- Must visit
Rijksmuseum van Oudheden
National museum of antiquities with acclaimed collections from Ancient Egypt, Rome, and the Netherlands' archaeological past.
Cheapest price on Oct 09
$35
Average ticket price on Oct 09
$37
Fastest journey on Oct 09
5 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Oct 09
7 h 5 m
Buses on Oct 09
2
Distance
218 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Leiden is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Leiden will cost around $37 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.
On Fri, Oct 09, we found 2 buses from Cologne to Leiden, including 2 direct services.
On Fri, Oct 09 the direct buses cover the 218 km distance in an average of 7 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 45 m .
On Fri, Oct 09 the slowest buses will take 8 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.




Buses from Cologne to Leiden run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $25 but you can travel from only $24 by train.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 135 miles (218 km) distance in 4h 35m.
Distance 135 miles (218 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 4h 35m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator RegioJet a.s. | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 14h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:15PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $35 |
Discover the best of Leiden — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leiden trip today.
National museum of antiquities with acclaimed collections from Ancient Egypt, Rome, and the Netherlands' archaeological past.
Major natural history museum famous for dinosaurs, biodiversity displays, and interactive galleries suitable for all ages.
Museum about human body science in Leiden's academic tradition, featuring anatomy, medicine, and curious medical objects.
Leiden's oldest canal is lined with monuments, bridges, and terraces, making it a classic route for a first city walk.
Tree-lined ring canal around the historic center, ideal for walking past gates, mills, and broad water views.
Busy central square beside the church, often hosting markets and events and serving as a lively meeting point.
Buttery cookies from nearby Gouda, sold across Leiden. Their crisp texture and caramel notes make them a classic Dutch sweet with coffee or tea.
Fluffy small pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar. A beloved Dutch treat found in Leiden cafés and traditional pancake houses.
Deep-fried ragout croquettes, often eaten with mustard. This classic Dutch snack is common in Leiden bars, cafés, and lunch spots.
Elegant fine dining in a historic setting, known for refined French-inspired cuisine and polished service near central Leiden.
Established Leiden pancake house specializing in Dutch pancakes and poffertjes in a casual, family-friendly setting.
Historic restaurant in a former weighing house, serving classic Dutch and French-influenced dishes in a grand, traditional atmosphere.
Moderate for the Netherlands. Hotels and restaurants are not cheap, but transit is manageable and budget eats are easy to find.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis can be rounded up. In cafes, small change is enough.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Leiden 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 Leiden, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Leiden buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Den Haag, Centraal Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Leiden bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance and baggage claim area.
Ticket office support is available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2).
Available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Elevators, ramps.
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, and WC.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Elevators, ramps.
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