- 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
$180
Average price
$221
Fastest journey
23 h
Average duration
1 d 1 h 13 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 $221 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $180.
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Cologne without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
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FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
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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 $71. 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 $71, and a train costs an average of $523.
Distance: 541 miles (872 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$112 Average price Cheapest | $291 Average price | $545 Average price | $204 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 $179 (€148) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Cologne costing on average $291 (€240).
A bus is $433 (€357) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Cologne costing on average $545 (€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 06:04AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 28h36 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $197 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 27h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $150 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:24AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 27h21 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $150 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 27h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $149 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:39AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 27h06 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $186 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 12:56PM | Duration 26h51 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $153 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 23h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $152 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 24h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $177 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 23h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $144 |
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Cologne buses for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | 11:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 24h40 | 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 | |
| Wednesday, July 15 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:20 AM Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 27h25 | 12:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2 transfers | |
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 $71 (€58) but you can travel from only $70 (€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 $71 (€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.
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 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.

Most Edinburgh to Cologne buses use the Edinburgh, Bus Station to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Cologne bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need