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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cologne to Bologna
Showing times and prices for Dec 05
Cheapest price
$87
Average price
$106
Fastest journey
15 h 15 m
Average duration
17 h 2 m
Buses per day
8
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 $106 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $87.
Fast buses
Of the 8 buses that leave Cologne for Bologna on Fri, Dec 05, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Dec 05 the direct buses cover the 787 km distance in an average of 17 h 2 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 15 h 15 m .
On Fri, Dec 05 the slowest buses will take 19 h 15 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.
FlixBus07:55PM15h15
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)11:10AMBologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)
$871One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus · FlixBus11:15PM19h15
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)06:30PMBologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)
$921One-way
1 transfer
FlixTrain+FlixBus · FlixBus06:13AM21h32
Cologne Hbf03:45AMBologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)
$961One-way
2 transfers
FlixBus · FlixBus01:40PM17h50
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)07:30AMBologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)
$961One-way
1 transfer
FlixBus · FlixBus11:35AM16h10
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)03:45AMBologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)
$961One-way
1 transfer
FlixBus07:55PM15h15
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)11:10AMBologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)
$871One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus · FlixBus11:35AM16h10
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)03:45AMBologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)
$961One-way
1 transfer
FlixBus · FlixBus04:50AM16h40
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)09:30PMBologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)
$1101One-way
1 transfer
FlixBus · FlixBus01:40PM17h50
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)07:30AMBologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)
$961One-way
1 transfer
FlixBus · FlixBus11:15PM19h15
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)06:30PMBologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)
$921One-way
1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, 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 €49. 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 €49, and a flight costs an average of €25.
Distance: 489 miles (787 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train |
|---|---|---|
€98 Average price Cheapest | €201 Average price | €183 Average price |
17h 8m Average total duration 16h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 46m Average total duration Fastest 1h 46m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 20m Average total duration 11h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Cologne to Bologna Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 16h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:13AM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 21h32 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:51AM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 20h54 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:14AM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 21h16 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 16h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35AM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 16h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 27h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $146 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 17h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 18h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:14PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 23h16 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 17h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator Regiojet | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 09:15AM | Duration 37h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $180 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 15h15 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 19h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $83 |
Live departures
Cologne to Bologna bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Bologna buses for today, Thursday, December 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 11:35 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1:25 PM Cologne | 23h30 | 12:55 PM Bologna | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:55 PM Cologne | 15h15 | 9:10 AM Bologna | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:15 PM Cologne | 19h10 | 4:25 PM Bologna | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, December 5 | |||||
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 16h40 | 8:30 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixTrain+FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:13 AM Cologne Hbf | 21h32 | 2:45 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 2 transfers | |
| FlixTrain+FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 21h16 | 6:30 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 2 transfers | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:35 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 16h10 | 2:45 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
| 50429 · 4787 | 10:55 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 27h00 | 1:55 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 train, bus, or flight
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.
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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 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $61 (€49) but you can travel from only $31 (€25) by flight.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:46, 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 $31 (€25)
Distance 489 miles (787 km) |
Average bus duration 16h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $61 (€49) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 15h 15m |
First bus 00:46 |
Last bus 23:30 |
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 $31 (€25)
Bus providers: FlixBus, Infobus from Cologne to BolognaYou can travel by bus between Cologne to Bologna with FlixBus, Infobus for as low as $31 (€25). 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
$61 (€49)
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.
Infobus
About
Infobus is an international IT company that operates as an online service for finding and purchasing bus, train, and plane tickets, rather than being a bus company itself. Established in 2002, Infobus acts as an intermediary between passengers and various transport carriers, particularly helping smaller bus companies offer online booking services. They utilize their own "BusSystem" to manage routes and ticket sales globally. Infobus covers over 30 countries and 300 cities, offering a wide range of routes and daily departures. While amenities can vary by carrier, Infobus aims to provide affordable and convenient travel with features like online booking, 24/7 support, and prompt notifications.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
17h 30m
Cheapest Price
$176 (€142)
Infobus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; may require prior reservation and an additional fee.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets may require a separate ticket.
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 $52 (€42) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cologne to Bologna is $98 (€79); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The bus time to Bologna from Cologne is on average 15 h 10 min for the 488 mile (787 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go from Cologne to Bologna by bus can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Cologne to Bologna leaves at 12: 46AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last bus from Cologne to Bologna leaves at 11: 30PM.
There are 5 buses a day from Cologne to Bologna which require at least one change with FlixBus or Infobus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
For the journey from Cologne to Bologna you can take a bus with FlixBus or Infobus. Be sure to check out all possible bus companies that offer services to Bologna from Cologne on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
The cheapest month to travel from Cologne to Bologna by bus is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel from Cologne to Bologna including taking a train, bus or flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cologne to Bologna:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cologne to Bologna for bus companies FlixBus and Infobus.
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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus providers FlixBus and Infobus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cologne to Bologna depends on the bus providers:
- 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.
- Infobus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Cologne to Bologna, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
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).
- Infobus
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
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.
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
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.
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- Larger pets may require a separate ticket.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Cologne to Bologna with the following bus providers: FlixBus and Infobus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cologne to Bologna with the following bus companies: FlixBus and Infobus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cologne to Bologna with the following bus companies: FlixBus and Infobus.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Cologne to Bologna
Cologne
Bologna
The major bus station for departures in Cologne is Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) for your trip from Cologne to Bologna.
Amenities at bus station
Wifi
Parking
ATM
Accessibility
WCinformation
Distance to city center
13 km
Car connection
KennedystraßeWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Amenities at bus station
WifiParking
DiningATM
TaxisAccessibilityWC
Ticket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 00:00-23:59
Distance to city center
1 kmCar connection
Breslauer PlatzWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafeteria Köln Hbf (in the station)
- Local Cuisine Express (in the station)
- Fast Food Corner (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Köln, Hbf
- Bus: 132, 133, 250, 260 Metro: U5, U16, U18 Train: S6, S11, S12, S13
Köln, ZOB
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-22:00
Distance to city center
1 kmCar connection
Breslauer PlatzWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafeteria im ZOB (in the station)
- McDonald's (0.2 km)
- Vapiano (0.5 km).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Köln, ZOB
- Bus: 132, 133, 250 Metro: U5, U18 Train: S6, S11, S12
The major bus station for arrivals in Bologna is Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) for your trip to Bologna from Cologne.
Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 05:30-23:00
Distance to city center
1 kmCar connection
Piazza XX SettembreWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafeteria Autostazione (in the station)
- Trattoria del Rosso (0.5 km)
- Osteria Broccaindosso (0.7 km).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)
- Bus: 11, 21, 25, 30 Train: Bologna Centrale
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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