- Must visit
Museum der bildenden Künste Leipzig
Leipzig’s main fine arts museum, known for Old Masters, modern works, and the Leipzig School. A strong choice for both classic and contemporary art.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cologne to Leipzig
Showing times and prices for Jun 14
Cheapest price
$35
Average price
$60
Fastest journey
7 h 36 m
Average duration
8 h 13 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
381 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Leipzig is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Leipzig will cost around $60 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.
Fast buses
Of the 4 buses that leave Cologne for Leipzig on Sun, Jun 14, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 14 the direct buses cover the 381 km distance in an average of 8 h 13 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 36 m .
On Sun, Jun 14 the slowest buses will take 9 h 6 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.
FlixBus10:10 PM8h10Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)6:20 AMLeipzig, Hbf$351One-way0 transfers- FlixBus9:20 AM8h00Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)5:20 PMLeipzig, Hbf$461One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain+FlixBus8:14 AM9h06Cologne Hbf5:20 PMLeipzig, Hbf$681One-way1 transfer- FlixTrain+FlixBus12:14 PM7h36Cologne Hbf7:50 PMLeipzig, Hbf$921One-way1 transfer
- FlixTrain+FlixBus12:14 PM7h36Cologne Hbf7:50 PMLeipzig, Hbf$921One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus9:20 AM8h00Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)5:20 PMLeipzig, Hbf$461One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus10:10 PM8h10Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)6:20 AMLeipzig, Hbf$351One-way0 transfers
- FlixTrain+FlixBus8:14 AM9h06Cologne Hbf5:20 PMLeipzig, Hbf$681One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Leipzig
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Leipzig among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, and a flight costs an average of $390.
Distance: 236 miles (381 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$40 Average price Cheapest | $92 Average price | $759 Average price | $85 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 11m Average total duration 6h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 30m Average total duration 6h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 5m Average total duration Fastest 3h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - 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 Leipzig is a bus with an average price of $40 (€32).
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Leipzig:
A bus is $52 (€42) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Leipzig costing on average $92 (€74).
A bus is $719 (€583) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Leipzig costing on average $759 (€616).
The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Leipzig is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 5m.
Other travel options to Leipzig take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 0m.
Bus takes on average 6h 41m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Leipzig including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Leipzig 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 $40 (€32) compared to roughly $85 (€69) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $45 (€37). The journey takes 6h 41m versus 5h 27m 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 Leipzig Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:40AM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:20AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 10:10AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:14AM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 9h06 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:14PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 7h36 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Live departures
Cologne to Leipzig bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Leipzig buses for today, Saturday, June 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 10:10 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 8h10 | 6:20 AM Leipzig, Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, June 14 | |||||
| FlixTrain+FlixBus | 8:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 9h06 | 5:20 PM Leipzig, Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus | 9:20 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 8h00 | 5:20 PM Leipzig, Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain+FlixBus | 12:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 7h36 | 7:50 PM Leipzig, Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Leipzig 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 Leipzig buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Cologne to Leipzig.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Leipzig.
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 Leipzig.
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 Leipzig.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cologne to Leipzig
GermanyGermany
Buses from Cologne to Leipzig run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 41m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) but you can travel from only $22 (€18) by train.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 236 miles (381 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 (€18)
Distance 236 miles (381 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 8h 0m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 49 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 $22 (€18)
Bus providers: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar from Cologne to LeipzigYou can travel by bus between Cologne to Leipzig with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar for as low as $22 (€18). 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 0m
Cheapest Price
$23 (€19)
FlixBus frequency
5 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
3 a day
Complete guide to Leipzig
Things to do in Leipzig
Discover the best of Leipzig — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leipzig trip today.
- Must visit
Bach Museum Leipzig
Compact museum opposite St. Thomas Church, dedicated to Johann Sebastian Bach’s life, music, and Leipzig years.
- Must visit
Zeitgeschichtliches Forum Leipzig
Modern history museum focused on life in East Germany, reunification, and contemporary German democracy. Centrally located and easy to visit.
- Must visit
Marktplatz
Historic market square in the old town, surrounded by major civic buildings. A natural starting point for exploring central Leipzig.
- Must visit
Augustusplatz
Large central square framed by the opera, Gewandhaus, and university buildings. One of Leipzig’s most important urban spaces.
- Must visit
Mädler Passage
Elegant arcade known for historic shopping architecture and classic Leipzig passage culture. Very popular for photos and short walks.
- Gluten-free
Leipziger Allerlei
A classic Leipzig vegetable dish of young peas, carrots, asparagus and morels, often enriched with crayfish tails. It is the city’s best-known traditional specialty.
- Vegetarian
Leipziger Lerche
A famous Leipzig pastry made with shortcrust dough and a sweet filling of almonds, nuts and jam. It replaced the historic bird dish and is now a local symbol.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Gose
A traditional top-fermented sour wheat beer associated with Leipzig and nearby Goslar. It is lightly salty and coriander-spiced, making it one of the region’s most distinctive drinks.
Stadtpfeiffer
Upscale restaurant in the Gewandhaus known for refined modern cuisine and polished service. A strong fine-dining choice in Leipzig.
Auerbachs Keller Leipzig
Historic vaulted restaurant in the Mädler Passage, famous for classic Saxon and German dishes and its connection to Goethe’s Faust. Traditional and atmospheric.
Ratskeller der Stadt Leipzig
Well-known traditional restaurant beneath the New Town Hall, serving Saxon specialties, beer and hearty regional fare in a historic setting.
Euro
Generally cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt. Dining and transit are reasonable, but central hotels can cost more during fairs and events.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for kebab, bakery, or casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- EUR 15-30 per person at a standard restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is often included, but rounding up is standard. Tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service, round up taxis, and small tips are optional in cafés.
LeipzigMOVE
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 3.40 EUR
- Day pass
- 9.20 EUR
To the city center
Leipzig Merkurpromenade Messe -> Leipzig Hauptbahnhof
- Distance
- 8 km
- Travel time
- 17 min
- Tap a contactless card or buy tickets in advance in LeipzigMOVE; on-board ticket options vary by vehicle and are usually more limited. A valid ticket is required before or immediately upon boarding.
- A 24-hour ticket is usually the best value if you make several trips in one day. Validate paper tickets if required by the machine or platform rules.
FAQs: Bus from Cologne to Leipzig
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Leipzig 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 Leipzig, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Cologne to Leipzig can start from as little as $23 (€19) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cologne to Leipzig is $40 (€32) ; 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 Leipzig is 8h 0m to travel the 236 miles (381 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 Leipzig leaves at 12:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cologne to Leipzig leaves at 11:45 PM.
Yes, there are 3 direct buses a day from Cologne to Leipzig with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Cologne to Leipzig, you can count on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar for the best way to get you to Leipzig. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cologne and Leipzig and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Leipzig 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 Leipzig is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Leipzig including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cologne to Leipzig:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cologne to Leipzig for bus company FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Leipzig are:
- St. Thomas Church, a historic church known for its association with composer Johann Sebastian Bach
- Leipzig Zoo, one of the most modern and diverse zoos in Europe with a wide range of species and themed areas
- Monument to the Battle of the Nations, a massive monument commemorating the 1813 Battle of Leipzig
- Leipzig Panometer, an art installation featuring panoramic images depicting historical and natural scenes
- Museum of Fine Arts, a museum housing an extensive collection of European art from the Middle Ages to the present.
The best things to do in Leipzig include:
- Explore the vibrant Karl-Heine-Straße, known for its eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and street art
- Attend a performance at the Leipzig Opera House, renowned for its world-class productions
- Visit the Leipzig Botanical Garden, offering a serene escape with diverse plant species and themed gardens
- Discover the rich history at the Zeitgeschichtliches Forum, a museum focusing on contemporary German history
- Enjoy a leisurely boat tour along the canals of Leipzig, providing a unique perspective of the city's architecture and nature.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cologne to Leipzig 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 Leipzig.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cologne to Leipzig:
- 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 Leipzig:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Cologne to Leipzig. 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 Leipzig with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cologne to Leipzig with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cologne to Leipzig with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since both Cologne and Leipzig 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 Leipzig 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 Leipzig, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the main train station and popular tourist spots. Scams involving overpriced taxi rides or unlicensed taxis can occur, so it is advisable to use official taxi services or ride-sharing apps. Additionally, travelers should remain vigilant in nightlife districts to avoid theft or scams related to drinks and personal belongings. Overall, standard urban safety precautions apply.
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 Leipzig
Cologne
Leipzig
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 Leipzig.
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 Leipzig is Leipzig, Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Leipzig, Hbf for your trip to Leipzig from Cologne.
Leipzig, Hbf
information
Leipzig, Merkurpromenade (Messe)
information
Leipzig, Flughafen Leipzig/Halle
information
Most popular bus connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Leipzig
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Leipzig and Cologne
Most popular bus connections to Leipzig
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