- 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
$15
Average price
$38
Fastest journey
1 h 55 m
Average duration
2 h 4 m
Buses per day
32
Distance
153 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne will cost around $38 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $15.
Of the 32 buses that leave Frankfurt am Main for Cologne on Mon, May 25, 30 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 25 the direct buses cover the 153 km distance in an average of 2 h 4 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 55 m .
On Mon, May 25 the slowest buses will take 2 h 10 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.
(Prague -> Amsterdam)
(Prague -> Amsterdam)
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 7m. 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 $12, and a train costs an average of $12.
Distance: 95 miles (153 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$26 Average price Cheapest | $39 Average price | $34 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 37m Average total duration Fastest 2h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 45m Average total duration 2h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg 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 Frankfurt am Main to Cologne:
A bus is $13 (€10) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Frankfurt am Main to Cologne costing on average $39 (€31).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 15m.
You'll arrive about 3m sooner (2h 7m by bus vs 2h 10m by car) and save roughly $8 (€6) compared to fuel and tolls ($26 (€21) vs $34 (€27)). 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 FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, BlaBlaCar Bus.
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 12:05AM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:20AM | Arrival Time 02:20AM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:25AM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:20AM | Arrival Time 03:35AM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:40AM | Arrival Time 03:35AM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:40AM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:40AM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00AM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator RegioJet a.s. | Departure Time 05:25AM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator RegioJet a.s. | Departure Time 05:55AM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 09:05AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 09:05AM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 09:15AM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 10:30AM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 18h25 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 03:05PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:45PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 19h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $20 |
The table below shows live departures for Frankfurt am Main to Cologne buses for today, Sunday, May 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(Prague -> Amsterdam) | 5:55 AM Frankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36) | 2h10 | 8:05 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 6:15 AM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 2h50 | 9:05 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 6:35 AM Frankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36) | 2h30 | 9:05 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:00 AM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 2h15 | 9:15 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:30 AM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 2h15 | 10:45 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:35 AM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 2h10 | 11:45 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:00 AM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 2h10 | 12:10 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:30 AM Frankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36) | 2h40 | 1:10 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:30 AM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 2h10 | 12:40 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:00 AM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 2h10 | 1:10 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
30485 · 50448 | 12:00 PM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 18h25 | 6:25 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 12:50 PM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 2h15 | 3:05 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:30 PM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 2h15 | 3:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:35 PM Frankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36) | 2h45 | 4:20 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:10 PM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 2h10 | 4:20 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:45 PM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 2h40 | 5:25 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 3:05 PM Frankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36) | 2h20 | 5:25 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 4:30 PM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 2h10 | 6:40 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 4:55 PM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 2h45 | 7:40 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:45 PM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 2h50 | 8:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:10 PM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 2h20 | 9:30 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:10 PM Frankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36) | 3h00 | 10:10 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:30 PM Frankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36) | 2h00 | 9:30 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
30481 · 50428 | 10:50 PM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 19h00 | 5:50 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, May 25 | |||||
FlixBus | 12:05 AM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 2h50 | 2:55 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:25 AM Frankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36) | 2h30 | 2:55 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:20 AM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 2h15 | 3:35 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:40 AM Frankfurt am Main, Flughafen Frankfurt (Terminal 1 - Busparkplatz P36) | 1h55 | 3:35 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:30 AM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 2h10 | 4:40 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 3:00 AM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 2h50 | 5:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 4:15 AM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 2h05 | 6:20 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
(Prague -> Amsterdam) | 5:25 AM Frankfurt, Stuttgarter Straße (Fermomnibusbahnhof) | 2h40 | 8:05 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 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 Frankfurt am Main to Cologne run on average 29 times per day, taking around 2h 7m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 (€9) if you book in advance.
There are 29 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 95 miles (153 km) distance in 2h 0m.
Distance 95 miles (153 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€9) |
Buses per day 29 |
Direct buses 29 |
Fastest bus 2h 0m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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 Frankfurt am Main 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.

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