- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Outstanding collection of Picasso, pop art, and modern masters in a central museum complex. A major stop for twentieth-century art lovers.
Cheapest price
$7
Average price
$10
Fastest journey
1 h 45 m
Average duration
2 h 18 m
Buses per day
10
Distance
74 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Dortmund to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Dortmund to Cologne will cost around $10 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $7.
Of the 10 buses that leave Dortmund for Cologne on Sat, Jul 25, 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 25 the direct buses cover the 74 km distance in an average of 2 h 18 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 45 m .
On Sat, Jul 25 the slowest buses will take 2 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.
51122 · 50429
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Dortmund to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 18m. 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 $6, and a train costs an average of $7.
Distance: 45 miles (74 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$8 Average price Cheapest | $14 Average price | $14 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 16m Average total duration 1h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 48m Average total duration Fastest 1h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Dortmund to Cologne:
A bus is $6 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Dortmund to Cologne costing on average $14 (€14).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 46m.
Tickets start at around $8 (€8) compared to roughly $14 (€14) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $5 (€5). The journey takes 1h 46m versus 1h 16m 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 FlixBus, 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 01:10AM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05AM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 10:10AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 03:25PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 0h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $2 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $2 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $9 |
The table below shows live departures for Dortmund to Cologne buses for today, Friday, July 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 5:00 PM Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 2h45 | 7:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 6:25 PM Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 1h55 | 8:20 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:35 PM Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 1h45 | 9:20 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:40 PM Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 3h00 | 11:40 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, July 25 | |||||
FlixBus | 5:05 AM Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 2h35 | 7:40 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:15 AM Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 2h50 | 8:05 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
51122 · 50429 | 7:00 AM Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 4h40 | 11:40 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 8:15 AM Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 2h55 | 11:10 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:45 AM Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 3h20 | 1:05 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:55 AM Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 2h25 | 1:20 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:35 PM Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 2h50 | 3:25 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Dortmund to Cologne run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 46m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $6 (€6) if you book in advance.
There are 9 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:40, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 45 miles (74 km) distance in 1h 45m.
Distance 45 miles (74 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $6 (€6) |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 9 |
Fastest bus 1h 45m |
First bus 3:40 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 70 days |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Outstanding collection of Picasso, pop art, and modern masters in a central museum complex. A major stop for twentieth-century art lovers.
Excellent private museum for modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and a sculpture-filled former industrial hall.
Art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, blending contemporary architecture with historic ruins and carefully curated sacred art.
The heart of Cologne’s old town, filled with historic lanes, churches, squares, and Rhine views. Best area for first walks and atmosphere.
Broad riverside promenade ideal for walking, skyline views, and photos of the cathedral, bridge, and Rhine traffic.
Popular east-bank steps and terrace with one of Cologne’s best panoramic views across the Rhine to the cathedral and old town.
Marinated beef roast in a sweet-sour gravy, traditionally served with red cabbage and dumplings. It is a Rhineland classic long associated with Cologne.
Pan-fried black pudding with onions and mashed potatoes or rye bread. This hearty Rhineland dish is a long-standing Cologne pub favorite.
Halved rye roll with butter, Gouda, onions, and mustard. It is Cologne's iconic simple pub snack, traditionally enjoyed with Kölsch.
Celebrated fine-dining restaurant with modern German cuisine, polished service, and panoramic Rhine views from the upper floors.
Well-known brewery restaurant with classic local fare, seasonal dishes, and its own Kölsch in a spacious historic atmosphere.
Beloved traditional brauhaus serving Mühlen Kölsch, Halve Hahn, and other Cologne staples in a bustling old-city setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak trade fair periods, but dining and local transit are generally manageable for most tourists.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. Tip about 5-10% in restaurants, round up for taxis, and leave small change at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dortmund to Cologne 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 Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Dortmund to Cologne buses use the Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) station pair, with some services arriving at Leverkusen, Bf Mitte. Use this guide to compare Dortmund and Cologne bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Express (in the station), Bistro Central (0.2 km), Restaurant Heimatliebe (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance of the station.
Ticket office support is available at Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf.
Available at Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf: Elevators, ramps.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need