- Must visit
Museum in der Kaiserpfalz
Major art and cultural history museum in Schloss Neuhaus with changing exhibitions, archaeology, and regional collections in a palace setting.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cologne to Paderborn
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 18
Cheapest price on Sep 18
€31
Average ticket price on Sep 18
€31
Fastest journey on Sep 18
8 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
8 h 30 m
Buses on Sep 18
1
Distance
153 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Paderborn is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Paderborn will cost around €31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €31.
Fast buses
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 1 buses from Cologne to Paderborn, including 1 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct buses cover the 153 km distance in an average of 8 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 30 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest buses will take 8 h 30 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.
1:45 PM8h30Cologne10:15 PMPaderborn€311One-way0 transfers
- 1:45 PM8h30Cologne10:15 PMPaderborn€311One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Paderborn
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Paderborn among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €34 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 59m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €34, while a train costs an average of €48.
Distance: 95 miles (153 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€34 Average price Cheapest | €48 Average price | €27 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
6h 32m Average total duration 6h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 59m Average total duration Fastest 2h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Paderborn is a bus with an average price of €34.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Paderborn:
A bus is €14 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Paderborn costing on average €48.
The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Paderborn is by train with an average journey time of 2h 29m.
Other travel options to Paderborn take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 2m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Paderborn including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Paderborn 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 €34 compared to roughly €27 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-6.89. The journey takes 6h 2m versus 2h 20m 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.
Cologne to Paderborn Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:01PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 9h14 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:01PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 7h14 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:01PM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 7h14 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price €23 |
Live departures
Cologne to Paderborn bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Paderborn buses for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:45 PM Cologne | 8h30 | 10:15 PM Paderborn | 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 Paderborn by train, bus, or flight
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.
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Sep 18
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cologne to Paderborn
GermanyGermany
Buses from Cologne to Paderborn run on average 2 times per day, taking around 6h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €23 but you can travel from only €10 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 04:05, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 95 miles (153 km) distance in 5h 55m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from €10
Distance 95 miles (153 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price €23 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 5h 55m |
First bus 4:05 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from €10
Bus providers: FlixBus from Cologne to PaderbornYou can travel by bus between Cologne to Paderborn with FlixBus for as low as €10. 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 FlixBus Duration
5h 55m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
€23
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.
Complete guide to Paderborn
Things to do in Paderborn
Discover the best of Paderborn — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Paderborn trip today.
- Must visit
Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum
Computer museum with historic machines, interactive displays, and modern tech stories; one of Germany's leading museums of information technology.
- Recommended
Diözesanmuseum Paderborn
Diocesan museum beside the cathedral, known for medieval treasures and ambitious temporary exhibitions of sacred art and design.
- Must visit
Paderquellen
Compact source area of the Pader river with clear springs, greenery, and paths beside major monuments; the city's most characteristic walk.
- Must visit
Schlosspark und Auenpark
Large baroque park around Schloss Neuhaus with canals, avenues, and event spaces; excellent for longer walks and relaxed sightseeing.
- Recommended
Marienplatz
Main square framed by the town hall and market church, lively during markets and festivals and ideal for orienting yourself in the old center.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Pumpernickel
Westphalian rye bread baked dense and dark. It is a regional staple around Paderborn, traditionally served with ham, cheese, or butter.
Westfälische Brotzeit
A hearty Westphalian plate of rye bread with local ham, sausage, cheese, pickles, and spreads. It reflects the region's rustic farm food tradition.
- Gluten-free
Westfälischer Schinken
Air-dried Westphalian ham with a mild smoky flavor. It is one of the best-known specialties of the wider region and commonly served in local inns.
Restaurant zur Mühle
Upscale dining in Hotel zur Mühle with refined German and seasonal cuisine, polished service, and an elegant atmosphere near the city center.
Goeken backen
Traditional German restaurant known for schnitzel, steaks, and hearty regional dishes in a rustic, long-established setting.
Brauhaus Paderborn
Popular brewery-style venue serving German comfort food and beer in a lively, casual setting. A dependable choice for local flavors.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Germany: hotels, dining, and local transit are usually cheaper than in major cities like Munich or Frankfurt.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for cappuccino or similar coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest: round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants. Round up small taxi fares and leave small change in cafes.
fahr mit - mobil in OWL
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €2.90
- Day pass
- €7.80
To the city center
Maspernplatz-West -> Paderborn Hauptbahnhof
- Distance
- 650 m
- Travel time
- 8 min
- Buy tickets in the OWLmobil app or from ticket machines before boarding. On many regional buses, cash is still the safest option.
- Maspernplatz-West is within walking distance of central Paderborn. Contactless card acceptance can vary by bus operator, so check before travel.
FAQs: Bus from Cologne to Paderborn
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Paderborn 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 Paderborn, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Cologne to Paderborn can start from as little as €23 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cologne to Paderborn is €34 ; 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 Paderborn is 5h 55m to travel the 95 miles (153 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 Paderborn leaves at 4:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cologne to Paderborn leaves at 11:50 PM.
There are 2 buses a day from Cologne to Paderborn which require at least one change with BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Cologne to Paderborn, you can count on BlaBlaCar for the best way to get you to Paderborn. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cologne and Paderborn and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Cologne , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen), Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2), Leverkusen, Bf Mitte, Bonn, Museumsmeile . When arriving in Paderborn , you can end your journey in bus stations like Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen), which is located around 8 miles (13 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Paderborn from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cologne to Paderborn is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne and Paderborn including taking a train, bus, and flight.
No, the bus from Cologne to Paderborn has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Cologne to Paderborn.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Cologne to Paderborn.
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.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Cologne to Paderborn.
No, luggage for the bus from Cologne to Paderborn needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Cologne to Paderborn.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Cologne to Paderborn.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Cologne to Paderborn.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Cologne to Paderborn.
Since both Cologne and Paderborn 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 Paderborn 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 Paderborn, travelers should be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas such as markets and public transport. While the city is generally safe, common scams like overcharging in taxis or at small shops may occur, so confirming prices upfront is advisable. Staying aware of surroundings and securing personal belongings helps 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 Paderborn
Most Cologne to Paderborn buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Paderborn 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 Paderborn
Which Cologne station do buses to Paderborn leave from?
Buses from Cologne to Paderborn 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 · €4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 12m · €4
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 · €4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 20m · €4
Re · 21m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 27m · €5
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.
Which Paderborn station do buses from Cologne arrive at?
Buses from Cologne to Paderborn arrive at Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West. Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West is from Paderborn city centre.
Paderborn, Maspernplatz-WestPaderborn, Maspernplatz, 33098 Paderborn, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West from Paderborn city centre
BusE6, N4, N1, 6 · 6m · every ~4 min
Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West bus station facilities and services
Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West. ATMs are available at Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West: Bus station has ramps for accessibility.
Most popular bus connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Paderborn
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Paderborn and Cologne
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