- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK)
Major fine arts museum with Flemish masters, modern works, and one of Belgium’s oldest public art collections.
Cheapest price
$32
Average price
$46
Fastest journey
5 h 20 m
Average duration
6 h 27 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
227 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Ghent is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Ghent will cost around $46 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
Of the 5 buses that leave Cologne for Ghent on Sat, Jun 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 227 km distance in an average of 6 h 27 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 20 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 8 h 30 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.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
50429 · 1671
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
50429 · 1671Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Ghent among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 37m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, and a flight costs an average of $191.
Distance: 141 miles (227 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$30 Average price Cheapest | $99 Average price | $637 Average price | $52 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 58m Average total duration 4h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 7m Average total duration Fastest 2h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 30m Average total duration 5h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Ghent:
A bus is $68 (€56) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Ghent costing on average $99 (€81).
A bus is $607 (€497) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Ghent costing on average $637 (€522).
Other travel options to Ghent take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 28m.
Flight takes on average 5h 30m.
Tickets start at around $30 (€25) compared to roughly $52 (€43) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $22 (€18). The journey takes 4h 28m versus 3h 12m 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, BlaBlaCar, Union Ivkoni International.
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 03:05AM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $32 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Ghent buses for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 3:05 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 5h20 | 8:25 AM Gent, Ghent | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:15 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 5h45 | 3:00 PM Gent, Ghent | 0 transfersDirect | |
50429 · 1671 | 11:55 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 8h30 | 8:25 PM Gent, Ghent | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:20 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 7h20 | 8:40 PM Gent, Ghent | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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 Ghent run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 (€15) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:05, the last at 21:15. The fastest bus covers the 141 miles (227 km) distance in 4h 50m.
Distance 141 miles (227 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€15) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 4h 50m |
First bus 2:05 AM |
Last bus 9:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Ghent — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ghent trip today.
Major fine arts museum with Flemish masters, modern works, and one of Belgium’s oldest public art collections.
Leading contemporary art museum in Ghent, known for Belgian and international modern and experimental exhibitions.
Well-regarded design museum combining decorative arts, furniture, and contemporary design in a historic setting.
Ghent’s most famous quays, lined with guild houses and waterside views. Essential for walking, photos, and evening atmosphere.
Historic quarter of narrow lanes and old houses, loved for its intimate character and local feel.
Central square surrounded by major monuments, tram connections, and constant city-center activity.
Ghent’s signature creamy stew, traditionally made with fish and now often with chicken, vegetables, cream, and egg yolk. It is one of the city’s most iconic comfort dishes.
A classic Flemish beef stew slowly braised in dark Belgian beer, often served with fries. It is a beloved hearty dish across Flanders and very common in Ghent.
Cone-shaped Ghent candies, also called cuberdons, with a firm outer shell and a soft raspberry-flavored center. They are one of the city’s best-known sweet specialties.
Popular modern fine-dining restaurant offering creative seasonal tasting menus in a relaxed contemporary setting.
Traditional restaurant known for refined Belgian cuisine and classic hospitality, suitable for trying regional dishes in a quieter setting.
Well-known brasserie on the historic Graslei, serving Belgian classics such as waterzooi and Flemish stew in a scenic canal-side setting.
Moderate by Belgian standards. Budget eats are affordable, while hotels and dinner in central areas cost more.
Service is usually included. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for very good service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Gent-Sint-Pieters, Ghent -> Korenmarkt, Ghent
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Ghent 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 Ghent, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Ghent buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Gent, Ghent station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Ghent 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need