- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts
Hungary’s top fine arts museum, with major European works from antiquity to the 20th century. Ideal for classic painting, sculpture, and old masters.
Cheapest price
$93
Average price
$123
Fastest journey
15 h 20 m
Average duration
16 h 29 m
Buses per day
49
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 $123 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $93.
Of the 49 buses that leave Cologne for Budapest on Sat, Aug 15, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 15 the direct buses cover the 956 km distance in an average of 16 h 29 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 15 h 20 m .
On Sat, Aug 15 the slowest buses will take 17 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.
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FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio 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 $61. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 58m. 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 $61, and a flight costs an average of $102.
Distance: 594 miles (956 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$90 Average price Cheapest | $191 Average price | $524 Average price | $38 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 52m Average total duration 16h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 10m Average total duration 12h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 58m Average total duration Fastest 1h 58m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.0 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.9 - 5.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Budapest:
A bus is $101 (€82) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Budapest costing on average $191 (€156).
A bus is $434 (€353) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Budapest costing on average $524 (€427).
Other travel options to Budapest take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 40m.
Bus takes on average 16h 22m.
You'll arrive about -5h -39m sooner (16h 22m by bus vs 11h 43m by car) and save roughly $-52.00 (€-42.33) compared to fuel and tolls ($90 (€74) vs $38 (€31)). 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 02:20AM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 18h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10AM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 19h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 19h00 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $120 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:14AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 21h56 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 21h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:35AM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 19h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:01AM | Arrival Time 09:05AM | Duration 24h04 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 22h05 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 20h45 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:01AM | Arrival Time 11:15AM | Duration 24h14 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $128 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 05:05AM | Duration 18h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 20h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:07PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 18h03 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $102 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:55PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 17h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 23h00 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $114 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 18h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 10:15AM | Duration 18h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:07PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 19h03 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator FlixTrain | Departure Time 04:14PM | Arrival Time 11:15AM | Duration 19h01 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:14PM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 18h36 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 24h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 23h15 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 17h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator RegioJet a.s. | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 20h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 21h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 18h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $87 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Budapest buses for today, Friday, August 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixTrain+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:01 AM Cologne Hbf | 24h04 | 9:05 AM Budapest, Krisztina körút / Kosciuszkó Tádé utca | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:35 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 22h05 | 8:40 AM Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Kerepesi út) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:20 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 20h10 | 7:30 AM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:20 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 18h15 | 5:35 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:55 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 17h15 | 6:10 AM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 23h00 | 12:35 PM Budapest, Mexikói Út M | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus | 3:50 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 17h35 | 9:25 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:50 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 19h00 | 10:50 AM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:50 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 18h25 | 10:15 AM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 3:50 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 17h15 | 9:05 AM Budapest, Krisztina körút / Kosciuszkó Tádé utca | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 23h15 | 5:50 PM Budapest, Mexikói Út M | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 17h20 | 12:55 PM Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Kerepesi út) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 17h35 | 1:10 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 17h35 | 1:10 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 20h00 | 3:35 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 transfer | |
(Amsterdam -> Prague) · (Prague -> Budapest) | 7:40 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 20h55 | 4:35 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
(Amsterdam -> Prague) · (Prague -> Budapest) | 7:40 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 20h35 | 4:15 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 18h35 | 6:10 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 18h15 | 5:50 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 21h20 | 8:55 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:20 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 18h35 | 8:55 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:20 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 19h25 | 9:45 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:20 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 18h35 | 8:55 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:20 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 19h25 | 9:45 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:10 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 19h35 | 10:45 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:10 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 20h25 | 11:35 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:10 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 20h25 | 11:35 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:10 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 19h35 | 10:45 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 19h00 | 11:50 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:50 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 19h00 | 11:50 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
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 Budapest run on average 21 times per day, taking around 16h 22m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $61 (€50) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 594 miles (956 km) distance in 17h 15m.
Distance 594 miles (956 km) |
Average bus duration 16h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $61 (€50) |
Buses per day 21 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 17h 15m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 70 days |
Discover the best of Budapest — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Budapest trip today.
Hungary’s top fine arts museum, with major European works from antiquity to the 20th century. Ideal for classic painting, sculpture, and old masters.
Leading contemporary art museum with strong Hungarian and international shows. Worth visiting for bold exhibitions in a landmark modern building.
National museum covering Hungarian history, archaeology, and statehood. A classic stop for understanding the country beyond Budapest’s landmarks.
UNESCO-listed castle quarter of cobbled streets, courtyards, and viewpoints. Best for atmosphere, heritage walks, and some of Budapest’s finest vistas.
Elegant Andrássy Avenue links the center with Heroes’ Square through palaces and shops. A grand boulevard ideal for walking and historic city views.
Large central park with boating lake, baths, museums, and promenades. A versatile area for families, relaxed walks, and major city attractions.
A rich paprika beef soup with potatoes and vegetables. It is Hungary’s signature comfort dish and a staple in homes and traditional inns.
Slow-cooked beef stew with lots of onion and paprika, usually served with nokedli. A classic example of deep Hungarian paprika flavor.
River fish soup, often carp-based, cooked with hot paprika. It is especially traditional along the Danube and at festive family meals.
Refined Hungarian dining in a historic building, with updated national classics and strong wine service in a formal atmosphere.
Michelin-starred fine dining with a modern tasting menu rooted in Hungarian ingredients. Stylish, intimate, and one of Budapest’s top tables.
Traditional Hungarian restaurant known for goulash, pörkölt, and live music. Warm, old-style atmosphere near the city center.
Moderate for Europe: stays and dining are cheaper than in Western capitals, while central hotels and tourist areas cost more. Transit is good value.
About 10% is common in restaurants if no service charge is added. Round up for taxis and leave small change or round up at cafes.
Official public transport app
Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar -> Deák Ferenc tér
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.

Most Cologne to Budapest buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar station pair, with some services arriving at Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Budapest 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.
Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar is 5 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Népliget (in the station), Gulyás Tér (0.5 km), Pesti Burger (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar.
Available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar: Elevators, ramps.
Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás is 4 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Kelenföld (in the station), Bistro Budapest (0.5 km), Café Central (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás.
Available at Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need