Edinburgh to Cologne bus with FlixBus

Sat, Aug 29
+ Add return
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
Flibco
2,000+ travel companies
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
Flibco
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest buses from Edinburgh to Cologne

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Aug 29

Cheapest price on Aug 29

$117

Average ticket price on Aug 29

$158

Fastest journey on Aug 29

23 h

Average journey duration on Aug 29

23 h 46 m

Buses on Aug 29

17

Distance

872 km

Cheap tickets

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 $158 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $117.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Cologne without transferring at least once.

  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
    11:15 PM25h20
    Edinburgh, Bus Station
    1:35 AMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)
    $1171One-way
    2 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
    8:24 AM27h21
    Edinburgh, Princes Street (Stop PU)
    12:45 PMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)
    $1261One-way
    2 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain
    9:05 AM27h36
    Edinburgh, Bus Station
    1:41 PMCologne Hbf
    $1341One-way
    2 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
    8:30 AM27h15
    Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH)
    12:45 PMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)
    $1491One-way
    2 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    11:05 AM24h40
    Edinburgh, Bus Station
    12:45 PMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)
    $1491One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Edinburgh to Cologne

Omio 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 an average ticket price of $181 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 14m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the bus is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.9 - 2.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $181, while a flight costs an average of $419.

Distance: 541 miles (872 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Flight
Train
Driving

$181

Average price

Cheapest

$419

Average price

$210

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

24h 12m

Average total duration

23h 42m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 14m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 14m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Edinburgh to Cologne is a bus with an average price of $175.

This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Cologne:

A bus is $270 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Cologne costing on average $445.

The fastest way to travel from Edinburgh to Cologne is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 14m.

Other travel options to Cologne take longer:

Bus takes on average 23h 47m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh to Cologne among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.

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.

Edinburgh to Cologne Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
07:50AM
Arrival Time
12:45PM
Duration
27h55
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$199
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:00AM
Arrival Time
12:45PM
Duration
27h45
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$198
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:09AM
Arrival Time
12:45PM
Duration
27h36
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$223
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:20AM
Arrival Time
12:45PM
Duration
27h25
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$136
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:24AM
Arrival Time
12:45PM
Duration
27h21
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$126
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:30AM
Arrival Time
12:45PM
Duration
27h15
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$135
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:39AM
Arrival Time
12:45PM
Duration
27h06
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$153
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
09:05AM
Arrival Time
01:56PM
Duration
27h51
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$128
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:05AM
Arrival Time
12:45PM
Duration
24h40
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$122
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
09:35PM
Arrival Time
10:40PM
Duration
24h05
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$138
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
10:40PM
Arrival Time
10:40PM
Duration
23h00
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$122
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:15PM
Arrival Time
01:25AM
Duration
25h10
Departure days
Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$117

Live departures

Edinburgh to Cologne bus times

The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Cologne buses for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus9:35 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South
24h05
10:40 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)2 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus10:40 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station
23h00
10:40 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus11:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station
25h10
1:25 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)2 transfers
Saturday, August 29
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus8:20 AM Edinburgh, St Andrew's House
27h25
12:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)2 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus8:20 AM Edinburgh, St Andrew's House
27h25
12:45 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)2 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus8:24 AM Edinburgh, Princes Street (Stop PU)
27h21
12:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)2 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus8:30 AM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH)
27h15
12:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)2 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus8:30 AM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH)
27h15
12:45 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)2 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus8:39 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South
27h06
12:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)2 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus8:39 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South
27h06
12:45 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)2 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain9:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station
27h51
1:56 PM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain9:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station
27h36
1:41 PM Cologne Hbf2 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus11:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station
24h40
12:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus11:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station
24h40
12:45 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Cologne by train, bus, or flight

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.

Sat
Aug 29
Sun
Aug 30
Mon
Aug 31
Tue
Sep 01
Wed
Sep 02
Thu
Sep 03
Fri
Sep 04
Sat
Sep 05
Sun
Sep 06
Mon
Sep 07
Tue
Sep 08
Wed
Sep 09
Thu
Sep 10
Fri
Sep 11
Sat
Sep 12
Sun
Sep 13
Mon
Sep 14
Tue
Sep 15
Wed
Sep 16
Thu
Sep 17
Fri
Sep 18

Why should you book Edinburgh to Cologne buses with Omio?

FlixBus operates all buses services from Edinburgh to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Edinburgh to Cologne.

Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Cologne.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Edinburgh to Cologne

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
GermanyGermany
Icon of bus

Buses from Edinburgh to Cologne run on average 5 times per day, taking around 23h 47m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $83 but you can travel from only $27 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 21h 35m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $27
Distance
541 miles (872 km)
Average bus duration
23h 47m
Cheapest ticket price
$83
Buses per day
5
Fastest bus
21h 35m
First bus
1:45 AM
Last bus
11:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
42 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $27

Bus providers: FlixBus from Edinburgh to CologneYou can travel by bus between Edinburgh to Cologne with FlixBus for as low as $83. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
21h 35m
Cheapest Price
$83
FlixBus frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

Complete guide to Cologne

Things to do in Cologne

Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.

  • 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.

  • Must visit

Kolumba

Excellent private museum for modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and a sculpture-filled former industrial hall.

  • Must visit

Wallraf-Richartz Museum

Art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, blending contemporary architecture with historic ruins and carefully curated sacred art.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak trade fair periods, but dining and local transit are generally manageable for most tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or street food.
Mid-range
€20-35 per person for a meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
€2.50-4 for cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Bus from Edinburgh to 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Edinburgh to Cologne can start from as little as $83 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Edinburgh to Cologne is $175 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Edinburgh to Cologne is 21h 35m to travel the 541 miles (872 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Edinburgh to Cologne leaves at 1:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Edinburgh to Cologne leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 5 buses a day from Edinburgh to Cologne which require at least one change with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Edinburgh to Cologne, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Cologne. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Edinburgh and Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Edinburgh , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Edinburgh, Bus Station, Edinburgh, Drum Brae South, Edinburgh, St Andrew's House, Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH), Edinburgh, Princes Street (Stop PU) . When arriving in Cologne , you can end your journey in bus stations like Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen), Leverkusen, Bf Mitte, Bergisch Gladbach, Busbahnhof (Bensberg U) .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Edinburgh, Bus Station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen), located 13 away from the city centre.
A trip to Cologne from Edinburgh is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 21h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Edinburgh to Cologne is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Edinburgh to Cologne for bus company FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Edinburgh to Cologne:
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Cologne are:
  • Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic Gothic masterpiece with twin spires
  • Museum Ludwig, renowned for its extensive collection of modern art including works by Picasso and Warhol
  • Hohenzollern Bridge, famous for its thousands of love locks and panoramic views of the Rhine River
  • Old Town (Altstadt), a charming area with narrow streets, historic buildings, and traditional beer halls
  • Cologne Zoo, one of the oldest and most diverse zoos in Germany, home to a wide variety of animal species.
The best things to do in Cologne include:
  • Cologne Chocolate Museum, an interactive museum dedicated to the history and production of chocolate
  • Rhine River Cruise, a scenic boat tour offering views of Cologne's skyline and iconic landmarks
  • Visit the Botanical Gardens Flora, a beautiful park with diverse plant species and stunning floral displays
  • Explore the Belgian Quarter, known for its trendy boutiques, cafes, and vibrant street art
  • Attend a concert at the Cologne Philharmonic Hall, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and diverse musical performances.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Edinburgh to Cologne depends on the bus companies:
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Edinburgh to Cologne.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Edinburgh to Cologne:
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Edinburgh to Cologne:
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Edinburgh to Cologne. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Edinburgh to Cologne with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Edinburgh to Cologne with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Edinburgh to Cologne with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Cologne is within the Schengen Area. Passport and visa requirements depend on your nationality. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh to Cologne among Omio's users.
Currently, UK citizens do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period) for tourism or business in the Schengen Area. However, the new ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is scheduled to launch in late 2026. Once active, this digital travel authorization will be a mandatory pre-travel requirement for all UK passport holders.
Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.
In Cologne, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like train stations, the main shopping streets, and during events such as Carnival. Common scams include distraction techniques and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to keep valuables secure and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or deals. Public transportation is generally safe, but vigilance is recommended during late hours.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Edinburgh to Cologne

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.

Departure bus stations in Edinburgh
Arrival bus stations in Cologne

Which Edinburgh station do buses to Cologne leave from?

Buses from Edinburgh to Cologne leave from Edinburgh, Bus Station. The station is from Edinburgh city centre at Elder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United Kingdom.
Edinburgh, Bus StationElder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Edinburgh, Bus Station from Edinburgh city centre

Bus10, 11 · 2m · $2 · every ~30 min
Uk090 · 5m · $1 · every ~32 min
TramEdinburgh York Place - Edinburgh Airport, T50 · 3m · $5 · every ~38 min

Edinburgh, Bus Station 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 and drink

Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.

Edinburgh, St Andrew's HouseEdinburgh EH7 5BN, UKAccessibility
City-centre transport

Getting to Edinburgh, St Andrew's House from Edinburgh city centre

BusX19, 43, X18, X27, X28 · 6m · $2 · every ~36 min
15, 26, 44, X26 · 7m · $1 · every ~40 min
Uk090 · 8m · $1 · every ~1 min
Uk090 · 8m · $1 · every ~15 min

Edinburgh, St Andrew's House bus station facilities and services

Edinburgh, St Andrew's House has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.

More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Cologne

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone