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

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

Is luggage included in the bus ticket price 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).

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

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.

COLOGNE to KIEL bus from $22 with FlixBus

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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cologne to Kiel

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 17

Cheapest price on Sep 17

$41

Average ticket price on Sep 17

$58

Fastest journey on Sep 17

8 h 50 m

Average journey duration on Sep 17

9 h 16 m

Buses on Sep 17

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 $58 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $41.

Fast buses

On Thu, Sep 17, we found 6 buses from Cologne to Kiel, including 6 direct services.

On Thu, Sep 17 the direct buses cover the 434 km distance in an average of 9 h 16 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 50 m .

On Thu, Sep 17 the slowest buses will take 9 h 55 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.

3:05 AM9h55
Cologne
1:00 PMKiel
$411One-way
0 transfers
9:35 PM8h50
Cologne
6:25 AMKiel
$511One-way
0 transfers
2:57 PM9h23
Cologne
12:20 AMKiel
$511One-way
0 transfers
2:14 PM9h06
Cologne
11:20 PMKiel
$601One-way
0 transfers
2:05 AM9h55
Cologne
12:00 PMKiel
$731One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Kiel

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Kiel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $61 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 21m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $61, while a flight costs an average of $702.

Distance: 269 miles (434 km)

Compare bus with

Bus	Most popular Flight	Train	Driving
$61 Average price Cheapest	$702 Average price	$113 Average price	$94 Average price (fuel + tolls)
9h 50m Average total duration 9h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	4h 21m Average total duration Fastest 2h 21m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time*	5h 57m Average total duration 5h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	5h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door)
0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions	1.3 - 2.6kg CO2 emissions	0.1 - 0.4kg 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.

The cheapest way to travel from Cologne to Kiel is a bus with an average price of $61.

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

A bus is $52 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Kiel costing on average $113.

A bus is $641 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Kiel costing on average $702.

The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Kiel is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 21m.

Other travel options to Kiel take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 27m.

Bus takes on average 9h 20m.

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 $61 compared to roughly $94 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $33. The journey takes 9h 20m 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.

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, Thu	Cheapest price $46
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 03:05AM	Arrival Time 01:00PM	Duration 9h55	Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu	Cheapest price $41
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 07:35AM	Arrival Time 08:55PM	Duration 13h20	Departure days Wed	Cheapest price $38
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 08:00AM	Arrival Time 01:40PM	Duration 5h40	Departure days Sat	Cheapest price $45
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 08:14AM	Arrival Time 08:55PM	Duration 12h41	Departure days Mon, Fri	Cheapest price $27
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 08:20AM	Arrival Time 08:55PM	Duration 12h35	Departure days Tue	Cheapest price $49
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 09:20AM	Arrival Time 09:55PM	Duration 12h35	Departure days Mon, Fri	Cheapest price $27
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 12:14PM	Arrival Time 09:55PM	Duration 9h41	Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun	Cheapest price $27
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 02:14PM	Arrival Time 11:20PM	Duration 9h06	Departure days Tue, Thu	Cheapest price $60
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 02:57PM	Arrival Time 12:20AM	Duration 9h23	Departure days Thu	Cheapest price $51
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 03:14PM	Arrival Time 12:20AM	Duration 9h06	Departure days Thu	Cheapest price $73
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 04:05PM	Arrival Time 04:10AM	Duration 12h05	Departure days Mon	Cheapest price $27
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 04:14PM	Arrival Time 01:10AM	Duration 8h56	Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat	Cheapest price $27
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 09:35PM	Arrival Time 06:25AM	Duration 8h50	Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu	Cheapest price $35
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 10:15PM	Arrival Time 01:00PM	Duration 14h45	Departure days Wed	Cheapest price $43
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 10:35PM	Arrival Time 01:00PM	Duration 14h25	Departure days Tue, Wed	Cheapest price $45
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 11:35PM	Arrival Time 08:25AM	Duration 8h50	Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun	Cheapest price $31

Live departures

Cologne to Kiel bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Kiel buses for today, Wednesday, September 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
	10:15 PM Cologne	14h45	1:00 PM Kiel	0 transfersDirect
	10:35 PM Cologne	14h25	1:00 PM Kiel	0 transfersDirect
Thursday, September 17
	2:05 AM Cologne	9h55	12:00 PM Kiel	0 transfersDirect
	3:05 AM Cologne	9h55	1:00 PM Kiel	0 transfersDirect
	2:14 PM Cologne	9h06	11:20 PM Kiel	0 transfersDirect
	2:57 PM Cologne	9h23	12:20 AM Kiel	0 transfersDirect
	3:14 PM Cologne	9h06	12:20 AM Kiel	0 transfersDirect
	9:35 PM Cologne	8h50	6:25 AM 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.

Thu
Sep 17

Fri
Sep 18

Sat
Sep 19

Sun
Sep 20

Mon
Sep 21

Tue
Sep 22

Wed
Sep 23

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

Germany

Buses from Cologne to Kiel run on average 3 times per day, taking around 9h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $25 but you can travel from only $22 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 0m.

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 $22

Distance

269 miles (434 km)

Average bus duration

9h 20m

Cheapest ticket price

$25

Buses per day

Direct buses

Fastest bus

8h 0m

First bus

12:45 AM

Last bus

11:40 PM

Cheapest Month

Sep

Cheapest Day

Tue

High Season

Jul - Sep

Low Season

Jan - Mar

Busiest Day

Mon

Least Busy Day

Sun

Best time to book

14 days

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Train from $22

Bus providers: FlixBus from Cologne to KielYou can travel by bus between Cologne to Kiel with FlixBus for as low as $22. 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

8h 0m

Cheapest FlixBus Price

$25

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.

Learn more about FlixBus

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 in a former fish auction hall. Highlights Kiel's naval, shipping, and harbor history in an atmospheric waterfront setting.

View on map Visit website

Must visit

Open Air Museum Molfsee

Open-air museum site near Kiel with historic rural buildings and cultural exhibitions. Worth visiting for regional architecture and traditions.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Kunsthalle zu Kiel

Art museum of Kiel University with European paintings, prints, and sculptures. A strong stop for classical and modern art near the fjord.

View on map Visit website

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany: hotels can rise in summer, but dining and local transit are usually reasonable for a port city.

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: €3-4.50 for cappuccino or similar coffee.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included, but rounding up or adding 5-10% is common. Tip taxi drivers by rounding up, and leave small change at cafes.

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 $25 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cologne to Kiel is $61 ; 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 0m 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 0m 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

Most Cologne to Kiel buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Kiel, ZOB station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Kiel 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 Kiel

Which Cologne station do buses to Kiel leave from?

Buses from Cologne to Kiel 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 · $5 · every ~2 min

Rb26 · 12m · $5

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 · $5 · every ~2 min

Rb26 · 20m · $5

Re · 21m · every ~2 min

BusS19, S12 · 27m · $6

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.