- Must visit
Musée d'histoire de Nantes
Major city-history museum inside the ducal castle. Strong multimedia displays explain Nantes from medieval power to port history.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$61
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$99
Fastest journey on Sep 20
13 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
15 h 27 m
Buses on Sep 20
7
Distance
744 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Nantes is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Nantes will cost around $99 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $61.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Nantes without transferring at least once.
50449 · 87081
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
50449 · 87081
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixTrain+
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Nantes among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $77 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 44m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $77, while a flight costs an average of $313.
Distance: 462 miles (744 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$104 Average price | $313 Average price | $77 Average price Cheapest | $246 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 15m Average total duration 13h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 44m Average total duration Fastest 3h 44m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 59m Average total duration 6h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Nantes:
A train is $28 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Cologne to Nantes costing on average $104.
A train is $236 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Nantes costing on average $313.
Other travel options to Nantes take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 29m.
Bus takes on average 13h 45m.
Tickets start at around $104 compared to roughly $246 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $141. The journey takes 13h 45m versus 9h 30m 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.
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 01:35AM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 16h10 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45AM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 16h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 15h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:14AM | Arrival Time 04:25AM | Duration 20h11 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:01AM | Arrival Time 04:25AM | Duration 19h24 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 04:25AM | Duration 19h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:14PM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 19h11 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 16h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:01PM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 16h24 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 15h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 19h25 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 15h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 16h25 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 17h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $45 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Nantes buses for today, Saturday, September 19. 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, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 15h20 | 11:10 PM Pôle d'échange multimodal Gare Sud SNCF, 44000 Nantes | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:15 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 19h10 | 4:25 AM Pôle d'échange multimodal Gare Sud SNCF, 44000 Nantes | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 16h11 | 4:25 AM Pôle d'échange multimodal Gare Sud SNCF, 44000 Nantes | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:01 PM Cologne Hbf | 16h24 | 7:25 AM Pôle d'échange multimodal Gare Sud SNCF, 44000 Nantes | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:55 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 15h30 | 7:25 AM Pôle d'échange multimodal Gare Sud SNCF, 44000 Nantes | 1 transfer | |
50449 · 87081 | 11:00 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 15h55 | 2:55 PM Pôle d'échange multimodal Gare Sud SNCF, 44000 Nantes | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:50 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 16h25 | 4:15 PM Pôle d'échange multimodal Gare Sud SNCF, 44000 Nantes | 2 transfers | |
| Sunday, September 20 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:35 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 16h10 | 5:45 PM Pôle d'échange multimodal Gare Sud SNCF, 44000 Nantes | 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 Nantes run on average 6 times per day, taking around 13h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $46 but you can travel from only $22 by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 462 miles (744 km) distance in 10h 55m.
Distance 462 miles (744 km) |
Average bus duration 13h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $46 |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 10h 55m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Nantes — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Nantes trip today.
Major city-history museum inside the ducal castle. Strong multimedia displays explain Nantes from medieval power to port history.
Important fine arts museum with old masters, modern works and a striking contemporary extension. One of western France’s best.
Fascinating memorial museum beneath the quay recounting the transatlantic slave trade and abolition with powerful documentation.
Creative riverside site with giant mechanical creatures, terraces and industrial heritage. One of Nantes’s most memorable walking areas.
Large central garden with botanical collections, greenhouses, sculptures and shaded paths. Ideal for a calm break near the station.
Historic pedestrian quarter of half-timbered houses, small lanes and lively squares. Best area for wandering old Nantes on foot.
Butter cake from Nantes flavored with dark rum and almond. A 19th-century local classic linked to the port's trade history.
Crisp butter biscuits from Nantes, created in the late 19th century. A famous local snack often eaten with coffee or tea.
Muscadet white wine from vineyards near Nantes. Dry, light, and famously paired with Atlantic seafood and local shellfish.
Established fine dining restaurant serving seasonal French cuisine with a modern touch in an intimate, elegant room.
Michelin-starred restaurant by Éric Guérin, offering refined creative cuisine in a polished, destination-style dining experience.
Well-known Nantes crêperie specializing in Breton galettes and sweet crêpes in a relaxed, central setting.
Moderate for France: trams are affordable, casual meals are fair, but hotels and central dining can cost more in peak season.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis can be rounded up; small change is fine in cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Nantes 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 Nantes, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Nantes buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Pôle d'échange multimodal Gare Sud SNCF, 44000 Nantes station pair, with some services arriving at Nantes, Route de Paris. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Nantes 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.
Pôle d'échange multimodal Gare Sud SNCF, 44000 Nantes has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Nearby cafes and restaurants available.
Wi-Fi is available at Pôle d'échange multimodal Gare Sud SNCF, 44000 Nantes. ATMs are aTM available near the station.
Ticket office support is available at Pôle d'échange multimodal Gare Sud SNCF, 44000 Nantes.
Available at Pôle d'échange multimodal Gare Sud SNCF, 44000 Nantes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Pôle d'échange multimodal Gare Sud SNCF, 44000 Nantes: Accessible for wheelchair users.
Nantes, Route de Paris is 4 km from Nantes city centre. Public transport options include:
Nantes, Route de Paris has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café de la Gare (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Nantes, Route de Paris.
Available at Nantes, Route de Paris: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nantes, Route de Paris: Elevators, ramps.
Nantes, Gare SNCF Sud has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the station. ATMs are available at Nantes, Gare SNCF Sud.
Ticket office support is available at Nantes, Gare SNCF Sud.
Available at Nantes, Gare SNCF Sud: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nantes, Gare SNCF Sud: The station has accessible facilities.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need