- 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.
Cheapest price on Sep 02
$83
Average ticket price on Sep 02
$96
Fastest journey on Sep 02
16 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Sep 02
17 h 32 m
Buses on Sep 02
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 $96 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $83.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Bologna without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixTrain+
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 an average ticket price of $116 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 21m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $116, while a flight costs an average of $508.
Distance: 489 miles (787 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$116 Average price Cheapest | $508 Average price | $171 Average price | $90 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
17h 19m Average total duration 16h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration Fastest 2h 21m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 11h 41m Average total duration 11h 11m 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 $55 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Bologna costing on average $171.
A bus is $393 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Bologna costing on average $508.
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Train takes on average 11h 11m.
Bus takes on average 16h 49m.
You'll arrive about -6h -46m sooner (16h 49m by bus vs 11h 3m by car) and save roughly $-26.20 compared to fuel and tolls ($116 vs $90). 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 Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 18h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator OneBus | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 17h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $122 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:48AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 22h57 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $139 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:14AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 22h31 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $129 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:38AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 22h07 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35AM | Arrival Time 04:25AM | Duration 16h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 27h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $133 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 17h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 17h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 23h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $102 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:14PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 23h16 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $115 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 17h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator RegioJet a.s. | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 09:15AM | Duration 37h35 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 15h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 19h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $83 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Bologna buses for today, Tuesday, September 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 17h10 | 6:45 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:40 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 17h45 | 8:25 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 3:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 23h55 | 3:30 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 17h30 | 12:05 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:05 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 19h10 | 6:15 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:00 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 18h25 | 8:25 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:50 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 18h35 | 11:25 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 8:38 AM Cologne Hbf | 22h07 | 6:45 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 16h50 | 4:25 AM 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 7 times per day, taking around 16h 49m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $58 but you can travel from only $21 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 14h 35m.
Distance 489 miles (787 km) |
Average bus duration 16h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $58 |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 14h 35m |
First bus 1:00 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Bologna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bologna trip today.
Leading city museum with major Italian paintings from the Middle Ages to modern times, essential for understanding Bologna's art history.
Archaeological museum with rich Egyptian, Etruscan, Greek, and Roman collections in a central historic palace.
Museum of Bologna's urban history using objects, rooms, and multimedia to trace the city from antiquity to today.
Bologna's main square, surrounded by landmark buildings and always lively, ideal for architecture, people-watching, and orientation.
Historic market quarter with narrow lanes, medieval character, and vibrant street life just behind Piazza Maggiore.
Long portico route climbing toward San Luca, UNESCO-listed and perfect for a memorable urban walk with changing views.
Handmade egg pasta ribbons traditionally served with slow-cooked ragù. A defining Bolognese dish protected by local culinary tradition.
Small ring-shaped stuffed pasta, usually filled with pork and Parmigiano Reggiano, served in rich capon or beef broth. A classic festive dish.
Green spinach pasta layered with ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano. Bologna's traditional baked lasagna is richer and more refined than many versions abroad.
Elegant Michelin-starred restaurant serving refined Emilian cuisine in a polished, intimate space within central Bologna.
Traditional deli and wine bar famed for mortadella, cheeses, fresh pasta, and informal counter dining in the Quadrilatero market area.
Historic trattoria known for classic Bolognese pasta, cured meats, and traditional dining rooms with a warm, old-city atmosphere.
Moderate for Italy: stays and dining are cheaper than Rome or Milan, while transit is affordable and tourist-center prices stay manageable.
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.
Official public transport app
Bologna Stazione Centrale -> 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.

Most Cologne to Bologna buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Bologna 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.
Köln, ZOB is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln, ZOB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria im ZOB (in the station), McDonald's (0.2 km), Vapiano (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Köln, ZOB.
Available at Köln, ZOB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, ZOB: Elevators, ramps.
Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) is 1 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Autostazione (in the station), Trattoria del Rosso (0.5 km), Osteria Broccaindosso (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre).
Available at Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre): Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need