- Must visit
Museum der bildenden Künste
Leipzig’s major fine arts museum with strong German painting, modern works, and a bright contemporary building in the city center.
Cheapest price on Sep 14
$31
Average ticket price on Sep 14
$41
Fastest journey on Sep 14
8 h
Average journey duration on Sep 14
9 h 10 m
Buses on Sep 14
7
Distance
381 km
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 $41 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
On Mon, Sep 14, we found 7 buses from Cologne to Leipzig, including 2 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 14 the direct buses cover the 381 km distance in an average of 9 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h .
On Mon, Sep 14 the slowest buses will take 10 h 49 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.
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FlixTrainOmio 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 an average ticket price of $42 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 5m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, while a flight costs an average of $593.
Distance: 236 miles (381 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$42 Average price Cheapest | $124 Average price | $593 Average price | $86 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 40m Average total duration 8h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 32m Average total duration 5h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 5m Average total duration Fastest 3h 5m Onboard + 2h 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Leipzig:
A bus is $81 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Leipzig costing on average $124.
A bus is $551 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Leipzig costing on average $593.
Other travel options to Leipzig take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 2m.
Bus takes on average 8h 10m.
Tickets start at around $42 compared to roughly $86 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $43. The journey takes 8h 10m 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:20AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:14AM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 9h06 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:01AM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 10h49 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:14PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 7h36 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $27 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Leipzig buses for today, Sunday, September 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 10:10 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 8h10 | 6:20 AM Leipzig, Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, September 14 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:20 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 10h50 | 1:10 PM Leipzig, Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:50 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 9h45 | 2:35 PM Leipzig, Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 8:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 9h06 | 5:20 PM Leipzig, Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 9:01 AM Cologne Hbf | 10h49 | 7:50 PM Leipzig, Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 9:20 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 8h00 | 5:20 PM Leipzig, Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Cologne to Leipzig run on average 3 times per day, taking around 8h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $22 if you book in advance.
There are 2 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 6h 35m.
Distance 236 miles (381 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 6h 35m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Leipzig — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leipzig trip today.
Leipzig’s major fine arts museum with strong German painting, modern works, and a bright contemporary building in the city center.
Immersive museum on Leipzig’s role in East Germany’s Peaceful Revolution. Essential for understanding 1989 and modern German democracy.
Bach’s former residence and museum, presenting manuscripts, instruments, and Leipzig’s central role in his life and work.
Leipzig’s central square framed by historic buildings, arcades, and markets. A natural starting point for exploring the old town on foot.
Major city square with dramatic architecture, fountains, opera, and concert hall. Best for urban views and Leipzig’s cultural heart.
Former cotton mill transformed into one of Europe’s notable art districts. Explore galleries, studios, and Leipzig’s influential contemporary scene.
Leipzig’s signature mixed vegetable dish with peas, carrots, asparagus and morel mushrooms, often enriched with crayfish butter. A classic Saxon specialty.
A clear broth with small semolina dumplings. This simple soup is a long-standing Saxon home-style favorite served in Leipzig and the region.
A hearty Saxon potato soup, often made with root vegetables and marjoram, sometimes served with sausage. A comforting everyday dish in the region.
Elegant Michelin-starred dining in the Rosental with modern tasting menus, refined service and a tranquil setting in a historic building.
Well-known restaurant and inn by the monument, popular for hearty Saxon food and local beer in a warm, traditional setting.
Historic Auerbachs Keller serves classic Saxon and German dishes in a famous vaulted cellar linked to Goethe and Leipzig tradition.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels, dining, and transit are usually cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, making Leipzig good value for city breaks.
Tip about 5-10% in restaurants or round up the bill. Round up for taxis and leave small change at cafes if service was good.
Official public transport app
Leipzig, Merkurpromenade (Messe) -> Leipzig Hauptbahnhof
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.

Most Cologne to Leipzig buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Leipzig, Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Leipzig, Merkurpromenade (Messe). Use this guide to compare Cologne and Leipzig bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
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.
Leipzig, Hbf is 1 km from Leipzig city centre. Public transport options include:
Leipzig, Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options available within the station.
Free WiFi available at the station. ATMs are aTM located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Leipzig, Hbf.
Available at Leipzig, Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leipzig, Hbf: Wheelchair accessible pathways and facilities available.
Leipzig, Merkurpromenade (Messe) is 6 km from Leipzig city centre. Public transport options include:
Leipzig, Merkurpromenade (Messe) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Leipzig, Merkurpromenade (Messe). ATMs are available at Leipzig, Merkurpromenade (Messe).
Ticket office support is available at Leipzig, Merkurpromenade (Messe).
Available at Leipzig, Merkurpromenade (Messe): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leipzig, Merkurpromenade (Messe): Bus stop is accessible for disabled people.
Leipzig, Flughafen Leipzig/Halle is 2 km from Leipzig city centre. Public transport options include:
Leipzig, Flughafen Leipzig/Halle has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Leipzig, Flughafen Leipzig/Halle. ATMs are available at Leipzig, Flughafen Leipzig/Halle.
Ticket office support is available at Leipzig, Flughafen Leipzig/Halle.
Available at Leipzig, Flughafen Leipzig/Halle: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leipzig, Flughafen Leipzig/Halle: Bus station is wheelchair accessible.
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