- Must visit
Reiss-Engelhorn-Museen
Major museum complex for archaeology, world cultures, photography, and regional history. A top choice for breadth and high-quality exhibitions.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
€20
Average ticket price on Sep 18
€37
Fastest journey on Sep 18
3 h
Average journey duration on Sep 18
3 h 18 m
Buses on Sep 18
9
Distance
193 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Mannheim is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Mannheim will cost around €37 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €20.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 9 buses from Cologne to Mannheim, including 7 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct buses cover the 193 km distance in an average of 3 h 18 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest buses will take 3 h 40 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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FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Mannheim among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €33 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 20m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €33, while a train costs an average of €65.
Distance: 119 miles (193 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€33 Average price Cheapest | €65 Average price | €37 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 17m Average total duration 5h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 39m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Mannheim:
A bus is €33 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Mannheim costing on average €65.
A bus is €504 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Mannheim costing on average €536.
Other travel options to Mannheim take longer:
Flight takes on average 2h 5m.
Bus takes on average 5h 47m.
Tickets start at around €33 compared to roughly €37 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €4. The journey takes 5h 47m versus 2h 39m 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 BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €13 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €17 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 10:40AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €13 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €16 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €15 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €16 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €21 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €18 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 04:55AM | Duration 17h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €53 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €16 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €14 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €16 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price €17 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €17 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €15 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €17 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20PM | Arrival Time 02:00AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €13 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 01:30AM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €17 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 16h35 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €75 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Mannheim buses for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 8:15 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 4h15 | 12:30 PM Mannheim, ZOB (Heinrich-Von-Stephan-Straße) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:45 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 3h55 | 2:40 PM Mannheim, ZOB (Heinrich-Von-Stephan-Straße) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 3h05 | 4:40 PM Mannheim, ZOB (Heinrich-Von-Stephan-Straße) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 3:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 3h10 | 6:45 PM Mannheim, ZOB (Heinrich-Von-Stephan-Straße) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:20 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 3h40 | 2:00 AM Mannheim, ZOB (Heinrich-Von-Stephan-Straße) | 0 transfersDirect | |
50449 · 30480 | 11:00 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 16h35 | 3:35 PM Mannheim, ZOB (Heinrich-Von-Stephan-Straße) | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, September 18 | |||||
FlixBus | 4:50 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 3h35 | 8:25 AM Mannheim, ZOB (Heinrich-Von-Stephan-Straße) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Cologne to Mannheim run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 47m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €11 if you book in advance.
There are 6 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 119 miles (193 km) distance in 3h 0m.
Distance 119 miles (193 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price €11 |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 3h 0m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Mannheim — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Mannheim trip today.
Major museum complex for archaeology, world cultures, photography, and regional history. A top choice for breadth and high-quality exhibitions.
Renowned art museum with strong collections from the 19th century to contemporary work. The modern building is an attraction in itself.
Museum in the palace focused on theatre and music history. It highlights Mannheim’s influential court culture and performing arts traditions.
Elegant square around the water tower with fountains and gardens. It is Mannheim’s classic promenade and a central meeting place.
Large inner-city park with lawns, paths, and event spaces. It is ideal for relaxing between museums and major landmarks.
Historic grid center known as the Quadrate. Its unusual block system, shops, and urban energy define Mannheim’s distinctive city layout.
A Palatinate potato dish of sliced potatoes, bacon and onions baked until crisp. Common across Mannheim and the Rhine-Neckar region as hearty tavern food.
A classic from nearby Heidelberg and Mannheim: flour pancakes sliced into strips and served in strong beef broth. A comforting regional soup.
A sweet yeast pastry formed like a man, often enjoyed for St. Martin and Christmas markets in the region. A nostalgic local baked treat.
Refined modern European fine dining in a polished setting. Known for creative tasting menus and one of Mannheim's strongest gourmet reputations.
Elegant restaurant in the Jugendstil setting of the Dorint hotel. Offers classic French and regional dishes in a formal, old-world atmosphere.
Well-known market hall venue with lively communal seating, local specialties and casual drinks. Good for sampling regional food in a relaxed setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are mid-priced, while local transit is reasonable. Cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, but not a budget destination.
Service is usually included. Round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes if service was good.
Official public transport app
Mannheim ZOB (Heinrich-Von-Stephan-Straße) -> Mannheim Paradeplatz
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Mannheim 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 Mannheim, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Mannheim buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Mannheim, ZOB (Heinrich-Von-Stephan-Straße) station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Mannheim 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.
Mannheim, ZOB (Heinrich-Von-Stephan-Straße) is 2 km from Mannheim city centre. Public transport options include:
Mannheim, ZOB (Heinrich-Von-Stephan-Straße) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food and coffee shop nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at Mannheim, ZOB (Heinrich-Von-Stephan-Straße). ATMs are located in nearby shopping area.
Ticket office support is available at Mannheim, ZOB (Heinrich-Von-Stephan-Straße).
Available at Mannheim, ZOB (Heinrich-Von-Stephan-Straße): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Mannheim, ZOB (Heinrich-Von-Stephan-Straße): Ramp access for wheelchairs is provided.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need