- 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.
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 $124 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $104.
On Fri, Nov 13, we found 29 buses from Cologne to Budapest, including 4 direct services.
On Fri, Nov 13 the direct buses cover the 956 km distance in an average of 16 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 15 h 21 m .
On Fri, Nov 13 the slowest buses will take 17 h 20 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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Buses from Cologne to Budapest run on average 20 times per day, taking around 17h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $47 (€40) but you can travel from only $24 (€20) by flight.
There are 2 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 15h 10m.
Distance 594 miles (956 km) |
Average bus duration 17h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 (€40) |
Buses per day 20 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 15h 10m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 35 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Cologne to Budapest.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:20AM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 18h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 19h00 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 21h20 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:01AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 21h09 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 22h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 20h45 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $102 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:01AM | Arrival Time 09:05AM | Duration 22h04 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $120 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 18h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:58AM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 18h27 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:05PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 18h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator FlixTrain | Departure Time 12:14PM | Arrival Time 12:55PM | Duration 24h41 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:14PM | Arrival Time 08:50AM | Duration 20h36 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 18h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:01PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 20h09 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $143 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 20h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:14PM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 23h21 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:01PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 20h44 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 23h25 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 17h35 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator RegioJet a.s. | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 20h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 21h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:55PM | Arrival Time 01:16PM | Duration 15h21 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 18h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $65 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Budapest buses for today, Thursday, November 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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) | 17h50 | 1:25 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 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 | 9:00 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 21h45 | 6:45 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 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) | 21h20 | 8:55 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 18h15 | 5:50 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, November 13 | |||||
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) | 18h25 | 8:45 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:20 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 18h41 | 9:01 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 9:01 AM Cologne Hbf | 21h09 | 6:10 AM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 9:01 AM Cologne Hbf | 21h24 | 6:25 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 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 · FlixBus | 12:05 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 20h35 | 8:40 AM Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Kerepesi út) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:05 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 18h20 | 6:25 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:05 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 18h05 | 6:10 AM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 12:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 20h36 | 8:50 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 12:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 22h36 | 10:50 AM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 3:01 PM Cologne Hbf | 20h09 | 11:10 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 3:01 PM Cologne Hbf | 19h49 | 10:50 AM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:50 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 19h00 | 10:50 AM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 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 | 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) | 18h25 | 10:15 AM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 4:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 21h31 | 1:45 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 4:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 21h02 | 1:16 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 4:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 20h56 | 1:10 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 2 transfers | |
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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.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in 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.

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.
Check bus stations information for Cologne and Budapest, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need