- Must visit
Uffizi Gallery
World-famous gallery with Botticelli, Leonardo, and Michelangelo. Essential for understanding Renaissance painting and one of Florence’s top visits.
Cheapest price on Sep 17
$94
Average ticket price on Sep 17
$106
Fastest journey on Sep 17
16 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
18 h 42 m
Buses on Sep 17
9
Distance
860 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Florence is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Florence will cost around $106 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $94.
On Thu, Sep 17, we found 9 buses from Cologne to Florence, including 1 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 17 the direct buses cover the 860 km distance in an average of 18 h 42 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 16 h 50 m .
On Thu, Sep 17 the slowest buses will take 19 h 45 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 · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Florence among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $117 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 38m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the bus is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.9 - 2.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $117, while a flight costs an average of $599.
Distance: 534 miles (860 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$117 Average price Cheapest | $599 Average price | $99 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
18h 43m Average total duration 18h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 38m Average total duration Fastest 2h 38m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 11h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.9 - 2.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.6 - 5.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Florence:
A bus is $482 (€392) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Florence costing on average $599 (€487).
Other travel options to Florence take longer:
Bus takes on average 18h 13m.
Tickets start at around $117 (€95) compared to roughly $99 (€80) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-17.80 (€-14.47). The journey takes 18h 13m versus 11h 43m 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.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 20h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:14AM | Arrival Time 09:05AM | Duration 24h51 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 19h15 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 18h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 09:05AM | Duration 19h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 19h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:14PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 25h36 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 19h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator RegioJet a.s. | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 39h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 16h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 23h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 20h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 25h25 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $94 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Florence buses for today, Wednesday, September 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:05 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 21h55 | 9:00 PM Florence, Guidoni Tram T2 | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:05 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 23h55 | 11:00 PM Firenze, Piazzale Montelungo | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:30 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 20h05 | 7:35 PM Scandicci, Villa Costanza (Florence) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 25h25 | 1:00 AM Firenze, Piazzale Montelungo | 2 transfers | |
| Thursday, September 17 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:50 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 18h10 | 11:00 PM Scandicci, Villa Costanza (Florence) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:50 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 20h10 | 1:00 AM Firenze, Piazzale Montelungo | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:45 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 19h15 | 6:00 AM Scandicci, Villa Costanza (Florence) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 19h30 | 9:05 AM Scandicci, Villa Costanza (Florence) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:40 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 19h45 | 10:25 AM Scandicci, Villa Costanza (Florence) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 Florence run on average 10 times per day, taking around 18h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $57 (€46) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by flight.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 534 miles (860 km) distance in 15h 40m.
Distance 534 miles (860 km) |
Average bus duration 18h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $57 (€46) |
Buses per day 10 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 15h 40m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Florence — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Florence trip today.
World-famous gallery with Botticelli, Leonardo, and Michelangelo. Essential for understanding Renaissance painting and one of Florence’s top visits.
Houses Michelangelo’s David alongside major Renaissance sculptures. A must for first-time visitors interested in Florence’s artistic legacy.
Monastic museum with Fra Angelico frescoes and tranquil cells. Ideal for experiencing spiritual art in one of Florence’s most atmospheric spaces.
Florence’s monumental main square, framed by civic buildings and sculpture. A must for first impressions, history, and lively urban atmosphere.
The cathedral square is Florence’s ceremonial heart, surrounded by the Duomo, Baptistery, and bell tower. Essential for architecture lovers.
Riverside viewpoint with one of Florence’s classic panoramas. Best at sunset for sweeping views over the Arno, domes, and historic center.
Thick Florentine T-bone steak from Chianina beef, grilled rare over coals. It is the city's signature celebratory dish and a classic of Tuscan cuisine.
A rustic Tuscan bread soup with black cabbage, cannellini beans, vegetables, and olive oil. A beloved frugal dish rooted in Florentine home cooking.
A thick soup of bread, tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil, served warm or at room temperature. It celebrates simple Tuscan ingredients and stale bread.
Three-Michelin-star fine dining by Enoteca Pinchiorri, known for refined Italian cuisine and an exceptional wine cellar. Elegant and formal.
Legendary casual stop for Lampredotto sandwiches and other tripe specialties. Simple, authentic street food experience in central Florence.
Historic steakhouse famed for Bistecca Alla Fiorentina and classic Tuscan dishes. Traditional, bustling atmosphere near Santa Croce.
Moderate for Italy: hotels in the center are pricier, but dining and transit are reasonable versus Rome or Venice.
Service is often included. Round up or leave €1-2 at cafés, 5-10% for great restaurant service, and round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Firenze Santa Maria Novella -> Firenze Santa Maria Novella
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Florence 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 Florence, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Florence buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Scandicci, Villa Costanza (Firenze) station pair, with some services arriving at Firenze, Piazzale Montelungo. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Florence 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.
Köln, ZOB is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln, ZOB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria im ZOB (in the station), McDonald's (0.2 km), Vapiano (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Köln, ZOB.
Available at Köln, ZOB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, ZOB: Elevators, ramps.
Scandicci, Villa Costanza (Firenze) is 1 km from Florence city centre. Public transport options include:
Scandicci, Villa Costanza (Firenze) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Scandicci, Villa Costanza (Firenze).
Available at Scandicci, Villa Costanza (Firenze): Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Scandicci, Villa Costanza (Firenze): Elevators, ramps.
Firenze, Piazzale Montelungo is 1 km from Florence city centre. Public transport options include:
Firenze, Piazzale Montelungo 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.
Ticket office support is available at Firenze, Piazzale Montelungo.
Available at Firenze, Piazzale Montelungo: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Firenze, Piazzale Montelungo: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need