- Must visit
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
Major fine arts museum in a former abbey on Place des Terreaux, known for strong collections from antiquity to modern art.
Cheapest price
$78
Average price
$119
Fastest journey
13 h 50 m
Average duration
14 h 36 m
Buses per day
11
Distance
597 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Lyon is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Lyon will cost around $119 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $78.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Lyon without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
50457 · 50107
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Lyon among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $46. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 25m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $46, and a flight costs an average of $320.
Distance: 370 miles (597 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$72 Average price Cheapest | $250 Average price | $674 Average price | $183 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 38m Average total duration 11h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 29m Average total duration 5h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 25m Average total duration Fastest 2h 25m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.8 - 3.6kg 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Lyon:
A bus is $178 (€146) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Lyon costing on average $250 (€205).
A bus is $602 (€493) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Lyon costing on average $674 (€552).
Other travel options to Lyon take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 59m.
Bus takes on average 11h 8m.
Tickets start at around $72 (€59) compared to roughly $183 (€150) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $111 (€91). The journey takes 11h 8m versus 7h 58m 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 12:00AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 16h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 15h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 04:05AM | Duration 16h10 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:14PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 17h46 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $157 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 14h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:55PM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 13h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 09:15AM | Duration 17h40 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $117 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 05:05AM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:14PM | Arrival Time 10:30AM | Duration 18h16 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $128 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 08:15AM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 10:30AM | Duration 15h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $129 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 10:30AM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $127 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20PM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 14h30 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 19h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $62 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Lyon buses for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 14h55 | 10:30 AM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:20 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 14h30 | 12:50 PM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) | 1 transfer | |
50449 · 94765 | 11:00 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 15h40 | 2:40 PM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, June 19 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 16h00 | 8:50 PM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:15 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 15h00 | 11:15 PM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) | 1 transfer | |
50457 · 50107 | 9:25 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 14h55 | 12:20 AM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) | 1 transfer | |
50429 · 50617 | 11:55 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 15h35 | 3:30 AM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 14h45 | 4:20 AM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:55 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 13h50 | 4:45 AM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) | 1 transfer | |
52120 · 51094 | 3:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 17h40 | 9:15 AM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 4:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 18h16 | 10:30 AM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) | 1 transfer | |
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 Lyon run on average 7 times per day, taking around 11h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $46 (€37) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 370 miles (597 km) distance in 9h 45m.
Distance 370 miles (597 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $46 (€37) |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 9h 45m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Lyon — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lyon trip today.
Major fine arts museum in a former abbey on Place des Terreaux, known for strong collections from antiquity to modern art.
Excellent museum on Roman Lyon with mosaics, inscriptions, and artifacts beside the ancient theaters on Fourvière hill.
Striking science and society museum at the meeting of the Rhône and Saône, famous for immersive displays and architecture.
The city's atmospheric old quarter with Renaissance lanes, traboules, courtyards, and a strong UNESCO heritage feel.
One of Europe's largest open squares and a key central meeting point in Lyon's Presqu'île.
Large urban park with lake, botanical spaces, greenhouses, and broad paths for walking and relaxing.
Light dumplings traditionally made with pike and baked in a rich Nantua crayfish sauce, a classic specialty of Lyonnais cuisine.
A warm salad of frisee lettuce, lardons, croutons, and a poached egg, emblematic of Lyon's hearty bouchon cooking.
Pork sausage baked inside a soft brioche loaf, a festive and traditional Lyonnais dish often served in bouchons.
An iconic fine-dining restaurant with deep Lyon culinary heritage, serving elegant cuisine in a prestigious setting.
A respected modern bouchon offering refined takes on Lyonnais classics in a warm and polished setting.
A historic bouchon known for classic Lyonnais dishes, convivial service, and a traditional, bustling atmosphere.
Moderate by French standards: bakeries and lunch deals are good value, while central hotels and dinner spots cost more.
Service is included by law. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for very good restaurant service is appreciated, not required. Round up taxis; small change is fine in cafés and bars.
Official public transport app
Lyon Perrache Bus Station, Lyon -> Lyon Part-Dieu Station, Lyon
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Lyon 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 Lyon, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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