- Must visit
Musée Matisse
Museum in Cimiez dedicated to Henri Matisse, with paintings, drawings, cut-outs, and personal objects in a historic villa.
Cheapest price
$86
Average price
$94
Fastest journey
20 h 30 m
Average duration
21 h 2 m
Buses per day
10
Distance
804 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Nice is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Nice will cost around $94 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $86.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Nice without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Nice among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $75. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $75, and a train costs an average of $194.
Distance: 499 miles (804 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$108 Average price Cheapest | $332 Average price | $336 Average price | $331 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
19h 29m Average total duration 18h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 16m Average total duration Fastest 2h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 25m Average total duration 12h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.8 - 2.0kg CO2 emissions | 2.4 - 4.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() 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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Nice:
A bus is $224 (€181) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Nice costing on average $332 (€269).
A bus is $228 (€185) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Nice costing on average $336 (€272).
Other travel options to Nice take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 55m.
Bus takes on average 18h 59m.
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 10:40PM | Duration 22h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $102 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 03:20AM | Duration 22h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 26h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $134 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 23h50 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:01AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 28h19 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $124 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 22h15 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $159 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 20h45 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:14PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 25h46 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 20h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 21h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 25h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 20h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 21h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $74 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Nice buses for today, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixTrain+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 25h46 | 6:00 PM Nice, Gare Routière Vauban | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 21h25 | 4:00 PM Nice, Gare Routière Vauban | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 20h30 | 3:05 PM Nice, Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur (Gare routière - Terminal 1) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:15 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 20h45 | 6:00 PM Nice, Gare Routière Vauban | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:05 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 23h35 | 10:40 PM Nice, Gare Routière Vauban | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:00 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 22h40 | 10:40 PM Nice, Gare Routière Vauban | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 22h30 | 3:20 AM Nice, Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur (Gare routière - Terminal 1) | 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 Nice run on average 7 times per day, taking around 18h 59m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $75 (€61) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 499 miles (804 km) distance in 18h 45m.
Distance 499 miles (804 km) |
Average bus duration 18h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $75 (€61) |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 18h 45m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Nice — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Nice trip today.
Museum in Cimiez dedicated to Henri Matisse, with paintings, drawings, cut-outs, and personal objects in a historic villa.
Major museum devoted to Marc Chagall, especially his Biblical Message cycle; one of Nice’s most important art museums.
Nice’s contemporary art museum, known for postwar and avant-garde works and a central location near Place Garibaldi.
Nice’s iconic seafront boulevard, ideal for walking, cycling, and classic Riviera views along the Baie des Anges.
Hilltop park and viewpoint with sweeping panoramas over Nice, the port, and the coastline; one of the city’s top photo spots.
The old town’s maze of colorful streets, Baroque architecture, and lively squares makes it a core area for first-time visitors.
Nice’s signature salad of tomatoes, raw vegetables, olives, anchovies or tuna, and eggs, dressed simply with olive oil. It is a classic expression of Niçois cuisine.
A thin, crisp chickpea-flour pancake baked in a wood-fired oven and eaten hot with pepper. It is one of the most iconic street foods in Nice.
A Provençal tart topped with caramelized onions, anchovies, and black olives. It is a traditional snack from the Nice area with deep savory flavor.
A Michelin-starred restaurant offering refined seasonal cuisine in an elegant setting. It is one of Nice’s most respected fine-dining addresses.
A famous tiny Niçois institution known for classic local dishes such as petits farcis, pasta, and regional specialties in a simple, intimate setting.
A long-established casual spot celebrated for socca and other traditional Niçois snacks. It is one of the best-known places in Nice for local street-food classics.
Nice is pricier than many French cities, especially for hotels and seafront dining, but bakeries, markets, and local bistros help keep daily costs manageable.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for very good restaurant service is appreciated, not required. Round up taxis; small change is fine in cafés and bars.
Official public transport app
Nice Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur Gare routière Terminal 1, Nice -> Nice-Ville Station, Nice
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Nice 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 Nice, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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