- Must visit
Gutenberg Museum
One of the world’s leading museums of printing and book culture, dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg and the history of movable type.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cologne to Mainz
Showing times and prices for Jun 19
Cheapest price
$11
Average price
$29
Fastest journey
2 h 20 m
Average duration
6 h 33 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
141 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Mainz is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Mainz will cost around $29 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $11.
Fast buses
Of the 4 buses that leave Cologne for Mainz on Fri, Jun 19, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct buses cover the 141 km distance in an average of 6 h 33 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 20 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest buses will take 9 h 35 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.
(Amsterdam -> Prague)7:40 PM2h20Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)10:00 PMFrankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36)$111One-way0 transfers
FlixBus · FlixBus9:15 AM6h40Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)3:55 PMMainz, Binger Schlag (Kurzzeitparkplatz)$351One-way1 transfer- FlixBus · FlixBus12:35 PM9h35Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)10:10 PMMainz, Binger Schlag (Kurzzeitparkplatz)$351One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus11:05 PM7h35Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)6:40 AMMainz, Binger Schlag (Kurzzeitparkplatz)$361One-way1 transfer
- (Amsterdam -> Prague)7:40 PM2h20Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)10:00 PMFrankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36)$111One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus9:15 AM6h40Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)3:55 PMMainz, Binger Schlag (Kurzzeitparkplatz)$351One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus11:05 PM7h35Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)6:40 AMMainz, Binger Schlag (Kurzzeitparkplatz)$361One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus12:35 PM9h35Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)10:10 PMMainz, Binger Schlag (Kurzzeitparkplatz)$351One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cologne to Mainz
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Mainz among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 51m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $11, and a train costs an average of $13.
Distance: 87 miles (141 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$16 Average price Cheapest | $42 Average price | $32 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 54m Average total duration 2h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 21m Average total duration Fastest 1h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Mainz is a bus with an average price of $16 (€13).
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Mainz:
A bus is $26 (€22) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Mainz costing on average $42 (€34).
The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Mainz is by train with an average journey time of 1h 51m.
Other travel options to Mainz take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 24m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne and Mainz including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Mainz 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 $16 (€13) compared to roughly $32 (€26) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $17 (€14). The journey takes 2h 24m versus 2h 6m 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 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 Mainz Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00AM | Arrival Time 02:00AM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator RegioJet a.s. | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 05:40AM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Live departures
Cologne to Mainz bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Mainz buses for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:05 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 7h35 | 6:40 AM Mainz, Binger Schlag (Kurzzeitparkplatz) | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, June 19 | |||||
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:15 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 6h40 | 3:55 PM Mainz, Binger Schlag (Kurzzeitparkplatz) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 9h35 | 10:10 PM Mainz, Binger Schlag (Kurzzeitparkplatz) | 1 transfer | |
| (Amsterdam -> Prague) | 7:40 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 2h20 | 10:00 PM Frankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Mainz by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Fri
Jun 19
Jun 19
Sat
Jun 20
Jun 20
Sun
Jun 21
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Jun 23
Wed
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Thu
Jun 25
Jun 25
Why should you book Cologne to Mainz buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Cologne to Mainz.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Mainz.
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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Mainz.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Mainz.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cologne to Mainz
GermanyGermany
Buses from Cologne to Mainz run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $11 (€9) if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 87 miles (141 km) distance in 2h 20m.
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
Distance 87 miles (141 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 (€9) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 2h 20m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 63 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
Bus providers: BlaBlaCar, FlixBus from Cologne to MainzYou can travel by bus between Cologne to Mainz with BlaBlaCar, FlixBus for as low as $11 (€9). 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
6h 40m
Cheapest Price
$26 (€21)
FlixBus frequency
2 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
5 a day
Complete guide to Mainz
Things to do in Mainz
Discover the best of Mainz — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Mainz trip today.
- Recommended
Landesmuseum Mainz
Major regional museum with archaeology, medieval art, paintings, and Roman-era finds, offering one of the best overviews of Rhineland-Palatinate history.
- Recommended
Naturhistorisches Museum Mainz
Natural history museum known for regional geology, fossils, biodiversity, and family-friendly exhibitions.
- Must visit
Mainz Old Town
The most atmospheric area for walking, with narrow lanes, historic facades, shops, and many of the city’s best-known sights.
- Must visit
Marktplatz
Central square by the cathedral, lively with markets, events, and classic city views that define the heart of Mainz.
- Recommended
Augustinerstraße
Popular old-town street lined with historic buildings, boutiques, and photo-friendly urban scenery.
- Vegetarian
Spundekäs
A Rheinhessen cheese spread made with fresh cheese, quark, paprika, and spices, traditionally served with pretzels in wine taverns.
Weck, Worscht un Woi
A classic Mainz snack of bread roll, sausage, and local wine, strongly associated with everyday life and regional wine culture.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Handkäs mit Musik
A pungent sour milk cheese marinated with onions and vinegar, popular across the Rhine-Main region and commonly enjoyed with bread.
Steins Traube
Established fine dining restaurant with a strong reputation for refined seasonal cuisine and polished service.
Weinhaus Wilhelmi
Traditional Mainz wine tavern known for local specialties, regional wines, and a classic cozy atmosphere.
Heiliggeist
A well-known restaurant in a historic former church hall, serving German and regional dishes in a striking atmospheric setting.
Euro
Prices are moderate by German standards. Casual dining is reasonable, while hotels and central restaurants cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for kebab, bakery, or takeaway.
- Mid-range
- EUR 18-30 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 60-100 per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 3-4.50 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up in cafés and taxis; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service, often by stating the total when paying.
RMVgo
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 3.40
- Day pass
- EUR 7.10
To the city center
Mainz, Binger Schlag (Kurzzeitparkplatz) -> Mainz Hauptbahnhof
- Distance
- 0.4 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- RMV tickets for Mainz local transport can be bought in the RMVgo app or from ticket machines before travel.
- Card payment is commonly available in the RMVgo app and at many ticket machines, but not reliably on every bus, so buy your ticket before boarding.
FAQs: Bus from Cologne to Mainz
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Mainz 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 Mainz, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Cologne to Mainz can start from as little as $11 (€9) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cologne to Mainz is $16 (€13) ; 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 Mainz is 2h 20m to travel the 87 miles (141 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 Mainz leaves at 12:25 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cologne to Mainz leaves at 11:15 PM.
Yes, there are 4 direct buses a day from Cologne to Mainz with BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Cologne to Mainz, you can count on BlaBlaCar, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Mainz. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cologne and Mainz and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Mainz from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cologne to Mainz is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne and Mainz including taking a train and bus.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cologne to Mainz for bus company FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cologne to Mainz:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cologne to Mainz 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 Mainz.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cologne to Mainz:
- 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 Mainz:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Cologne to Mainz. 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 Mainz with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cologne to Mainz with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cologne to Mainz with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since both Cologne and Mainz 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 Mainz 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 Mainz, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like train stations and popular tourist spots. Scams involving overcharging in taxis or at markets can occur, so always agree on prices beforehand. It's advisable to stay vigilant in busy places and keep valuables secure to ensure a safe visit.
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 Mainz
Most Cologne to Mainz buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Mainz, Binger Schlag (Kurzzeitparkplatz) station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Mainz bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Cologne
Arrival bus stations in Mainz
Which Cologne station do buses to Mainz leave from?
Buses from Cologne to Mainz leave from Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen). The station is 8 miles (13 km) from Cologne city centre at Kennedystrasse, Koln, Germany.
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)Kennedystrasse, Koln, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) from Cologne city centre
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRe · 8m · $5 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 12m · $5
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) bus station facilities and services
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, and WC.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Parking, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Elevators, ramps.
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)Kennedystrasse, 51147 Koln, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) from Cologne city centre
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRe · 16m · $5 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 20m · $5
Re · 21m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 27m · $6
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) bus station facilities and services
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance and baggage claim area.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Elevators, ramps.
Mainz, Binger Schlag (Kurzzeitparkplatz)
City-centre transport
Getting to Mainz, Binger Schlag (Kurzzeitparkplatz) from Mainz city centre
Bus92, 76, 62 · 13m · every ~13 min
93, 76, 65, 64 · 16m · every ~6 min
Tram53, 52 · 15m · every ~10 min
Most popular bus connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Mainz
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Mainz and Cologne
Most popular bus connections to Mainz
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