Are there accessibility options when taking a bus from Cologne to Karlsruhe?

Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cologne to Karlsruhe: FlixBus Assistance Priority boarding Wheelchair-accessible buses.

Is luggage included in the bus ticket price from Cologne to Karlsruhe?

Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cologne to Karlsruhe: FlixBus One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).

Can I bring my pet on board the bus from Cologne to Karlsruhe?

Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Cologne to Karlsruhe. The following conditions apply: FlixBus Small pets in carriers allowed guide dogs travel for free.

COLOGNE to KARLSRUHE bus from €15 with FlixBus

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

4.9

42K ratings

Google Play

4.6

136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest buses from Cologne to Karlsruhe

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19

Cheapest price on Sep 19

€19

Average ticket price on Sep 19

€20

Fastest journey on Sep 19

4 h 20 m

Average journey duration on Sep 19

4 h 28 m

Buses on Sep 19

Distance

238 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Karlsruhe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cologne to Karlsruhe will cost around €20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €19.

Fast buses

On Sat, Sep 19, we found 8 buses from Cologne to Karlsruhe, including 8 direct services.

On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 238 km distance in an average of 4 h 28 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 20 m .

On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 4 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.

FlixBus
6:35 PM4h20
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
10:55 PMKarlsruhe Hbf
€191One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus
10:20 PM4h40
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
3:00 AMKarlsruhe Hbf
€191One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus
1:35 PM4h30
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
6:05 PMKarlsruhe Hbf
€191One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus
11:30 PM4h20
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
3:50 AMKarlsruhe Hbf
€191One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus
4:50 AM4h35
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
9:25 AMKarlsruhe Hbf
€201One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cologne to Karlsruhe

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €26 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 53m. 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 €26, while a train costs an average of €73.

Distance: 147 miles (238 km)

Compare bus with

Bus	Most popular Train	Driving
€26 Average price Cheapest	€73 Average price	€46 Average price (fuel + tolls)
5h 30m Average total duration 5h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	2h 53m Average total duration Fastest 2h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	3h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door)
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions	0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Karlsruhe is a bus with an average price of €26.

This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Karlsruhe:

A bus is €47 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Karlsruhe costing on average €73.

The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Karlsruhe is by train with an average journey time of 2h 23m.

Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 0m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne and Karlsruhe including taking a train and bus.

We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Karlsruhe 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 €26 compared to roughly €46 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €20. The journey takes 5h 0m versus 3h 14m 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.

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 Karlsruhe Bus Timetables

Operator	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Duration	Departure days	Cheapest price
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 04:50AM	Arrival Time 09:25AM	Duration 4h35	Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun	Cheapest price €15
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 08:15AM	Arrival Time 01:55PM	Duration 5h40	Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun	Cheapest price €16
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 08:20AM	Arrival Time 11:20AM	Duration 3h00	Departure days Sat	Cheapest price €21
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 08:30AM	Arrival Time 11:30AM	Duration 3h00	Departure days Sat	Cheapest price €24
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 10:00AM	Arrival Time 01:30PM	Duration 3h30	Departure days Sat	Cheapest price €24
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 10:45AM	Arrival Time 04:10PM	Duration 5h25	Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun	Cheapest price €21
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 11:00AM	Arrival Time 01:10PM	Duration 2h10	Departure days Fri	Cheapest price €21
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 11:10AM	Arrival Time 02:30PM	Duration 3h20	Departure days Sat	Cheapest price €26
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 11:35AM	Arrival Time 04:05PM	Duration 4h30	Departure days Tue, Thu	Cheapest price €19
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 12:35PM	Arrival Time 05:05PM	Duration 4h30	Departure days Tue, Thu	Cheapest price €16
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 01:35PM	Arrival Time 06:05PM	Duration 4h30	Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun	Cheapest price €14
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 02:50PM	Arrival Time 05:20PM	Duration 2h30	Departure days Fri	Cheapest price €24
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 03:00PM	Arrival Time 06:40PM	Duration 3h40	Departure days Fri	Cheapest price €21
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 03:35PM	Arrival Time 08:10PM	Duration 4h35	Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun	Cheapest price €15
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 04:35PM	Arrival Time 08:55PM	Duration 4h20	Departure days Tue, Thu	Cheapest price €19
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 05:10PM	Arrival Time 10:50PM	Duration 5h40	Departure days Thu	Cheapest price €17
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 05:20PM	Arrival Time 09:05PM	Duration 3h45	Departure days Fri	Cheapest price €18
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 05:35PM	Arrival Time 09:55PM	Duration 4h20	Departure days Tue, Thu	Cheapest price €17
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 06:35PM	Arrival Time 10:55PM	Duration 4h20	Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun	Cheapest price €14
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 07:30PM	Arrival Time 10:40PM	Duration 3h10	Departure days Fri	Cheapest price €21
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 08:20PM	Arrival Time 01:00AM	Duration 4h40	Departure days Thu	Cheapest price €78
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 08:40PM	Arrival Time 11:30PM	Duration 2h50	Departure days Mon	Cheapest price €21
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 09:30PM	Arrival Time 12:50AM	Duration 3h20	Departure days Sat	Cheapest price €20
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 10:20PM	Arrival Time 03:00AM	Duration 4h40	Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun	Cheapest price €15
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 11:30PM	Arrival Time 03:50AM	Duration 4h20	Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun	Cheapest price €15

Live departures

Cologne to Karlsruhe bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Karlsruhe 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
FlixBus	8:15 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)	5h40	1:55 PM Karlsruhe Hbf	0 transfersDirect
FlixBus	10:45 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)	5h25	4:10 PM Karlsruhe Hbf	0 transfersDirect
FlixBus	1:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)	4h30	6:05 PM Karlsruhe Hbf	0 transfersDirect
FlixBus+FlixTrain	1:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)	5h52	7:27 PM Karlsruhe Hbf	1 transfer
FlixBus	3:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)	4h35	8:10 PM Karlsruhe Hbf	0 transfersDirect
FlixBus	6:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)	4h20	10:55 PM Karlsruhe Hbf	0 transfersDirect
FlixBus	10:20 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)	4h40	3:00 AM Karlsruhe Hbf	0 transfersDirect
FlixBus	11:30 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)	4h20	3:50 AM Karlsruhe Hbf	0 transfersDirect
Saturday, September 19
FlixBus	4:50 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)	4h35	9:25 AM Karlsruhe Hbf	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 Karlsruhe 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.

Sat
Sep 19

Sun
Sep 20

Mon
Sep 21

Tue
Sep 22

Wed
Sep 23

Thu
Sep 24

Fri
Sep 25

Why should you book Cologne to Karlsruhe buses with Omio?

FlixBus operates all buses services from Cologne to Karlsruhe.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Karlsruhe.

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 Karlsruhe.

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 Karlsruhe.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cologne to Karlsruhe

Germany

Buses from Cologne to Karlsruhe run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €14 if you book in advance.

There are 7 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 147 miles (238 km) distance in 4h 5m.

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

147 miles (238 km)

Average bus duration

5h 0m

Cheapest ticket price

€14

Buses per day

Direct buses

Fastest bus

4h 5m

First bus

12:25 AM

Last bus

11:55 PM

Cheapest Month

Sep

Cheapest Day

Wed

High Season

Oct - Dec

Low Season

Jan - Mar

Busiest Day

Tue

Least Busy Day

Sun

Best time to book

21 days

Price information

Bus providers: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus from Cologne to KarlsruheYou can travel by bus between Cologne to Karlsruhe with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus for as low as €14. 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

4h 5m

Cheapest FlixBus Price

€14

FlixBus frequency

8 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.

Learn more about FlixBus

BlaBlaCar Bus

About

BlaBlaCar Bus (formerly known as Ouibus or iDBUS) is a long-distance coach company operating in 10 European countries and connecting over 300 destinations. A subsidiary of the French carpooling company BlaBlaCar, it offers comfortable travel with standard amenities such as air conditioning, toilets, USB and power outlets for charging devices, extra legroom, and adjustable seats. Free Wi-Fi is available on select routes. BlaBlaCar Bus offers only a Standard ticket type, which allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and up to two checked bags per person.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average BlaBlaCar Bus Duration

16h 10m

Cheapest BlaBlaCar Bus Price

€58

BlaBlaCar Bus frequency

1 a day

Luggage included

One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.

Additional luggage

Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.

Amenities on board the bus

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Seat reservation

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating options.

Bikes

Bikes are allowed; additional fees may apply.

Learn more about BlaBlaCar Bus

Complete guide to Karlsruhe

Things to do in Karlsruhe

Discover the best of Karlsruhe — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Karlsruhe trip today.

Must visit

Badisches Landesmuseum

Major regional museum inside Karlsruhe Palace, with archaeology, applied arts, and cultural history collections.

View on map Visit website

Must visit

ZKM | Center for Art and Media

Leading center for art and media with exhibitions on digital culture, contemporary art, and immersive technology.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe

State art museum showing works from old masters to modern periods in a distinguished historic setting.

View on map Visit website

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while transit is affordable and many casual meals stay reasonably priced.

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: €2.80-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. Add about 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes.

FAQs: Bus from Cologne to Karlsruhe

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Cheap bus tickets from Cologne to Karlsruhe can start from as little as €14 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cologne to Karlsruhe is €26 ; 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 Karlsruhe is 4h 5m to travel the 147 miles (238 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 Karlsruhe leaves at 12:25 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

The latest bus from Cologne to Karlsruhe leaves at 11:55 PM.

Yes, there are 7 direct buses a day from Cologne to Karlsruhe with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.

When taking a bus from Cologne to Karlsruhe, you can count on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar for the best way to get you to Karlsruhe. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cologne and Karlsruhe and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.

A trip to Karlsruhe from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.

The cheapest month for a bus from Cologne to Karlsruhe is September.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne and Karlsruhe including taking a train and bus.

Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cologne to Karlsruhe:

FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.

Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cologne to Karlsruhe for bus company FlixBus.

Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cologne to Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe.

Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cologne to Karlsruhe:

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 Karlsruhe:

FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.

Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Cologne to Karlsruhe. 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 Karlsruhe with the following bus company: FlixBus

Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cologne to Karlsruhe with the following bus company: FlixBus.

Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cologne to Karlsruhe with the following bus company: FlixBus.

Since both Cologne and Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport and popular tourist spots. Scams involving fake charity collectors and overcharging in taxis can occur, so it's advisable to use official transportation services and verify fares beforehand. Staying aware of surroundings and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe 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 Karlsruhe

Most Cologne to Karlsruhe buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Karlsruhe Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof (Südeingang). Use this guide to compare Cologne and Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe

Which Cologne station do buses to Karlsruhe leave from?

Buses from Cologne to Karlsruhe 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 Wifi

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.

More about Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)

Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)Kennedystrasse, 51147 Koln, Germany Wifi

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.