- Recommended
Stadtmuseum Erlangen
The city's main museum presents Erlangen's Huguenot origins, urban growth, and everyday life through objects, models, and changing exhibitions.
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Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cologne to Erlangen
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Erlangen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €30 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 25m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €30, while a train costs an average of €79.
Distance: 201 miles (324 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€30 Average price Cheapest | €79 Average price | €58 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 22m Average total duration 5h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration Fastest 3h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Erlangen is a bus with an average price of €30.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Erlangen:
A bus is €49 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Erlangen costing on average €79.
The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Erlangen is by train with an average journey time of 3h 55m.
Other travel options to Erlangen take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 52m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne and Erlangen including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Erlangen 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 €30 compared to roughly €58 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €29. The journey takes 5h 52m versus 4h 4m 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 Erlangen Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10AM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:35AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €29 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €30 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price €21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €29 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 12:01AM | Duration 5h26 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 01:01AM | Duration 5h26 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €29 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator RegioJet a.s. | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €25 |
Live departures
Cologne to Erlangen bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Erlangen buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 10:35 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 6h15 | 4:50 PM Erlangen, Busbahnhof | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 3:50 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 5h55 | 9:45 PM Erlangen, Busbahnhof | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 7:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 5h26 | 1:01 AM Erlangen, Busbahnhof | 0 transfersDirect | |
 (Amsterdam -> Prague) | 7:40 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 5h30 | 1:10 AM Nürnberg, ZOB | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Erlangen by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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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Why should you book Cologne to Erlangen buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Cologne to Erlangen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Erlangen.
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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Erlangen.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Erlangen.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cologne to Erlangen
GermanyGermany
Buses from Cologne to Erlangen run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 52m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €19 if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:20, the last at 23:00. The fastest bus covers the 201 miles (324 km) distance in 5h 26m.
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
Distance 201 miles (324 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price €19 |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 5h 26m |
First bus 2:20 AM |
Last bus 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 4 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
Bus providers: FlixBus from Cologne to ErlangenYou can travel by bus between Cologne to Erlangen with FlixBus for as low as €36. 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 26m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
€19
FlixBus frequency
4 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 Erlangen
Things to do in Erlangen
Discover the best of Erlangen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Erlangen trip today.
- Recommended
Medizinhistorisches Museum Erlangen
Museum on medical history and anatomy at the university. It is a niche but fascinating stop for science, medicine, and research heritage.
- Recommended
Kunstpalais
Art space in a historic tower showing contemporary exhibitions. It is a local favorite for small-scale, thoughtful programs in an unusual venue.
- Must visit
Schlossgarten
Formal baroque palace garden with broad lawns, sculptures, and event spaces. It is Erlangen's classic promenade and a top place to relax.
- Must visit
Botanischer Garten
University botanical garden with outdoor collections and greenhouses. A peaceful, educational retreat close to the historic center.
- Recommended
Schlossplatz
Large central square framed by major civic buildings. It hosts events and offers the best overall view of Erlangen's planned baroque layout.
Schäufele
Smoked pork shoulder cured with spices and slow-cooked. A Franconian specialty often served with sauerkraut and bread or dumplings.
Fränkische Bratwurst
Coarse Franconian bratwurst, usually grilled and served with sauerkraut or potato salad. It is a classic local pub and beer garden dish.
- Vegetarian
Fränkische Klöße
Potato dumplings common across Franconia, served with roasts and rich gravy. They are a staple of traditional Sunday meals.
Schlotfeger
Established fine dining restaurant with a Michelin-level reputation. Expect seasonal tasting menus and polished modern service.
Steinbach Bräu
Historic brewery inn known for Franconian classics and house-brewed beer. Traditional atmosphere and a reliable choice in the old town.
Kulmbacher Bierkeller
Well-known traditional venue serving Franconian and Bavarian dishes with its own beer. Rustic setting and popular beer garden.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are mid-priced, local transit is reasonable, and student-oriented spots help keep daily tourist costs manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.80-4.20 for cappuccino or similar coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes.
VGN Fahrplan & Tickets
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €3.00
- Day pass
- €9.70
To the city center
Erlangen, Busbahnhof -> Erlangen, Hugenottenplatz
- Distance
- 500 m
- Travel time
- 7 min
- Contactless card payment is available on many VGN ticket machines and in the VGN app, but not reliably on board every bus. Buy your ticket before boarding when possible.
- Erlangen city buses are part of VGN. Validate paper tickets if required, and use the VGN app for route planning and mobile tickets.
FAQs: Bus from Cologne to Erlangen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Erlangen 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 Erlangen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Cologne to Erlangen can start from as little as €19 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cologne to Erlangen is €30 ; 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 Erlangen is 5h 26m to travel the 201 miles (324 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 Erlangen leaves at 2:20 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cologne to Erlangen leaves at 11:00 PM.
Yes, there are 4 direct buses a day from Cologne to Erlangen with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Cologne to Erlangen, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Erlangen. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cologne and Erlangen 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), Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) . When arriving in Erlangen , you can end your journey in bus stations like Erlangen, Busbahnhof .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 Erlangen, Busbahnhof, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Erlangen from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 26m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cologne to Erlangen is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne and Erlangen including taking a train and bus.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cologne to Erlangen for bus company FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cologne to Erlangen:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cologne to Erlangen 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 Erlangen.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cologne to Erlangen:
- 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 Erlangen:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Cologne to Erlangen. 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 Erlangen with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cologne to Erlangen with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cologne to Erlangen with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since both Cologne and Erlangen 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 Erlangen among Omio's users.
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 Erlangen, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing in crowded areas such as markets and public transport. While the city is generally safe, it is advisable to stay alert in busy spots and avoid displaying valuables openly. Scams are rare but travelers should be wary of unofficial taxi services and always use licensed providers. Staying informed about local safety guidelines enhances a secure 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 Erlangen
Most Cologne to Erlangen buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Erlangen, Busbahnhof station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Erlangen 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 Erlangen
Which Cologne station do buses to Erlangen leave from?
Buses from Cologne to Erlangen 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 · €4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 12m · €4
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 · €4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 20m · €4
Re · 21m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 27m · €5
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.
Which Erlangen station do buses from Cologne arrive at?
Buses from Cologne to Erlangen arrive at Erlangen, Busbahnhof. Erlangen, Busbahnhof is from Erlangen city centre.
Erlangen, BusbahnhofErlangen, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Erlangen, Busbahnhof from Erlangen city centre
Bus295, 290, 289 · 4m · €3 · every ~14 min
Erlangen, Busbahnhof bus station facilities and services
Erlangen, Busbahnhof has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Erlangen, Busbahnhof. ATMs are available at Erlangen, Busbahnhof.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Erlangen, Busbahnhof.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Erlangen, Busbahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Erlangen, Busbahnhof: Accessible ramps available for disabled travelers.
Most popular bus connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Erlangen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Erlangen and Cologne
Most popular bus connections to Erlangen
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