- Must visit
National Museum of Art of Romania
Romania’s leading fine-arts museum in the former Royal Palace, with major Romanian and European collections.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Cologne to Bucharest
Showing times and prices for Jun 20
Cheapest price
$95
Average price
$111
Fastest journey
1 d 6 h 55 m
Average duration
1 d 10 h 50 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
1599 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Bucharest is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Bucharest will cost around $111 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $95.
Fast buses
Of the 7 buses that leave Cologne for Bucharest on Sat, Jun 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 1599 km distance in an average of 1 d 10 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 6 h 55 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 1 d 12 h 40 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.
FlixBus1:50 PM30h55Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)9:45 PMBucurești, Autogara Militari$951One-way0 transfers- FlixBus · FlixBus2:20 AM36h55Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)4:15 PMBucurești, Autogara Militari$1101One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus11:35 PM36h40Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)1:15 PMBucurești, Autogara Militari$1101One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus7:35 PM33h55Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)6:30 AMBucurești, Autogara Militari$1111One-way1 transfer
FlixTrain+FlixBus · FlixBus4:14 PM37h16Cologne Hbf6:30 AMBucurești, Autogara Militari$1121One-way2 transfers
- FlixBus1:50 PM30h55Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)9:45 PMBucurești, Autogara Militari$951One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus7:35 PM33h55Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)6:30 AMBucurești, Autogara Militari$1111One-way1 transfer
- FlixTrain+FlixBus · FlixBus12:14 PM36h11Cologne Hbf1:25 AMBucurești, Autogara Militari$1201One-way2 transfers
- FlixTrain+FlixBus · FlixBus8:14 AM36h31Cologne Hbf9:45 PMBucurești, Autogara Militari$1171One-way2 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus11:35 PM36h40Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)1:15 PMBucurești, Autogara Militari$1101One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Bucharest
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Bucharest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $70. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 9m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.6 - 4.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $70, and a train costs an average of $508.
Distance: 993 miles (1599 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$123 Average price Cheapest | $229 Average price | $508 Average price | $392 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
32h 13m Average total duration 31h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 9m Average total duration Fastest 3h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 28h 57m Average total duration 28h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 21h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.6 - 4.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 4.8 - 9.6kg CO2 emissions | - 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Cologne to Bucharest is a bus with an average price of $123 (€101).
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Bucharest:
A bus is $105 (€86) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Bucharest costing on average $229 (€187).
A bus is $385 (€315) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Bucharest costing on average $508 (€416).
The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Bucharest is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 9m.
Other travel options to Bucharest take longer:
Train takes on average 28h 27m.
Bus takes on average 31h 43m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Bucharest including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Bucharest among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $123 (€101) compared to roughly $392 (€321) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $269 (€220). The journey takes 31h 43m versus 21h 33m 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.
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.
Cologne to Bucharest Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:20AM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 36h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:14AM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 36h41 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 33h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 33h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $107 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:14PM | Arrival Time 01:25AM | Duration 36h11 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $120 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 30h55 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:14PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 52h31 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $121 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:14PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 37h16 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 33h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 10:15AM | Duration 36h40 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $131 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 11:15AM | Duration 36h40 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 36h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $93 |
Live departures
Cologne to Bucharest bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Bucharest buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus+FlixTrain | 12:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 36h11 | 1:25 AM București, Autogara Militari | 2 transfers | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 33h55 | 6:30 AM București, Autogara Militari | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 36h40 | 1:15 PM București, Autogara Militari | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:20 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 36h55 | 4:15 PM București, Autogara Militari | 1 transfer | |
| FlixTrain+FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 36h31 | 9:45 PM București, Autogara Militari | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Bucharest 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.
Sat
Jun 20
Jun 20
Sun
Jun 21
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27
Jun 27
Sun
Jun 28
Jun 28
Mon
Jun 29
Jun 29
Tue
Jun 30
Jun 30
Wed
Jul 01
Jul 01
Thu
Jul 02
Jul 02
Fri
Jul 03
Jul 03
Sat
Jul 04
Jul 04
Sun
Jul 05
Jul 05
Mon
Jul 06
Jul 06
Tue
Jul 07
Jul 07
Wed
Jul 08
Jul 08
Thu
Jul 09
Jul 09
Fri
Jul 10
Jul 10
Why should you book Cologne to Bucharest buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Cologne to Bucharest.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Bucharest.
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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Bucharest.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Bucharest.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cologne to Bucharest
Germany
Romania
Buses from Cologne to Bucharest run on average 2 times per day, taking around 31h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $70 (€58) but you can travel from only $54 (€44) by flight.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:10, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 993 miles (1599 km) distance in 30h 55m.
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 $54 (€44)
Distance 993 miles (1599 km) |
Average bus duration 31h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $70 (€58) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 30h 55m |
First bus 1:10 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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 $54 (€44)
Bus providers: FlixBus from Cologne to BucharestYou can travel by bus between Cologne to Bucharest with FlixBus for as low as $54 (€44). 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
30h 55m
Cheapest Price
$80 (€65)
FlixBus frequency
2 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 Bucharest
Things to do in Bucharest
Discover the best of Bucharest — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bucharest trip today.
- Must visit
Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History
One of Bucharest’s most popular museums, known for natural history exhibits and family-friendly dinosaur displays.
- Recommended
The National Museum of the Romanian Peasant
A distinctive museum of rural life, folk art, costumes, icons, and traditional crafts, highly regarded for its curation.
- Must visit
Lipscani and Bucharest Old Town
The city’s historic core with lively pedestrian streets, heritage buildings, churches, and one of the best walking areas.
- Must visit
Calea Victoriei
Bucharest’s most famous boulevard, lined with landmarks, grand architecture, hotels, and popular strolling spots.
- Must visit
Herăstrău Park
Bucharest’s largest well-known park, centered on a lake and popular for walking, boating, and relaxed green space.
- Gluten-free
Sarmale
Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork and rice, slowly cooked and traditionally served with polenta and sour cream. A staple of Romanian festive meals.
- Gluten-free
Mici
Skinless grilled minced meat rolls seasoned with garlic and spices, usually eaten with mustard and bread. One of the most iconic street and beer-garden foods in Bucharest.
- Gluten-free
Ciorbă De Burtă
A rich sour tripe soup finished with cream, garlic, and vinegar. It is one of Romania’s most famous traditional soups and widely loved in Bucharest.
Lacrimi Și Sfinți
Well-regarded restaurant focused on refined Romanian cuisine inspired by regional traditions, with a stylish setting and strong local identity.
Caru' Cu Bere
Historic Bucharest restaurant in a grand old beer hall, famous for classic Romanian dishes, house beer, and lively traditional atmosphere.
Zexe Zahana
Established venue known for carefully prepared Romanian food, including traditional recipes, quality ingredients, and a polished but welcoming atmosphere.
Romanian Leu
Affordable for most tourists. Meals, coffee, and local transport cost less than in many Western European capitals.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- RON 25-45 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- RON 60-120 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- RON 180-350+ per person at upscale venues.
- Coffee
- RON 12-20 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
About 10% in restaurants if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Small tips are appreciated for hotel staff.
Info Transport Bucharest
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 3 RON
- Day pass
- 8 RON
To the city center
Bucharest Filaret Bus Station -> Piața Unirii, Bucharest
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Tap your contactless bank card directly on STB buses, trams, and trolleybuses where validators support card payment.
- Use the official app to check routes and live arrivals, and buy a day pass if you plan multiple trips in one day.
FAQs: Bus from Cologne to Bucharest
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Bucharest 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 Bucharest, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Cologne to Bucharest can start from as little as $70 (€58) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cologne to Bucharest is $123 (€101) ; 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 Bucharest is 30h 55m to travel the 993 miles (1599 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 Bucharest leaves at 1:10 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cologne to Bucharest leaves at 11:35 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Cologne to Bucharest with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Cologne to Bucharest, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Bucharest. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cologne and Bucharest 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), Leverkusen, Bf Mitte, Bergisch Gladbach, Busbahnhof (Bensberg U), Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) . When arriving in Bucharest , you can end your journey in bus stations like București, Autogara Militari .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 București, Autogara Militari, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Bucharest from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 30h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cologne to Bucharest is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Bucharest including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cologne to Bucharest:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cologne to Bucharest for bus company FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Bucharest are:
- Palace of the Parliament, the world's heaviest building and a symbol of Romania's communist era
- Romanian Athenaeum, an iconic concert hall known for its stunning neoclassical architecture
- Village Museum, an open-air museum showcasing traditional Romanian village life and architecture
- Herăstrău Park, a large public park offering recreational activities and scenic views
- Old Town, a historic district filled with vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and cultural landmarks.
The best things to do in Bucharest include:
- Explore the National Museum of Art of Romania, housing an extensive collection of Romanian and European art
- Take a leisurely stroll through Cismigiu Gardens, the oldest public garden in Bucharest
- Enjoy a guided tour of the Palace of the Parliament, a colossal government building and architectural marvel
- Attend a concert or event at the Romanian Athenaeum, a cultural hub in the city
- Discover the vibrant atmosphere and historic charm of Bucharest's Old Town.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cologne to Bucharest 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 Bucharest.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cologne to Bucharest:
- 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 Bucharest:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Cologne to Bucharest. 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 Bucharest with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cologne to Bucharest with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cologne to Bucharest with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since both Cologne and Bucharest 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Bucharest among Omio's users.
The currency used in Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON). Travelers often find it convenient to use cards for most purchases, especially in cities and larger establishments, though carrying some cash is recommended for small vendors, rural areas, and transportation where card acceptance may be limited.
In Bucharest, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets, public transport, and tourist attractions. Common scams include taxi drivers overcharging or taking longer routes, so using authorized taxi services or ride-hailing apps is recommended. Additionally, travelers should avoid unofficial currency exchange booths to prevent counterfeit bills. Staying vigilant in busy places and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Cologne to Bucharest
Cologne
Bucharest
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 Bucharest.
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
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 00:00-23:59
Distance to city center
13 kmCar connection
KennedystrasseWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Taxis
- Available outside Terminal 2 arrivals area
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station
Public transit options for Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
- Bus: SB60 Train: S13, S19
The major bus station for arrivals in Bucharest is București, Autogara Militari. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at București, Autogara Militari for your trip to Bucharest from Cologne.
Most popular bus connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Bucharest
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bucharest and Cologne
Most popular bus connections to Bucharest
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
