- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, especially strong in Pop Art, Picasso, and postwar European art.





Cheapest price
$25
Average price
$35
Fastest journey
3h 30m
Average duration
5h 51m
Buses per day
5
Distance
237 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ghent to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 22m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $18, and a flight costs an average of $346.
Distance: 141 miles (227 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$30 Average price Cheapest | $100 Average price | $632 Average price | $52 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 44m Average total duration 4h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 52m Average total duration Fastest 2h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 26m Average total duration 5h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - 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 Ghent to Cologne:
A bus is $70 (€57) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ghent to Cologne costing on average $100 (€82).
A bus is $601 (€495) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ghent to Cologne costing on average $632 (€520).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 14m.
Flight takes on average 5h 26m.
Tickets start at around $30 (€25) compared to roughly $52 (€43) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $21 (€18). The journey takes 4h 14m versus 3h 3m 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, Union Ivkoni International.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45AM | Arrival Time 10:30AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 08:50AM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:55PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
The table below shows live departures for Ghent to Cologne buses for today, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:10 AM Gent, Ghent | 6h55 | 4:05 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:40 AM Gent, Ghent | 7h10 | 4:50 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 2:55 PM Gent, Ghent | 5h55 | 8:50 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:15 PM Gent, Ghent | 5h45 | 3:00 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, July 10 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:45 AM Gent, Ghent | 6h45 | 10:30 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Ghent to Cologne run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $18 (€15) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 141 miles (227 km) distance in 5h 45m.
Distance 141 miles (227 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€15) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 5h 45m |
First bus 2:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 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 beside the cathedral, especially strong in Pop Art, Picasso, and postwar European art.
One of Germany’s key fine art museums, known for medieval painting, Gothic works, and major Impressionist holdings.
Cologne’s documentation center on National Socialism, housed in the former Gestapo headquarters with preserved prison cells.
Historic Old Town square surrounded by traditional facades and lively pedestrian streets, ideal as a base for central sightseeing.
Large central square in the Altstadt known for events, open space, and easy access to the Rhine promenade.
Trendy inner-city neighborhood popular for independent shops, street life, and photogenic urban corners beyond the main tourist core.
Cologne’s signature top-fermented pale beer, traditionally served in small Stangen glasses and central to the city’s brewing culture.
A classic Cologne rye roll with aged Gouda, mustard, and onion. Despite the name, it contains no chicken and is a beloved beer-hall snack.
A traditional Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes with apple sauce, often served with black pudding and fried onions. The name means ‘Heaven and Earth.’
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant offering modern tasting menus and polished service for a high-end culinary experience in Cologne.
Historic brewery and restaurant loved for house-brewed Kölsch and authentic local specialties in a rustic traditional atmosphere.
Well-known casual restaurant famous for oversized schnitzels and hearty German comfort food with a friendly, classic atmosphere.
Moderate by German standards. Public transport is fair, while central hotels and dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up in cafes and taxis. In restaurants, 5-10% is common for good service; hand the tip directly when paying.
Official public transport app
Köln ZOB, Cologne -> Köln Hauptbahnhof, Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ghent 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 Ghent to Cologne buses use the Gent, Ghent to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) station pair, with some services arriving at Leverkusen, Bf Mitte. Use this guide to compare Ghent and Cologne bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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