The cheapest and fastest buses from Cologne to Budapest
Cheapest price
$155
Average price
$185
Fastest journey
17 h 15 m
Average duration
17 h 34 m
Buses per day
22
Distance
956 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Budapest is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Budapest will cost around $185 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $155.
Of the 22 buses that leave Cologne for Budapest on Sun, Dec 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Dec 21 the direct buses cover the 956 km distance in an average of 17 h 34 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 17 h 15 m .
On Sun, Dec 21 the slowest buses will take 17 h 56 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
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixTrain+
FlixBusTravel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Budapest
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Budapest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €48. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 1m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €48, and a flight costs an average of €42.
Distance: 594 miles (956 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€82 Average price Cheapest | €162 Average price | €267 Average price |
18h 10m Average total duration 17h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 29m Average total duration 10h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 1m Average total duration Fastest 2h 1m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
1.0 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.9 - 5.7kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Cologne to Budapest Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15AM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 18h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $128 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50AM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 18h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $145 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 05:05AM | Duration 20h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $133 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 19h35 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $141 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $156 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 05:05AM | Duration 18h00 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $148 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 20h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $137 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:14PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 17h56 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:55PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 17h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $131 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 15h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $196 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 20h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:14PM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 18h46 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $126 |
Operator FlixTrain | Departure Time 04:14PM | Arrival Time 11:16AM | Duration 19h02 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $137 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 24h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $133 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 17h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $146 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 21h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $141 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 21h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $128 |
Live departures
Cologne to Budapest bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Budapest buses for today, Saturday, December 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 17h50 | 12:25 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 20h00 | 2:35 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 17h35 | 12:10 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:00 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 21h45 | 5:45 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 17h45 | 4:20 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 21h10 | 7:45 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 18h05 | 4:40 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, December 21 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:15 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 18h30 | 7:45 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 18h40 | 8:30 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 18h55 | 8:45 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:40 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 20h50 | 6:30 AM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 10:05 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 18h00 | 4:05 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 11:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 17h56 | 5:10 AM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 11:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 18h11 | 5:25 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:55 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 17h15 | 5:10 AM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 2:50 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 17h15 | 8:05 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:50 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 20h00 | 10:50 AM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:50 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 18h25 | 9:15 AM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 19h02 | 10:16 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 3:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 18h46 | 10:00 AM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 19h36 | 10:50 AM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:00 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 24h50 | 4:50 PM Budapest, Mexikói Út M | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Budapest 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 Budapest
Buses from Cologne to Budapest run on average 21 times per day, taking around 17h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $60 (€48) but you can travel from only $52 (€42) by flight.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 594 miles (956 km) distance in 15h 20m.
Distance 594 miles (956 km) |
Average bus duration 17h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $60 (€48) |
Buses per day 21 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 15h 20m |
First bus 00:25 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Bus providers: FlixBus, Karat-S from Cologne to BudapestYou can travel by bus between Cologne to Budapest with FlixBus, Karat-S for as low as $52 (€42). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Karat-S
FAQs: Bus from Cologne to Budapest
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Budapest 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 Budapest, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Karat-S
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible restrooms.
- Buda Castle, a historic castle complex offering panoramic views of the city and housing the Budapest History Museum
- Parliament Building, an iconic Gothic Revival structure situated on the Danube River, known for its stunning architecture and guided tours
- Fisherman's Bastion, a neo-Gothic terrace providing picturesque views of the Danube and Pest
- St. Stephen's Basilica, a grand cathedral named after Hungary's first king, featuring a beautiful interior and panoramic dome views
- Heroes' Square, a major square in Budapest noted for its iconic statues and the Millennium Monument.
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath, one of the largest and most popular thermal bath complexes in Europe
- Explore the vibrant Great Market Hall, offering a variety of local foods and crafts
- Take a scenic cruise on the Danube River, providing unique views of Budapest's landmarks
- Visit the House of Terror Museum, which commemorates the victims of the fascist and communist regimes in Hungary
- Enjoy a performance at the Hungarian State Opera House, renowned for its stunning architecture and world-class productions.
- 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.
- Karat-S
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. No refunds for cancellations within 24 hours.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Cologne to Budapest, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Karat-S
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg (55x40x20) and one checked bag up to 25kg (70x50x30).
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Karat-S
- 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
- Karat-S
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- Larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Cologne to Budapest
- Free Wi-Fi
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- 00:00-23:59
- Free Wi-Fi
- Available outside Terminal 2 arrivals area.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: SB60 Train: S13, S19
- 05:30-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafeteria Népliget (in the station)
- Gulyás Tér (0.5 km)
- Pesti Burger (0.7 km).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available near the entrance.
- Bus: 103, 254E, 901, 918 Metro: M3
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafeteria Kelenföld (in the station)
- Bistro Budapest (0.5 km)
- Café Central (0.7 km).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 7, 103, 114, 213, 214 Metro: M4 Train: Suburban Railway
Most popular bus connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Budapest
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