- Must visit
Kunsthaus Zürich
Zurich’s leading art museum, known for major Swiss and European collections from medieval works to modern and contemporary art.
Cheapest price
$51
Average price
$86
Fastest journey
9 h 35 m
Average duration
14 h 45 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
413 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Zurich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Zurich will cost around $86 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $51.
Of the 3 buses that leave Cologne for Zurich on Sat, Jun 13, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 13 the direct buses cover the 413 km distance in an average of 14 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 35 m .
On Sat, Jun 13 the slowest buses will take 20 h 50 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
52120 · 4740
50429 · 7991
FlixBus
52120 · 4740
50429 · 7991Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Zurich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 20m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $29, and a flight costs an average of $80.
Distance: 256 miles (413 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$57 Average price Cheapest | $178 Average price | $268 Average price | $174 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 53m Average total duration 8h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 33m Average total duration 7h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.2 - 2.5kg 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 Zurich:
A bus is $120 (€98) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Zurich costing on average $178 (€144).
A bus is $211 (€171) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Zurich costing on average $268 (€218).
Other travel options to Zurich take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 3m.
Bus takes on average 8h 23m.
Tickets start at around $57 (€46) compared to roughly $174 (€141) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $117 (€95). The journey takes 8h 23m versus 6h 21m 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.
Direct services are operated by BlaBlaCar.
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 BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $117 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 13h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $36 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Zurich buses for tomorrow, Saturday, June 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
50429 · 7991 | 11:55 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 20h50 | 8:45 AM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
52120 · 4740 | 3:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 13h50 | 5:25 AM Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 11:05 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 9h35 | 8:40 AM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Zurich run on average 3 times per day, taking around 8h 23m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $29 (€23) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 256 miles (413 km) distance in 9h 35m.
Distance 256 miles (413 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€23) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 9h 35m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 84 days |
Discover the best of Zurich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Zurich trip today.
Zurich’s leading art museum, known for major Swiss and European collections from medieval works to modern and contemporary art.
The country’s main cultural history museum, presenting Swiss history, design, and craftsmanship in a landmark neo-Gothic building.
A respected museum for non-European art, with strong collections from Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania in a villa park setting.
Zurich’s famous central shopping boulevard, stretching from the main station toward the lake and ideal for a first city walk.
The old town’s maze of lanes, small squares, riverside walks, and historic houses forms the city’s essential walking area.
One of the city’s most scenic walking areas, combining elegant quays, water views, and easy access to boats and swimming spots.
Zurich’s signature dish of sliced veal in a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce, traditionally served with rösti.
A classic Swiss potato dish, pan-fried until crisp and golden. In Zurich it often accompanies meat dishes or is served on its own.
Melted Swiss cheese served communally with bread for dipping. It is a beloved cold-weather specialty across Switzerland, including Zurich.
Legendary Zurich institution combining refined Swiss cuisine, classic service, and an elegant dining room with notable art.
Historic vegetarian restaurant in central Zurich, famous for its extensive buffet and long-standing culinary heritage.
Well-known traditional Swiss restaurant in a historic former armory, popular for sausages, schnitzel, and hearty local dishes.
Zurich is among Europe’s most expensive cities. Hotels, dining, and transport cost well above average.
Service is included by law. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or adding 5-10% for great service is appreciated. Round up taxis and leave small change in cafes if service was good.
Official public transport app
Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal -> Zürich HB
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Zurich 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 Zurich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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