- Must visit
Old Synagogue Museum
Museum in the former synagogue with the famous Erfurt Treasure. It offers rare insight into medieval Jewish life and heritage.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cologne to Erfurt
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 23
Cheapest price on Oct 23
$47
Average ticket price on Oct 23
$49
Fastest journey on Oct 23
6 h 25 m
Average journey duration on Oct 23
6 h 38 m
Buses on Oct 23
2
Distance
286 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Erfurt is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Erfurt will cost around $49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Erfurt without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus2:20 AM6h50Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)9:10 AMErfurt, Busbahnhof 2$471One-way1 transfer- FlixBus · FlixBus10:20 PM6h25Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)4:45 AMErfurt, Busbahnhof 2$501One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus10:20 PM6h25Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)4:45 AMErfurt, Busbahnhof 2$501One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus2:20 AM6h50Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)9:10 AMErfurt, Busbahnhof 2$471One-way1 transfer
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cologne to Erfurt
GermanyGermany
Buses from Cologne to Erfurt run on average 2 times per day, taking around 5h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) but you can travel from only $22 (€18) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 02:10, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 177 miles (286 km) distance in 5h 5m.
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
Train from $22 (€18)
Distance 177 miles (286 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 5h 5m |
First bus 2:10 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Train from $22 (€18)
Frequently asked questions about your Cologne to Erfurt trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Cologne to Erfurt.
Cheap bus tickets from Cologne to Erfurt can start from as little as $23 (€19) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cologne to Erfurt is $42 (€35) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest bus from Cologne to Erfurt leaves at 2:10 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cologne to Erfurt leaves at 11:35 PM.
There are 2 buses a day from Cologne to Erfurt which require at least one change with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
Cologne to Erfurt Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:20AM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:20AM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 02:45AM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20PM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 02:50AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Live departures
Cologne to Erfurt bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Erfurt buses for today, Thursday, October 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:20 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 6h25 | 4:45 AM Erfurt, Busbahnhof 2 | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, October 23 | |||||
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:20 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 6h50 | 9:10 AM Erfurt, Busbahnhof 2 | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Cologne to Erfurt buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Cologne to Erfurt.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Erfurt.
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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Erfurt.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Erfurt.
Bus providers: FlixBus from Cologne to ErfurtYou can travel by bus between Cologne to Erfurt with FlixBus for as low as $22 (€18). 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 FlixBus Duration
5h 5m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$23 (€19)
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.
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Cologne and Erfurt
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
When taking a bus from Cologne to Erfurt, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Erfurt. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cologne and Erfurt and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cologne to Erfurt:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cologne to Erfurt for bus company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cologne to Erfurt 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 {providersWithBike}.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Cologne to Erfurt.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cologne to Erfurt:
- 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 Erfurt:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Cologne to Erfurt. 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 Erfurt with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cologne to Erfurt with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cologne to Erfurt with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Complete guide to Erfurt
Things to do in Erfurt
Discover the best of Erfurt — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Erfurt trip today.
- Recommended
Kunsthalle Erfurt
Major art museum in a former packing warehouse. It presents modern and contemporary exhibitions in one of Erfurt’s most celebrated cultural venues.
- Recommended
Erfurt City Museum
City museum tracing Erfurt’s history from medieval trade to modern times. A strong introduction to the city before exploring the old town.
- Must visit
Fischmarkt
Historic main square with Gothic town hall, colorful houses, and frequent events. It is one of the best places to feel Erfurt’s civic heart.
- Must visit
Erfurt Old Town
Historic old-town area of lanes, bridges, and merchant houses. Best explored without a plan, it captures Erfurt’s preserved medieval charm.
- Recommended
Anger
Elegant shopping boulevard and tram hub with historic facades. It is ideal for people-watching and understanding the city’s commercial center.
Thüringer Rostbratwurst
Thuringian grilled sausage, seasoned with marjoram and grilled over charcoal. It is Erfurt's signature street food and a protected regional specialty.
- Vegetarian
Zwiebelkuchen
A rustic onion tart with a savory filling of onions, eggs, and cream, often enjoyed in autumn with new wine in Thuringia.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Thüringer Klöße
Small potato dumplings, often served with roast dishes and gravy. They are a classic Thuringian side and a staple of local home cooking.
Clara - Restaurant im Kaisersaal
Historic fine dining restaurant in the old town, known for refined Thuringian and German cuisine in an elegant, traditional setting.
Gasthaus Feuerkugel
Traditional inn near the cathedral, popular for Thuringian classics, local beer, and a warm tavern atmosphere.
Altstadtkneipe No. 1 Zum Güldenen Rade
Well-known brewery restaurant serving house beer and hearty regional dishes in a lively, historic brewpub setting.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Germany: lodging, meals, and transit are usually cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, but pricier than many smaller towns.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for cappuccino or similar coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included, but rounding up or adding 5-10% is common. Tip cafes by rounding up and taxis by rounding up or about 10% for good service.
EVA Fahrinfo
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €3.00
- Day pass
- €6.80
To the city center
Erfurt, Busbahnhof 2 -> Erfurt Hauptbahnhof
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Validate paper tickets before boarding if they are not pre-printed with the time.
- Contactless card payment is available in many ticket machines, but onboard payment acceptance can vary.
Plan your visit to Erfurt
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 Erfurt.
Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.
In Erfurt, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like train stations and popular tourist spots. Scams involving overpriced taxis or unofficial guides may occur, so it’s advisable to use authorized services. Always keep an eye on personal belongings and avoid isolated streets at night for a safer experience.
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.
FAQs: Bus from Cologne to Erfurt
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Erfurt 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 Erfurt, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne and Erfurt including taking a bus and train.
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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Cologne to Erfurt
Most Cologne to Erfurt buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Erfurt, Busbahnhof 2 station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Erfurt bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Cologne
Arrival bus stations in Erfurt
Which Cologne station do buses to Erfurt leave from?
Buses from Cologne to Erfurt leave from Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen). The station is 8 miles (13 km) from Cologne city centre at Kennedystrasse, Koln, Germany.
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)Kennedystrasse, Koln, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) from Cologne city centre
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRe · 8m · $5 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 12m · $5
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) bus station facilities and services
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, and WC.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Parking, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Elevators, ramps.
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)Kennedystrasse, 51147 Koln, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) from Cologne city centre
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRe · 16m · $5 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 20m · $5
Re · 21m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 27m · $6
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) bus station facilities and services
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance and baggage claim area.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Elevators, ramps.
Erfurt, Busbahnhof 299084 Erfurt, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Erfurt, Busbahnhof 2 from Erfurt city centre
Bus9 · 3m · every ~2 min
TramN1, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 · 3m · every ~22 min
Erfurt, Busbahnhof 2 bus station facilities and services
Erfurt, Busbahnhof 2 has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Erfurt, Busbahnhof 2: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
More options for your journey from Cologne to Erfurt
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Erfurt and Cologne
Most popular bus connections to Erfurt
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