- Must visit
Museo del Prado
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
Cheapest price
$176
Average price
$196
Fastest journey
1 d 20 m
Average duration
1 d 2 h 37 m
Buses per day
8
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 $196 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $176.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Madrid without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
50429 · 3163
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
50429 · 3163
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · 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 $87. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 35m. 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 $87, and a train costs an average of $505.
Distance: 888 miles (1430 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$150 Average price Cheapest | $437 Average price | $505 Average price | $504 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
25h 9m Average total duration 24h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 35m Average total duration Fastest 3h 35m 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 $287 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Madrid costing on average $437.
A bus is $355 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Madrid costing on average $505.
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Bus takes on average 24h 39m.
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, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $113 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:05AM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 28h20 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $139 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 10:15AM | Duration 27h55 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 25h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:35AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 28h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:38AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 28h42 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $127 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 28h05 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 27h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $107 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 07:55AM | Duration 32h05 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $157 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 31h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $111 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Madrid buses for today, Saturday, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixTrain+ FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:38 AM Cologne Hbf | 28h42 | 1:20 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:15 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 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 | 11:50 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 32h05 | 7:55 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:50 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 31h35 | 7:25 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:05 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 28h50 | 7:55 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:05 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 28h20 | 7:25 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:50 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 25h05 | 8:55 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:50 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 24h20 | 8:10 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 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 Madrid run on average 7 times per day, taking around 24h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $87 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 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $87 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 24h 20m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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.
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
Leading modern art museum best known for Picasso’s Guernica, plus major works by Dalí and Miró.
Celebrated collection of European masters from Van Eyck to Hopper in a refined palace setting.
Madrid’s most famous park offers gardens, a boating lake, monuments, and relaxed walks in the city center.
Lively grand avenue known for architecture, shopping, theaters, and nonstop energy from day to night.
Elegant boulevard linking major museums and landmarks, ideal for a classic central Madrid walk.
A hearty chickpea stew with meats, vegetables, and broth, especially traditional in Madrid and often served in stages.
Crisp fried squid rings served in a baguette roll. This iconic Madrid street food is especially linked to bars around Plaza Mayor.
Tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla in a rich sauce. A classic old Madrid tavern dish with deep local roots.
Refined two-Michelin-star dining focused on seasonal Spanish produce, with elegant modern cooking in a polished fine-dining room.
Traditional Madrid restaurant known for cocido madrileño served in stages, with an old-school dining room and loyal local following.
Historic century-old tavern famed for roast suckling pig and Castilian dishes in a classic, wood-lined setting near Plaza Mayor.
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels vary, dining is reasonable, and public transport is good value for tourists.
Tipping is modest: round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, small change is enough.
Official public transport app
Madrid Estación Sur de Autobuses -> Puerta del Sol
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