Ghent to Cologne bus with FlixBus

Mon, Aug 24
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FlixBus
BlaBlaCar
Union Ivkoni International
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
2,000+ travel companies
FlixBus
BlaBlaCar
Union Ivkoni International
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Ghent to Cologne

Showing times and prices for Aug 24

Cheapest price

$29

Average price

$38

Fastest journey

5 h 45 m

Average duration

6 h 30 m

Buses per day

5

Distance

227 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Ghent to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Ghent to Cologne will cost around $38 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.

Fast buses

Of the 5 buses that leave Ghent for Cologne on Mon, Aug 24, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Aug 24 the direct buses cover the 227 km distance in an average of 6 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 45 m .

On Mon, Aug 24 the slowest buses will take 7 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    2:55 PM5h55
    Gent, Ghent
    8:50 PMKöln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
    $291One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    9:15 PM5h45
    Gent, Ghent
    3:00 AMKöln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
    $291One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    9:10 AM6h55
    Gent, Ghent
    4:05 PMKöln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
    $421One-way
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    3:45 AM6h45
    Gent, Ghent
    10:30 AMKöln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
    $431One-way
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    9:40 AM7h10
    Gent, Ghent
    4:50 PMKöln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
    $461One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Ghent to Cologne

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 $19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 23m. 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 $19, and a flight costs an average of $253.

Distance: 141 miles (227 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight
Driving

$32

Average price

Cheapest

$95

Average price

$409

Average price

$54

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 43m

Average total duration

4h 13m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 53m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 23m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 27m

Average total duration

6h 27m

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Ghent to Cologne is a bus with an average price of $32.

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

A bus is $63 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ghent to Cologne costing on average $95.

A bus is $378 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ghent to Cologne costing on average $409.

The fastest way to travel from Ghent to Cologne is by train with an average journey time of 2h 23m.

Other travel options to Cologne take longer:

Bus takes on average 4h 13m.

Flight takes on average 6h 27m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Ghent and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Ghent to Cologne among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

Tickets start at around $32 compared to roughly $54 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $22. The journey takes 4h 13m 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.

Ghent to Cologne Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
02:20AM
Arrival Time
05:30AM
Duration
3h10
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$25
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:45AM
Arrival Time
10:30AM
Duration
6h45
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$31
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
07:25AM
Arrival Time
01:40PM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Wed, Sat
Cheapest price
$30
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
08:00AM
Arrival Time
11:10AM
Duration
3h10
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$36
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
09:10AM
Arrival Time
04:05PM
Duration
6h55
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$29
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
09:40AM
Arrival Time
04:50PM
Duration
7h10
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$29
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
01:30PM
Arrival Time
04:50PM
Duration
3h20
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$33
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
02:55PM
Arrival Time
08:50PM
Duration
5h55
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$26
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
06:10PM
Arrival Time
09:20PM
Duration
3h10
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$33
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
09:15PM
Arrival Time
03:00AM
Duration
5h45
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$26

Live departures

Ghent to Cologne bus times

The table below shows live departures for Ghent to Cologne buses for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus9:10 AM Gent, Ghent
6h55
4:05 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain9:10 AM Gent, Ghent
6h45
3:55 PM Cologne Hbf1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus2:55 PM Gent, Ghent
5h55
8:50 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus9:15 PM Gent, Ghent
5h45
3:00 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)0 transfersDirect
Monday, August 24
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus3:45 AM Gent, Ghent
6h45
10:30 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)1 transfer

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Ghent 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.

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Why should you book Ghent to Cologne buses with Omio?

FlixBus as well as Union Ivkoni International offer buses services from Ghent to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ghent to Cologne.

Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Union Ivkoni International to find the best option for your trip from Ghent to Cologne.
  • 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 Ghent to Cologne.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trainline or Checkmybus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Union Ivkoni International to find the best option for your trip from Ghent to Cologne.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Ghent to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Ghent to Cologne

BelgiumBelgium
GermanyGermany
Icon of bus

Buses from Ghent to Cologne run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 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.

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
Distance
141 miles (227 km)
Average bus duration
4h 13m
Cheapest ticket price
$19
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
Sun
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
28 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

Bus providers: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, Union Ivkoni International from Ghent to CologneYou can travel by bus between Ghent to Cologne with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, Union Ivkoni International for as low as $19. 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
5h 45m
Cheapest Price
$19
FlixBus frequency
4 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.

Union Ivkoni International

About
Union Ivkoni International is a prominent bus company based in Sofia, Bulgaria, established in 1992. It is recognized as the largest bus carrier in Bulgaria and a leader in bus transport across Europe. The company offers extensive services, including regular bus lines, bus rentals, and bus tours, with over 715 daily departures to more than 100 towns in Bulgaria and over 150 towns in Central and Western Europe, Greece, and Turkey. Union Ivkoni also operates its own tourist brand, Uni Holidays, providing various excursions, vacations, and plane tickets.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 15m
Cheapest Price
$28
Union Ivkoni International frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs and one checked bag up to 50 lbs.
Additional luggage
10 USD per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a full refund in the form of a travel credit.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Service animals allowed.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.

BlaBlaCar

About
BlaBlaCar is a French online marketplace for carpooling, connecting drivers with empty seats and passengers traveling to the same destination to share costs. Founded in 2006, it operates in Europe and Latin America, boasting 26 million active members. The platform also includes BlaBlaCar Bus, an intercity bus service. BlaBlaCar's name comes from its rating system for drivers' chattiness: "Bla" for quiet, "BlaBla" for talkative, and "BlaBlaBla" for very chatty. The company aims to be the leading marketplace for shared travel, offering affordable and sustainable solutions by combining carpooling with bus journeys.
Luggage & cancellation policy
BlaBlaCar frequency
2 a day

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 Ghent to 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Ghent to Cologne can start from as little as $19 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Ghent to Cologne is $32 ; 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 Ghent to Cologne is 5h 45m to travel the 141 miles (227 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 Ghent to Cologne leaves at 2:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Ghent to Cologne leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Ghent to Cologne with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, Union Ivkoni International. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Ghent to Cologne, you can count on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, Union Ivkoni International for the best way to get you to Cologne. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Ghent and Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Ghent , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Gent, Ghent, Terneuzen, Busstation Westerscheldetunnel (WST) . When arriving in Cologne , you can end your journey in bus stations like Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen), Leverkusen, Bf Mitte, Bonn, Museumsmeile, Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2), Bergisch Gladbach, Busbahnhof (Bensberg U) .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Gent, Ghent, which is located around 0 miles (1 km) 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 Ghent is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Ghent to Cologne is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Ghent and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Ghent to Cologne for bus company FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Ghent to Cologne:
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
  • Union Ivkoni International
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Service animals allowed.
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 Ghent 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.
  • Union Ivkoni International
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a full refund in the form of a travel credit.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International.
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 Ghent to Cologne.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Ghent to Cologne:
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
  • Union Ivkoni International
    • One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs and one checked bag up to 50 lbs.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Ghent to Cologne:
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
  • Union Ivkoni International
    • 10 USD per additional bag.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Ghent 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 Ghent to Cologne with the following bus company: FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Ghent to Cologne with the following bus company: FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Ghent to Cologne with the following bus company: FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International.
Since both Ghent and Cologne are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Ghent to Cologne among Omio's users.
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 Ghent to Cologne

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.

Departure bus stations in Ghent
Arrival bus stations in Cologne

Which Ghent station do buses to Cologne leave from?

Buses from Ghent to Cologne leave from Gent, Ghent. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Ghent city centre at Ghent, Belgium.
Gent, GhentGhent, BelgiumWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Gent, Ghent from Ghent city centre

Gent, Ghent is 1 km from Ghent city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus5a, G71 · 9m · $4 · every ~12 min
5a · 15m · $4 · every ~13 min

Gent, Ghent bus station facilities and services

Gent, Ghent has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Gent, Ghent. ATMs are available at Gent, Ghent.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Gent, Ghent.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Gent, Ghent: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Gent, Ghent: Limited accessibility features for disabled persons.

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