- Must visit
experimenta
Leading science center on artificial intelligence and innovation with interactive exhibitions; one of Heilbronn’s most popular contemporary attractions.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Cologne to Heilbronn
Showing times and prices for Jul 20
Cheapest price
$26
Average price
$38
Fastest journey
9 h 15 m
Average duration
9 h 43 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
257 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Heilbronn is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Heilbronn will cost around $38 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $26.
Fast buses
Of the 4 buses that leave Cologne for Heilbronn on Mon, Jul 20, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jul 20 the direct buses cover the 257 km distance in an average of 9 h 43 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 15 m .
On Mon, Jul 20 the slowest buses will take 10 h 35 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.
2:35 PM9h45Cologne12:20 AMHeilbronn$261One-way0 transfers- 10:30 PM9h15Cologne7:45 AMHeilbronn$341One-way0 transfers
- 4:55 PM10h35Cologne3:30 AMHeilbronn$341One-way0 transfers
- 9:30 PM9h15Cologne6:45 AMHeilbronn$571One-way0 transfers
- 10:30 PM9h15Cologne7:45 AMHeilbronn$341One-way0 transfers
- 9:30 PM9h15Cologne6:45 AMHeilbronn$571One-way0 transfers
- 2:35 PM9h45Cologne12:20 AMHeilbronn$261One-way0 transfers
- 4:55 PM10h35Cologne3:30 AMHeilbronn$341One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Heilbronn
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Heilbronn among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 34m. 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 $23, and a flight costs an average of $186.
Distance: 159 miles (257 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$36 Average price Cheapest | $86 Average price | $465 Average price | $57 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 23m Average total duration 4h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 4m Average total duration Fastest 3h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 39m Average total duration 3h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.5kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Cologne to Heilbronn is a bus with an average price of $36 (€30).
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Heilbronn:
A bus is $50 (€41) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Heilbronn costing on average $86 (€71).
A bus is $428 (€352) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Heilbronn costing on average $465 (€382).
The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Heilbronn is by train with an average journey time of 3h 34m.
Other travel options to Heilbronn take longer:
Flight takes on average 3h 39m.
Bus takes on average 4h 53m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Heilbronn including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Heilbronn 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 $36 (€30) compared to roughly $57 (€47) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $21 (€17). The journey takes 4h 53m versus 3h 26m 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 BlaBlaCar, 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 Heilbronn Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:00AM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:50AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 10h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 03:25PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:35AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 10h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 10h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Live departures
Cologne to Heilbronn bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Heilbronn buses for today, Sunday, July 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:35 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 5h50 | 4:25 PM Heilbronn, Hbf (Central station) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Heilbronn by train, bus, or flight
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.
Mon
Jul 20
Jul 20
Tue
Jul 21
Jul 21
Wed
Jul 22
Jul 22
Thu
Jul 23
Jul 23
Fri
Jul 24
Jul 24
Sat
Jul 25
Jul 25
Sun
Jul 26
Jul 26
Why should you book Cologne to Heilbronn buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Cologne to Heilbronn.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Heilbronn.
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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Heilbronn.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Heilbronn.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cologne to Heilbronn
GermanyGermany
Buses from Cologne to Heilbronn run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 159 miles (257 km) distance in 4h 20m.
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 159 miles (257 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 4h 20m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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
Bus providers: BlaBlaCar, FlixBus from Cologne to HeilbronnYou can travel by bus between Cologne to Heilbronn with BlaBlaCar, FlixBus for as low as $23 (€19). 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 Duration
4h 20m
Cheapest Price
$23 (€19)
FlixBus frequency
3 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.
BlaBlaCar
About
BlaBlaCar is a French online marketplace for carpooling, connecting drivers with empty seats and passengers traveling to the same destination to share costs. Founded in 2006, it operates in Europe and Latin America, boasting 26 million active members. The platform also includes BlaBlaCar Bus, an intercity bus service. BlaBlaCar's name comes from its rating system for drivers' chattiness: "Bla" for quiet, "BlaBla" for talkative, and "BlaBlaBla" for very chatty. The company aims to be the leading marketplace for shared travel, offering affordable and sustainable solutions by combining carpooling with bus journeys.
Luggage & cancellation policy
BlaBlaCar frequency
4 a day
Complete guide to Heilbronn
Things to do in Heilbronn
Discover the best of Heilbronn — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Heilbronn trip today.
- Recommended
Haus der Stadtgeschichte
City history museum covering Heilbronn’s past, reconstruction, and local identity inside a notable historic complex.
- Recommended
Kunsthalle Vogelmann
Art museum focused on 20th-century sculpture and painting, especially works by Wilhelm Lehmbruck and other modern artists.
- Must visit
Marktplatz
Main market square framed by major civic buildings and church views; a natural starting point for sightseeing in the old town.
- Must visit
Neckarbogen
Large urban green space with paths, lawns, and event areas on the former Bundesgartenschau grounds; very popular with locals.
- Recommended
Sülmerstraße
Central pedestrian avenue lined with shops and historic façades; the main urban promenade for exploring downtown Heilbronn.
Maultaschen
Maultaschen are Swabian pasta pockets filled with meat, spinach, and herbs. They are a regional staple often served in broth or fried with onions.
- Vegetarian
Spätzle
Spätzle are soft egg noodles central to Swabian cooking. In Heilbronn they appear as a side or as cheese-rich Käsespätzle in taverns and wine inns.
- Vegetarian
Käsespätzle
Käsespätzle combines fresh Spätzle with melted cheese and fried onions. It is a comforting Swabian classic widely eaten in southern Germany.
Restaurant Handelsgenossenschaft
Refined Michelin-starred dining with modern seasonal tasting menus and polished service in central Heilbronn.
Haus Des Weins
Historic wine tavern serving Swabian classics and local wines in a traditional, cozy setting near the old town.
Zum Ritter
Well-known local restaurant for regional German dishes, game, and Württemberg wines in an established, rustic atmosphere.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually lower than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transit and everyday costs stay manageable for most travelers.
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
- €2.80-4.20 for cappuccino or similar coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is often included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is standard. Round up for taxis and leave small change at cafes.
DB Navigator
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €3.40
- Day pass
- €7.10
To the city center
Heilbronn Hbf -> Heilbronn Marktplatz
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 8 min
- Buy HNV tickets in DB Navigator or at station machines before boarding; validation and fare rules depend on ticket type.
- Card payment is widely available at machines, but onboard bus sales and contactless acceptance can vary; keep a valid ticket before travel.
FAQs: Bus from Cologne to Heilbronn
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Heilbronn 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 Heilbronn, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Cologne to Heilbronn can start from as little as $23 (€19) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cologne to Heilbronn is $36 (€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 Heilbronn is 4h 20m to travel the 159 miles (257 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 Heilbronn leaves at 12:10 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cologne to Heilbronn leaves at 11:45 PM.
Yes, there are 3 direct buses a day from Cologne to Heilbronn with BlaBlaCar, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Cologne to Heilbronn, you can count on BlaBlaCar, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Heilbronn. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cologne and Heilbronn and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Heilbronn from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cologne to Heilbronn is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Heilbronn including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cologne to Heilbronn:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cologne to Heilbronn for bus company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cologne to Heilbronn 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 Heilbronn.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cologne to Heilbronn:
- 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 Heilbronn:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Cologne to Heilbronn. 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 Heilbronn with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cologne to Heilbronn with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cologne to Heilbronn with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since both Cologne and Heilbronn 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 train as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Heilbronn 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 Heilbronn, travelers should be aware of common urban safety concerns such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transportation. It's advisable to stay vigilant around major transport hubs and popular tourist spots. Scams are relatively rare but can include overcharging or unofficial taxi services, so using licensed providers is recommended. Overall, Heilbronn is considered a safe city, but standard precautions apply.
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.
Most popular bus connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Heilbronn
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Heilbronn and Cologne
Most popular bus connections to Heilbronn
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
