- Must visit
Kunsthalle zu Kiel
Major art museum of Kiel University with European paintings, sculptures, and modern works; one of the city's key cultural institutions.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cologne to Kiel
Showing times and prices for Jun 17
Cheapest price
$35
Average price
$44
Fastest journey
8 h 50 m
Average duration
11 h 17 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
434 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Kiel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Kiel will cost around $44 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.
Fast buses
Of the 6 buses that leave Cologne for Kiel on Wed, Jun 17, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 17 the direct buses cover the 434 km distance in an average of 11 h 17 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 50 m .
On Wed, Jun 17 the slowest buses will take 14 h 25 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.
9:35 PM8h50Cologne6:25 AMKiel$351One-way0 transfers- 7:35 AM13h20Cologne8:55 PMKiel$381One-way0 transfers
- 10:15 PM14h45Cologne1:00 PMKiel$441One-way0 transfers
- 10:35 PM14h25Cologne1:00 PMKiel$451One-way0 transfers
- 2:05 AM9h55Cologne12:00 PMKiel$471One-way0 transfers
- 9:35 PM8h50Cologne6:25 AMKiel$351One-way0 transfers
- 3:05 AM9h55Cologne1:00 PMKiel$541One-way0 transfers
- 2:05 AM9h55Cologne12:00 PMKiel$471One-way0 transfers
- 7:35 AM13h20Cologne8:55 PMKiel$381One-way0 transfers
- 10:35 PM14h25Cologne1:00 PMKiel$451One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Kiel
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Kiel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $30. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 29m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $30, and a flight costs an average of $161.
Distance: 269 miles (434 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$49 Average price Cheapest | $100 Average price | $626 Average price | $94 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 9m Average total duration 7h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 15m Average total duration 5h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration Fastest 1h 29m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.3 - 2.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Cologne to Kiel is a bus with an average price of $49 (€40).
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Kiel:
A bus is $51 (€41) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Kiel costing on average $100 (€81).
A bus is $577 (€467) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Kiel costing on average $626 (€507).
The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Kiel is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 29m.
Other travel options to Kiel take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 45m.
Bus takes on average 7h 39m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Kiel including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Kiel 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 $49 (€40) compared to roughly $94 (€76) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $45 (€36). The journey takes 7h 39m versus 5h 48m 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 Kiel Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:05AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:05AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 12h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 13h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:14AM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 12h41 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 12h35 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:14AM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 13h06 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:14PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 9h41 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 04:10AM | Duration 12h05 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:14PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 8h56 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:15PM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 14h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 14h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Live departures
Cologne to Kiel bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Kiel buses for today, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 11:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 8h50 | 8:25 AM Kiel, ZOB | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, June 17 | |||||
| 2:05 AM Cologne | 9h55 | 12:00 PM Kiel | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:05 AM Cologne | 9h55 | 1:00 PM Kiel | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:35 AM Cologne | 13h20 | 8:55 PM Kiel | 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 Kiel 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.
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Why should you book Cologne to Kiel buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Cologne to Kiel.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Kiel.
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 Kiel.
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 Kiel.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cologne to Kiel
GermanyGermany
Buses from Cologne to Kiel run on average 4 times per day, taking around 7h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $30 (€24) but you can travel from only $23 (€19) by train.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 269 miles (434 km) distance in 8h 50m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $23 (€19)
Distance 269 miles (434 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $30 (€24) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 8h 50m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $23 (€19)
Bus providers: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar from Cologne to KielYou can travel by bus between Cologne to Kiel with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar 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
8h 50m
Cheapest Price
$30 (€24)
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
2 a day
Complete guide to Kiel
Things to do in Kiel
Discover the best of Kiel — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kiel trip today.
- Must visit
Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel
Maritime museum on the fjord covering naval, shipping, and harbor history, with exhibits linked to Kiel's seafaring identity.
- Recommended
Stadtmuseum Warleberger Hof
City museum in Kiel's oldest preserved townhouse, presenting local history, maritime life, and changing exhibitions.
- Must visit
Kiellinie
The city's signature waterfront promenade along Kiel Fjord, ideal for walking, harbor views, and watching ships pass.
- Must visit
Alter Markt
Historic market square in the center, surrounded by key city sights and a natural starting point for exploring old Kiel.
- Recommended
Schrevenpark
Beloved local park with lawns, paths, and a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere, especially popular in good weather.
- Gluten-free
Kieler Sprotten
Lightly smoked small sprats traditionally associated with Kiel. They are a classic North German seaside snack and a local culinary symbol.
- Gluten-free
Labskaus
A hearty northern sailor’s dish of corned beef, potatoes and beetroot, often served with pickled herring and egg. It is iconic across Schleswig-Holstein.
- Gluten-free
Matjes Mit Hausfrauensoße
Young pickled herring served with a creamy apple-onion sauce, usually with potatoes. It is a staple fish dish in northern coastal cuisine.
Pier 16
Established waterfront restaurant known for fish, seafood and modern regional cooking, with a refined atmosphere by the harbor.
Restaurant Kielwasser
Well-known spot for northern German and seafood dishes with harbor views and an upscale yet relaxed setting.
Ratskeller Kiel
Traditional cellar restaurant serving German classics in a historic atmosphere, suitable for trying hearty regional fare.
Euro
Prices are moderate by German standards. Supermarkets and casual dining are reasonable, while hotels and waterfront dining cost more in peak season.
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 50-90 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 taxi fares. Small tips are appreciated in cafes; hotel staff may get EUR 1-2.
NAH.SH
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 3.10 EUR
- Day pass
- 8.70 EUR
To the city center
Kiel ZOB, Kiel -> Kiel Hauptbahnhof, Kiel
- Distance
- 0.3 km
- Travel time
- 4 min
- You can buy Schleswig-Holstein local transport tickets in the official NAH.SH app before boarding.
- Card payment availability varies by operator and vehicle, so the app is the safest cashless option for buses and regional transport.
FAQs: Bus from Cologne to Kiel
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Kiel 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 Kiel, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Cologne to Kiel can start from as little as $30 (€24) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cologne to Kiel is $49 (€40) ; 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 Kiel is 8h 50m to travel the 269 miles (434 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 Kiel leaves at 12:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cologne to Kiel leaves at 11:40 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Cologne to Kiel with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Cologne to Kiel, you can count on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar for the best way to get you to Kiel. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cologne and Kiel and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Kiel from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cologne to Kiel is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Kiel including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cologne to Kiel:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cologne to Kiel for bus company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cologne to Kiel 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 Kiel.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cologne to Kiel:
- 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 Kiel:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Cologne to Kiel. 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 Kiel with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cologne to Kiel with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cologne to Kiel with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since both Cologne and Kiel 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 Kiel 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 Kiel, travelers should be mindful of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the harbor and public transport. Common scams include overcharging in taxis and unofficial currency exchange offers. It is advisable to use licensed taxis and official exchange offices, and to keep personal belongings secure to avoid theft. Overall, Kiel is considered a safe city with typical urban precautions.
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 Kiel
Cologne
Kiel
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 Kiel.
Amenities at bus station
Wifi
Parking
ATM
Accessibility
WCinformation
Distance to city center
13 km
Car connection
KennedystraßeWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station
The major bus station for arrivals in Kiel is Kiel, ZOB. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Kiel, ZOB for your trip to Kiel from Cologne.
Kiel, ZOB
information
Most popular bus connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Kiel
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Kiel and Cologne
Most popular bus connections to Kiel
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