Cologne to Karlsruhe bus with FlixBus

Sat, Jun 20
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cologne to Karlsruhe

Showing times and prices for Jun 20

Cheapest price

$32

Average price

$46

Fastest journey

4 h 20 m

Average duration

4 h 28 m

Buses per day

9

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 $46 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.

Fast buses

Of the 9 buses that leave Cologne for Karlsruhe on Sat, Jun 20, 8 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 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, Jun 20 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    6:35 PM4h20
    Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)
    10:55 PMKarlsruhe Hbf
    $321One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    3:35 PM4h35
    Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)
    8:10 PMKarlsruhe Hbf
    $321One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    11:30 PM4h20
    Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)
    3:50 AMKarlsruhe Hbf
    $341One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    10:20 PM4h40
    Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)
    3:00 AMKarlsruhe Hbf
    $341One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    1:35 PM4h30
    Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)
    6:05 PMKarlsruhe Hbf
    $351One-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 prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 29m. 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 $18, and a train costs an average of $20.

Distance: 147 miles (238 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

$27

Average price

Cheapest

$76

Average price

$55

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 22m

Average total duration

3h 52m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 59m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 29m

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

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Deutsche Bahn

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 $27 (€22).

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

A bus is $49 (€40) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Karlsruhe costing on average $76 (€62).

The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Karlsruhe is by train with an average journey time of 2h 29m.

Other travel options to Karlsruhe take longer:

Bus takes on average 3h 52m.

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 $27 (€22) compared to roughly $55 (€45) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $28 (€23). The journey takes 3h 52m 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

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
04:50AM
Arrival Time
09:25AM
Duration
4h35
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$20
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:15AM
Arrival Time
01:55PM
Duration
5h40
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$22
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
08:30AM
Arrival Time
11:30AM
Duration
3h00
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$29
Operator
BlaBlaCar Bus
Departure Time
09:25AM
Arrival Time
03:05AM
Duration
17h40
Departure days
Mon, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$133
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
10:00AM
Arrival Time
12:40PM
Duration
2h40
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$30
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
10:20AM
Arrival Time
01:30PM
Duration
3h10
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$24
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
10:40AM
Arrival Time
01:30PM
Duration
2h50
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$32
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
10:45AM
Arrival Time
04:10PM
Duration
5h25
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$21
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
11:00AM
Arrival Time
01:40PM
Duration
2h40
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$26
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
11:30AM
Arrival Time
02:40PM
Duration
3h10
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$24
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:35AM
Arrival Time
05:27PM
Duration
5h52
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$24
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
12:30PM
Arrival Time
03:20PM
Duration
2h50
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$21
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
12:35PM
Arrival Time
05:05PM
Duration
4h30
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$22
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
12:40PM
Arrival Time
03:40PM
Duration
3h00
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$21
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
01:20PM
Arrival Time
04:10PM
Duration
2h50
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
01:30PM
Arrival Time
04:50PM
Duration
3h20
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$26
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
01:35PM
Arrival Time
06:05PM
Duration
4h30
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$20
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
02:00PM
Arrival Time
04:40PM
Duration
2h40
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$21
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
02:10PM
Arrival Time
04:50PM
Duration
2h40
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$26
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:35PM
Arrival Time
08:10PM
Duration
4h35
Departure days
Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
04:35PM
Arrival Time
08:55PM
Duration
4h20
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$29
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
05:10PM
Arrival Time
10:50PM
Duration
5h40
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$21
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
05:35PM
Arrival Time
09:55PM
Duration
4h20
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$21
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
06:00PM
Arrival Time
09:00PM
Duration
3h00
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$23
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:35PM
Arrival Time
10:55PM
Duration
4h20
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$20
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
07:00PM
Arrival Time
09:40PM
Duration
2h40
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$32
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
07:10PM
Arrival Time
12:50AM
Duration
5h40
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$54
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:20PM
Arrival Time
01:00AM
Duration
4h40
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$95
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
10:20PM
Arrival Time
03:00AM
Duration
4h40
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$20
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
11:00PM
Arrival Time
01:20AM
Duration
2h20
Departure days
Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$24
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:30PM
Arrival Time
03:50AM
Duration
4h20
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$20

Live departures

Cologne to Karlsruhe bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Karlsruhe buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus10:20 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)
4h40
3:00 AM Karlsruhe Hbf0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus11:30 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)
4h20
3:50 AM Karlsruhe Hbf0 transfersDirect
Saturday, June 20
FlixBusFlixBus4:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)
4h35
9:25 AM Karlsruhe Hbf0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus8:15 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)
5h40
1:55 PM Karlsruhe Hbf0 transfersDirect
BlaBlaCar Bus50457 · 304929:25 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
17h40
3:05 AM Karlsruhe, Hinterm Hauptbahnhof (Südeingang)1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus10:45 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)
5h25
4:10 PM Karlsruhe Hbf0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus1:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)
4h30
6:05 PM Karlsruhe Hbf0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus3:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)
4h35
8:10 PM Karlsruhe Hbf0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus6:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)
4h20
10:55 PM Karlsruhe Hbf0 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
Jun 20
Sun
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27
Sun
Jun 28
Mon
Jun 29
Tue
Jun 30
Wed
Jul 01
Thu
Jul 02
Fri
Jul 03

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

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of bus

Buses from Cologne to Karlsruhe run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 52m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $18 (€14) if you book in advance.

There are 10 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 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
147 miles (238 km)
Average bus duration
3h 52m
Cheapest ticket price
$18 (€14)
Buses per day
11
Direct buses
10
Fastest bus
4h 20m
First bus
12:25 AM
Last bus
11:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
35 days
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: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar from Cologne to KarlsruheYou can travel by bus between Cologne to Karlsruhe with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar for as low as $18 (€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 Duration
4h 20m
Cheapest Price
$18 (€14)
FlixBus frequency
7 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 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

ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe

Major contemporary art and media museum known for interactive digital exhibitions in a former industrial hall. One of Karlsruhe’s signature cultural venues.

  • Must visit

Badisches Landesmuseum

State museum in Karlsruhe Palace with archaeology, decorative arts, and regional history collections. A key stop for understanding Baden’s past.

  • Recommended

Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe

Important fine arts museum with European paintings from several centuries. A core destination for classical art lovers in the city.

Euro

Moderate for Germany. Public transport and casual dining are reasonable, while hotels and fine dining cost more during fairs and peak periods.

Average meal costs

Budget
EUR 8-15 for kebab, bakery, or takeaway.
Mid-range
EUR 18-30 per person at a casual restaurant.
Fine dining
EUR 60-100+ per person at upscale venues.
Coffee
EUR 3-5 for a cappuccino or latte.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included. In restaurants, round up or leave about 5-10% for good service. Round up taxis. Small tips are appreciated at cafés; not expected for counter service.

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Cologne to Karlsruhe can start from as little as $18 (€14) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cologne to Karlsruhe is $27 (€22) ; 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 20m 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 10 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 20m 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, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cologne to Karlsruhe for bus company FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cologne to Karlsruhe:
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
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

Cologne
Karlsruhe
The major bus station for departures in Cologne is Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) for your trip from Cologne to Karlsruhe.
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
13 km
carConnection
Car connection
Kennedystraße
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)WifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 00:00-23:59
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
13 km
carConnection
Car connection
Kennedystrasse
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside Terminal 2 arrivals area
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station
Public transit options for Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
  • Bus: SB60 Train: S13, S19

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