- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts Ghent
Major fine arts museum with Flemish masters, Belgian art, and rotating exhibitions. Essential for understanding Ghent's artistic heritage.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$24
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$31
Fastest journey on Sep 19
5 h 20 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
6 h 11 m
Buses on Sep 19
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 $31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $24.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 5 buses from Cologne to Ghent, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 227 km distance in an average of 6 h 11 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 20 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 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+
FlixTrain
FlixBus
FlixBus
50429 · 1671
FlixBus
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
50429 · 1671Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Ghent among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $37 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 8m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $37, while a flight costs an average of $623.
Distance: 141 miles (227 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$37 Average price Cheapest | $623 Average price | $89 Average price | $52 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 8m Average total duration 5h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 23m Average total duration 2h 23m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 8m Average total duration Fastest 2h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 $52 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Ghent costing on average $89.
A bus is $586 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Ghent costing on average $623.
Other travel options to Ghent take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 38m.
Bus takes on average 5h 38m.
Tickets start at around $37 compared to roughly $52 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $15. The journey takes 5h 38m 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 Everyday | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 01:35PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:01PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 5h39 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $24 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Ghent buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
50429 · 1671 | 11:55 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 8h30 | 8:25 PM Gent, Ghent | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:00 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 5h40 | 8:40 PM Gent, Ghent | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 3:01 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h39 | 8:40 PM Gent, Ghent | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
FlixBus | 3:05 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 5h20 | 8:25 AM Gent, Ghent | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:15 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 5h45 | 3:00 PM Gent, Ghent | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 5h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $16 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 30m.
Distance 141 miles (227 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 4h 30m |
First bus 2:05 AM |
Last bus 9:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 35 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, Belgian art, and rotating exhibitions. Essential for understanding Ghent's artistic heritage.
Bold contemporary art museum beside the fine arts museum, known for modern Belgian and international works and ambitious temporary shows.
Museum in the former Bijloke abbey and hospital complex exploring the city's history through objects, stories, and changing exhibitions.
Historic quay lined with guild houses and river views. It is Ghent's signature postcard scene and one of the best places for a stroll.
Opposite the Graslei, this elegant quay offers classic canal panoramas, boat departures, and some of the city's finest evening views.
Lively square in the medieval core surrounded by major landmarks. A practical meeting point and excellent base for exploring central Ghent.
A creamy Gentian stew of chicken or veal with mushrooms, meatballs and white wine, traditionally served with fries or bread.
A rich mash of potatoes with carrots and onions, often served with sausage or bacon; a classic hearty Flemish comfort dish.
A smooth mustard from nearby East Flanders, known for its strong fresh heat and traditional stone-ground character.
City brewery and taproom pouring house-brewed gruut beers with a relaxed atmosphere and good introduction to Ghent beer culture.
Historic brasserie in central Ghent known for refined Belgian classics, seafood and elegant Art Nouveau surroundings.
Traditional restaurant focused on East Flemish cuisine, especially waterzooi and other regional dishes, in a warm classic setting.
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels and dining are mid-priced, while transit is reasonable. Cheaper than Brussels in some areas, but pricier than smaller Belgian cities.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Round up for taxis, and small change is enough at cafes.
Official public transport app
Gent-Sint-Pieters -> 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.
Gent, Ghent is 1 km from Ghent city centre. Public transport options include:
Gent, Ghent has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Gent, Ghent. ATMs are available at Gent, Ghent.
Ticket office support is available at Gent, Ghent.
Available at Gent, Ghent: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gent, Ghent: Limited accessibility features for disabled persons.
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