- Must visit
Musical Instruments Museum
Major museum in an Art Nouveau landmark with an outstanding collection of instruments from around the world and panoramic rooftop views.








Cheapest price
$28
Average price
$39
Fastest journey
3h 25m
Average duration
4h 2m
Buses per day
8
Distance
195 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Brussels among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 35m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $15, and a flight costs an average of $261.
Distance: 113 miles (183 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$25 Average price Cheapest | $88 Average price | $690 Average price | $41 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 28m Average total duration 2h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 5m Average total duration Fastest 2h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 21m Average total duration 7h 21m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Brussels:
A bus is $63 (€52) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Brussels costing on average $88 (€72).
A bus is $665 (€547) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Brussels costing on average $690 (€568).
Other travel options to Brussels take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 58m.
Flight takes on average 7h 21m.
Tickets start at around $25 (€20) compared to roughly $41 (€33) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $16 (€13). The journey takes 2h 58m versus 2h 41m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, BlaBlaCar, Union Ivkoni International.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:05AM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 10:40AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 03:25AM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 03:35AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Brussels buses for today, Sunday, July 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 3:05 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 4h15 | 7:20 AM Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:15 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 4h40 | 1:55 PM Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) | 0 transfersDirect | |
50457 | 9:25 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 3h25 | 12:50 PM Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) | 0 transfersDirect | |
50429 | 11:55 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 3h45 | 3:40 PM Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) | 0 transfersDirect | |
52120 | 3:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 3h50 | 7:25 PM Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:30 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 5h15 | 1:45 AM Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) | 0 transfersDirect | |
50449 | 11:00 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 3h25 | 2:25 AM Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:55 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 3h40 | 3:35 AM Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Cologne to Brussels run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $15 (€12) if you book in advance.
There are 8 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 113 miles (183 km) distance in 3h 25m.
Distance 113 miles (183 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 (€12) |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 8 |
Fastest bus 3h 25m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Brussels — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Brussels trip today.
Major museum in an Art Nouveau landmark with an outstanding collection of instruments from around the world and panoramic rooftop views.
Leading museum dedicated to René Magritte, presenting a large collection of surrealist works in the Royal Museums complex.
Flagship fine arts museums covering Flemish masters, Belgian art, and major temporary exhibitions in central Brussels.
Elegant 19th-century covered arcade lined with historic shops and cafes, popular for architecture, strolling, and photos.
Terraced garden and viewpoint with one of the most recognizable panoramas in central Brussels.
Stylish square known for antiques, architecture, and an upscale yet distinctly Brussels atmosphere.
Mussels steamed with white wine, celery, and herbs, served with fries. It is one of Belgium’s most iconic comfort dishes and a staple in Brussels brasseries.
A traditional Belgian beef and onion stew slowly cooked with dark Belgian beer, often slightly sweet-sour and served with fries or bread.
A rustic Brussels side dish of mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables such as carrots, leeks, or spinach, commonly served with sausage or meat dishes.
One of Brussels’ most famous fine dining institutions, celebrated for refined Belgian-French cuisine and elegant historic interiors.
Popular traditional restaurant known for generous Belgian comfort food, beer-based dishes, and an informal, bustling atmosphere.
Historic, long-running brasserie best known for moules-frites and classic Belgian dishes in a lively central setting.
Brussels is pricier than many Belgian cities. Hotels and dining add up, but transit and casual eats are manageable.
Service is usually included. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for great service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares; small tips are optional at cafes and bars.
Official public transport app
Brussels South (Gare du Midi), Brussels -> Brussels-Central, Brussels
Buses in Europe are an affordable way to travel between cities. Numerous companies offer a variety of domestic and international bus routes. Buses from Cologne to Brussels are operated by Eurolines and Flixbus, with direct journey times of between 2½ and 4½ hours. There are approximately 14 bus departures a day, from about 1:30 a.m. until 11:40 p.m.
Return buses from Brussels to Cologne | Compare all modes of traveling from Cologne to Brussels | More about buses to Brussels
Average prices for buses from Cologne to Brussels when you book in advance
Booking Period |
Average Price |
|---|---|
Same Day |
€13 |
1 Day in Advance |
€12 |
1 Week in Advance |
€12 |
2 Weeks in Advance |
€11 |
1 Month in Advance |
€11 |
3 Months in Advance |
€11 |
Cologne to Brussels Buses: General Information
While buses are slower than both flights and trains, they are also significantly cheaper. Travelers should book Cologne to Brussels buses as far in advance as possible in order to find the best deal.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Brussels 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 Brussels, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Brussels buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) station pair, with some services arriving at Brussels-Noord. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Brussels 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.
Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) is 2 km from Brussels city centre. Public transport options include:
Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Midi (in the station), Belgian Bites (in the station), Fritland Express (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and throughout the station.
Ticket office support is available at Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi).
Available at Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi): Elevators, ramps.
Brussels-Noord is 1 km from Brussels city centre. Public transport options include:
Brussels-Noord has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Noord (in the station), Quick Brussels Noord (in the station), Le Pain Quotidien (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Brussels-Noord.
Available at Brussels-Noord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Brussels-Noord: Elevators, ramps.
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