- Must visit
Mozart's Birthplace
Birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, displaying family items, instruments, and context on his early Salzburg years.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
€39
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€43
Fastest journey on Sep 19
10 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
12 h 1 m
Buses on Sep 19
6
Distance
562 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Salzburg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Salzburg will cost around €43 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €39.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 6 buses from Cologne to Salzburg, including 1 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 562 km distance in an average of 12 h 1 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 35 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 12 h 40 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.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Salzburg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €55 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 44m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.5kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €55, while a flight costs an average of €403.
Distance: 349 miles (562 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€55 Average price Cheapest | €87 Average price | €403 Average price | €37 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 29m Average total duration 10h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 11m Average total duration 6h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 44m Average total duration Fastest 2h 44m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 7h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.6 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.7 - 3.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | 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 Salzburg:
A bus is €32 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Salzburg costing on average €87.
A bus is €348 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Salzburg costing on average €403.
Other travel options to Salzburg take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 41m.
Bus takes on average 10h 59m.
Tickets start at around €55 compared to roughly €37 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-18.80. The journey takes 10h 59m versus 7h 25m 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 03:10AM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 12h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 10h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 14h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €36 |
Operator | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €28 |
Operator | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 11h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20PM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €27 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Salzburg buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:30 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 13h30 | 1:00 PM Salzburg, P+R Süd | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:10 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 12h35 | 3:45 PM Salzburg, P+R Süd | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 10:40 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 10h35 | 9:15 PM Salzburg, P+R Süd | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 11h35 | 6:10 AM Salzburg, P+R Süd | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:00 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 12h40 | 9:40 AM Salzburg, P+R Süd | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:20 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 12h40 | 11:00 AM Salzburg, P+R Süd | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Salzburg run on average 6 times per day, taking around 10h 59m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €28 but you can travel from only €9 by train.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:42. The fastest bus covers the 349 miles (562 km) distance in 9h 35m.
Distance 349 miles (562 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price €28 |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 9h 35m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:42 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Salzburg — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Salzburg trip today.
Birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, displaying family items, instruments, and context on his early Salzburg years.
Science center with interactive exhibits on physics, biology, and technology; excellent for families and curious adults.
Historic residence rooms and state apartments illustrating the power and taste of Salzburg’s prince-archbishops.
Salzburg’s famous old shopping lane with wrought-iron guild signs, historic houses, and direct links to Mozart’s birthplace.
Formal gardens and walking area by Mirabell Palace, admired for baroque design, statues, and fortress views.
Tree-lined viewpoint hill with forest paths, old fortifications, and sweeping vistas over the Old Town and fortress.
Salzburg’s famous soufflé-like dessert of sweetened egg whites, baked and torn into pieces, then dusted with sugar. A classic from Hotel Sacher traditions.
A rustic farmer’s breakfast of pan-fried potatoes, onions, and meat, usually topped with a fried egg. Popular in Alpine inns across Salzburg state.
Thin slices of boiled beef in broth, usually served with horseradish, root vegetables, and potatoes. A classic Austrian dish common in Salzburg taverns.
Well-known fine dining restaurant focused on modern Austrian cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and polished service in an intimate setting.
Historic beer hall and monastery brewery known for Märzen beer, simple Austrian dishes, and lively communal tables in a classic Salzburg setting.
Traditional tavern near the old town serving schnitzel, Tafelspitz, and regional classics in elegant historic rooms with a refined local feel.
Moderate for Western Europe; hotels rise in peak season, dining is mid-priced, and public transport is reasonable for tourists.
Service is often included, but rounding up is customary. Tip restaurants about 5-10%, round up in cafes, and round up taxi fares.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Salzburg 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 Salzburg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Salzburg buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Salzburg, P+R Süd station pair, with some services arriving at Salzburg, Lastenstrasse / Weiserhofstraße. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Salzburg 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.
Salzburg, P+R Süd is 3 km from Salzburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Salzburg, P+R Süd has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café Süd (in the station), Fast-Food Express (in the station)
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Salzburg, P+R Süd.
Available at Salzburg, P+R Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Salzburg, P+R Süd: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need