The cheapest and fastest buses from Cologne to Paderborn
Cheapest price
$32
Average price
$32
Fastest journey
8 h 10 m
Average duration
8 h 18 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
153 km
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 $32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Paderborn without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus11:35 PM8h25Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)8:00 AMPaderborn, Maspernplatz-West$321One-way1 transfer
FlixBus · FlixBus4:05 PM8h10Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)12:15 AMPaderborn, Maspernplatz-West$331One-way1 transfer
FlixBus · FlixBus4:05 PM8h10Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)12:15 AMPaderborn, Maspernplatz-West$331One-way1 transfer
FlixBus · FlixBus11:35 PM8h25Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)8:00 AMPaderborn, Maspernplatz-West$321One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus 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 prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 1m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $27, and a train costs an average of $25.
Distance: 95 miles (153 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$37 Average price Cheapest | $41 Average price | $33 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 31m Average total duration Fastest 2h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 32m Average total duration 3h 2m 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 |
![]() 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 Paderborn:
A bus is $3 (€3) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Paderborn costing on average $41 (€33).
Other travel options to Paderborn take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 2m.
You'll arrive about 19m sooner (2h 1m by bus vs 2h 20m by car). Tickets start at around $37 (€30) compared to roughly $33 (€27) in fuel and tolls — a bit more, but you're getting time back, skipping traffic and parking, and you can work or rest on board.
Direct coaches are operated by BlaBlaCar.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel splits across several people), want flexibility on timing, or plan to stop en route.
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 $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:01PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 7h14 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:01PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 7h14 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Live departures
Cologne to Paderborn bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Paderborn buses for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:05 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 8h10 | 12:15 AM Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 8h25 | 8:00 AM Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West | 1 transfer | |
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 or bus
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.
Jun 19
Jun 20
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cologne to Paderborn
Buses from Cologne to Paderborn run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 1m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) but you can travel from only $25 (€21) by train.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:05, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 95 miles (153 km) distance in 7h 14m.
Distance 95 miles (153 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€22) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 7h 14m |
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 Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Bus providers: BlaBlaCar from Cologne to PaderbornYou can travel by bus between Cologne to Paderborn with BlaBlaCar for as low as $25 (€21). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
BlaBlaCar
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.

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.
Which Cologne station do buses to Paderborn leave from?
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:
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.
Getting to Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West from Paderborn city centre
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


