- Must visit
Musée d'arts de Nantes
Major fine arts museum with collections from Old Masters to contemporary art in a restored palace and modern extension.
Cheapest price
$67
Average price
$90
Fastest journey
13 h 4 m
Average duration
14 h 41 m
Buses per day
8
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 $90 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $67.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Nantes without transferring at least once.
50449 · 97081
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixTrain+
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixTrain+
FlixBus · FlixBus
50457 · 4035
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixTrain+
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
50449 · 97081Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Nantes among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $46. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $46, and a flight costs an average of $174.
Distance: 462 miles (744 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$74 Average price Cheapest | $210 Average price | $671 Average price | $244 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 0m Average total duration 13h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 3m Average total duration 6h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 40m Average total duration Fastest 3h 40m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Nantes:
A bus is $137 (€112) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Nantes costing on average $210 (€172).
A bus is $597 (€489) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Nantes costing on average $671 (€549).
Other travel options to Nantes take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 33m.
Bus takes on average 13h 30m.
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 07:50AM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 15h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:14AM | Arrival Time 04:25AM | Duration 20h11 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:01AM | Arrival Time 04:25AM | Duration 19h24 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 04:25AM | Duration 19h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 10:29PM | Duration 13h04 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 03:10AM | Duration 17h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:14PM | Arrival Time 04:25AM | Duration 16h11 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 19h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:01PM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 16h24 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 15h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:14PM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 15h11 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55PM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 16h45 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:55PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 20h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 15h55 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 20h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 15h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 13h50 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 16h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $81 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Nantes buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
50449 · 97081 | 11:00 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 15h50 | 2:50 PM Nantes | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:50 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 13h50 | 1:40 PM Nantes | 2 transfers | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 13h30 | 9:20 PM Nantes | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:15 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 19h10 | 4:25 AM Nantes | 2 transfers | |
50457 · 4035 | 9:25 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 13h04 | 10:29 PM Nantes | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 16h11 | 4:25 AM Nantes | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:55 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 15h30 | 7:25 AM Nantes | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 15h11 | 7:25 AM Nantes | 2 transfers | |
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 7 times per day, taking around 13h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $46 (€38) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 462 miles (744 km) distance in 13h 4m.
Distance 462 miles (744 km) |
Average bus duration 13h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $46 (€38) |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 13h 4m |
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 Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Nantes — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Nantes trip today.
Major fine arts museum with collections from Old Masters to contemporary art in a restored palace and modern extension.
Powerful interpretive memorial museum-space along the Loire documenting Nantes' role in the slave trade and abolition history.
Well-regarded natural history museum known for zoology, fossils, and family-friendly displays in a historic building.
Creative riverside district blending industrial heritage, contemporary architecture, public art, and major cultural attractions.
Historic quarter with medieval street patterns, lively squares, and many of the city's best-known walking routes.
Large botanical garden near the station, popular for landscaped lawns, greenhouses, sculptures, and seasonal displays.
A classic Nantes sauce of butter, shallots, and white wine or Muscadet, traditionally served with local river or Atlantic fish. It is one of the city’s signature culinary creations.
Pike-perch served with beurre blanc, a dish closely associated with Nantes and the Loire. It highlights the region’s river fish and the city’s most famous sauce.
Tender lamb’s lettuce grown around Nantes, often served simply in salads. It is a well-known local product valued for its delicate texture and fresh flavor.
Refined Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking the Loire, known for elegant contemporary cuisine rooted in the region. Best for a special fine-dining experience.
Well-known traditional crêperie serving Breton galettes and crêpes in a relaxed, dependable setting. A good casual option for regional comfort food.
Historic Nantes brasserie opposite the opera house, famous for seafood, regional classics, and an ornate Belle Époque interior. A landmark choice for a classic city meal.
Moderate for France. Good-value lunches and transit, while hotels and dinner in central areas cost more.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving EUR 1-5 is appreciated for good service; tips are modest, not expected. Round up taxis.
Official public transport app
Nantes Route de Paris -> Gare de Nantes
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.

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