- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum known for its Picasso collection, Pop Art, and works by leading 20th-century artists beside the cathedral.
Cheapest price
$128
Average price
$177
Fastest journey
23 h
Average duration
1 d 1 h 11 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
872 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Edinburgh to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Cologne will cost around $177 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $128.
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Cologne without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $73. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 7m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.9 - 2.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $73, and a train costs an average of $535.
Distance: 541 miles (872 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$115 Average price Cheapest | $298 Average price | $558 Average price | $209 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
22h 43m Average total duration 22h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 7m Average total duration Fastest 2h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 14m Average total duration 12h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.9 - 2.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.6 - 5.2kg CO2 emissions | - 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Cologne:
A bus is $183 (€148) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Cologne costing on average $298 (€240).
A bus is $443 (€357) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Cologne costing on average $558 (€449).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 44m.
Bus takes on average 22h 13m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 27h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $179 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:54AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 27h51 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $179 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 27h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $177 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:09AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 27h36 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $192 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 27h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:24AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 27h21 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 27h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:39AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 27h06 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 12:56PM | Duration 26h51 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 24h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 24h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $127 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 23h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $114 |
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Cologne buses for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:20 AM Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 27h25 | 12:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:24 AM Edinburgh, Princes Street (Stop PU) | 27h21 | 12:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:30 AM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH) | 27h15 | 12:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:39 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 27h06 | 12:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 9:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 27h36 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:15 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 24h30 | 12:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:35 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 24h05 | 10:40 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:40 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 23h00 | 10:40 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
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 Edinburgh to Cologne run on average 5 times per day, taking around 22h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $73 (€58) but you can travel from only $72 (€58) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 01:45, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 541 miles (872 km) distance in 23h 0m.
Distance 541 miles (872 km) |
Average bus duration 22h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $73 (€58) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 23h 0m |
First bus 1:45 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Major modern and contemporary art museum known for its Picasso collection, Pop Art, and works by leading 20th-century artists beside the cathedral.
One of Germany’s important fine art museums, with medieval painting, Baroque masters, and strong 19th-century holdings in the city center.
Key archaeological museum for Cologne’s Roman heritage. The main building has been under redevelopment, but the collection remains a city highlight.
Popular riverside promenade and steps on the Deutz side, famous for one of the best panoramic views of Cologne Cathedral and the skyline.
Historic Old Town square lined with traditional façades and lively public space, ideal for soaking up Cologne’s central atmosphere.
Large central square in the Old Town, often used for events and a convenient base for exploring nearby historic streets and the riverfront.
Cologne’s iconic pale ale, traditionally served in small Stangen glasses. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a classic brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, often served with black pudding and fried onions. The sweet-savory combination is a Rhineland favorite.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye roll with Gouda cheese, butter, mustard, and onions. It is a traditional brauhaus snack served with Kölsch.
A respected fine-dining restaurant offering creative modern cuisine and tasting menus, representing Cologne’s upscale food scene.
Historic brewery tavern with its own Kölsch, appreciated for authentic Cologne food, old-world atmosphere, and communal wooden tables.
A long-established, casual local favorite especially known for large schnitzels and hearty Rhineland comfort food in a friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for Germany: museums and transit are reasonable, while hotels and dining in central areas cost more.
Service is usually included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is customary in restaurants. Round up in taxis. Small tips are appreciated for hotel staff.
Official public transport app
Köln ZOB, Cologne -> Köln Hauptbahnhof, Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh 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.

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