- Must visit
Museo Nacional del Prado
Spain’s premier art museum, famous for Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. A core stop for classical European painting.
Cheapest price
$164
Average price
$202
Fastest journey
1 d 20 m
Average duration
1 d 2 h 12 m
Buses per day
11
Distance
1430 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Madrid will cost around $202 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $164.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Madrid without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixTrain+
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
50429 · 3163
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $84. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 32m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.4 - 3.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $84, and a flight costs an average of $305.
Distance: 888 miles (1430 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$157 Average price Cheapest | $650 Average price | $494 Average price | $488 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
25h 20m Average total duration 24h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 32m Average total duration Fastest 3h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 25h 42m Average total duration 25h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.4 - 3.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 4.3 - 8.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Madrid:
A bus is $337 (€277) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Madrid costing on average $494 (€406).
A bus is $493 (€406) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Madrid costing on average $650 (€534).
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Bus takes on average 24h 50m.
Train takes on average 25h 12m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:00AM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 32h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $180 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:05AM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 28h20 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $194 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 10:15AM | Duration 27h55 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $179 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 24h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $193 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:14AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 29h06 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $157 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:01AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 28h19 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $183 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 28h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $158 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 27h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 31h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $221 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 07:55AM | Duration 32h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $165 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Madrid buses for today, Wednesday, July 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 24h20 | 8:10 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 25h05 | 8:55 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 26h25 | 10:15 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 29h06 | 1:20 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:15 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 28h05 | 1:20 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 2 transfers | |
50429 · 3163 | 11:55 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 27h15 | 3:10 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:55 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 32h00 | 7:55 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:55 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 31h30 | 7:25 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 2 transfers | |
| Thursday, July 9 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:05 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 28h20 | 7:25 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:05 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 28h50 | 7:55 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 2 transfers | |
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 Madrid run on average 7 times per day, taking around 24h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $84 (€69) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 888 miles (1430 km) distance in 24h 20m.
Distance 888 miles (1430 km) |
Average bus duration 24h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $84 (€69) |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 24h 20m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
Spain’s premier art museum, famous for Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. A core stop for classical European painting.
Madrid’s leading modern art museum, best known for Picasso’s Guernica and major 20th-century Spanish collections.
Major museum spanning Renaissance to modern art, complementing Prado and Reina Sofía with an accessible, broad collection.
Madrid’s most famous park, ideal for strolling, boating, monuments, and relaxed city breaks between museums.
Madrid’s best-known avenue for architecture, shopping, rooftops, theaters, and nonstop urban energy.
Central square and symbolic heart of Madrid, home to key landmarks and a constant flow of local life.
Madrid’s signature chickpea stew, traditionally served in stages with broth, vegetables, chickpeas, and assorted meats. It is one of the city’s most emblematic comfort dishes.
A classic Madrid sandwich of fried squid rings in crusty bread, especially associated with bars around Plaza Mayor. It is one of the city’s most famous quick bites.
A hearty traditional stew made with tripe, chorizo, and morcilla in a rich paprika sauce. It is a historic tavern dish strongly linked to Madrid cuisine.
Historic restaurant famous for roast suckling pig and Castilian specialties. Traditional wood-fired cooking and a classic old-Madrid atmosphere make it one of the city’s landmark dining rooms.
Legendary Madrid restaurant best known for huevos rotos. Elegant but relaxed, it is a long-established favorite for classic Spanish cooking.
Traditional tavern celebrated for cocido madrileño cooked in individual clay pots. It offers a historic setting and one of the best-known versions of Madrid’s signature stew.
Moderate for Western Europe. Museums and tapas can be good value, but central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Locals often round up or leave EUR 1-2 at cafes, 5-10% at restaurants for great service, and round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses -> Sol, Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Madrid 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 Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Madrid buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses station pair, with some services arriving at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid). Use this guide to compare Cologne and Madrid 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.
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses is 3 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km), La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses.
Available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Rodilla, Mahoudrid
ATMs are aTMs located throughout T4, major cards accepted .
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid).
Available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): Step-free access, elevators, accessible toilets.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need