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 18h35 | 11:25 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 22h31 | 6:45 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 16h50 | 4:25 AM 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 | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 23h16 | 3:30 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:05 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 19h25 | 6:30 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, June 4 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:00 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 18h25 | 8:25 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 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.
Buses from Cologne to Bologna run on average 6 times per day, taking around 16h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $66 (€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.
Distance 489 miles (787 km) |
Average bus duration 16h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $66 (€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 |
Discover the best of Bologna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bologna trip today.
Major state gallery with important Emilian paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries, including works by Giotto, Raffaello, and the Carracci.
Bologna's leading modern and contemporary art museum, known for rotating exhibitions and the Morandi collection.
Important archaeological museum with Egyptian, Etruscan, Greek, and Roman collections in a historic palazzo near Piazza Maggiore.
Bologna's main square and social heart, surrounded by major civic buildings and a natural starting point for exploring the historic center.
Historic central district of narrow lanes behind Piazza Maggiore, popular for its atmosphere, old shops, and lively street scenes.
Famous porticoed route climbing from the city to San Luca, ideal for a memorable walk and one of Bologna's defining urban experiences.
Fresh egg tagliatelle served with Bologna’s classic slow-cooked meat ragù. It is one of the city’s signature dishes and a benchmark of traditional home cooking.
Small ring-shaped pasta filled with meat, traditionally served in rich capon or beef broth. It is a festive Bolognese specialty closely tied to local culinary identity.
Layered pasta baked with ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano Reggiano, often made with green spinach pasta sheets. It is a classic Sunday and holiday dish in Bologna.
Respected modern trattoria focused on high-quality regional ingredients, excellent pasta, and carefully prepared traditional Emilian dishes.
Well-known pasta shop and eatery specializing in fresh handmade stuffed pasta and traditional sauces, ideal for an informal authentic meal.
Historic Bolognese trattoria known for handmade pasta, tortellini, and other classic local dishes in a warm, traditional setting.
Moderate for Italy: budget eats are reasonable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service is often included or covered by coperto. Tipping is not required; round up or leave EUR 1-5 for good service. Taxis can be rounded up.
Official public transport app
Bologna Centrale, Bologna -> Piazza Maggiore, 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need