- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, especially strong in Pop Art, Picasso, and postwar European art.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from London to Cologne
Showing times and prices for Jul 13
Cheapest price
$100
Average price
$109
Fastest journey
13 h 15 m
Average duration
14 h 22 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
497 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from London to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Cologne will cost around $109 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $100.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave London for Cologne on Mon, Jul 13, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jul 13 the direct buses cover the 497 km distance in an average of 14 h 22 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 13 h 15 m .
On Mon, Jul 13 the slowest buses will take 16 h 11 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.
FlixBus8:00 AM13h40London, Victoria Coach Station10:40 PMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$1001One-way0 transfers- FlixBus+
FlixTrain8:30 PM16h11London, Victoria Coach Station1:41 PMCologne Hbf$1131One-way1 transfer - FlixBus10:30 PM13h15London, Victoria Coach Station12:45 PMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$1131One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus10:30 PM13h15London, Victoria Coach Station12:45 PMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$1131One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus8:00 AM13h40London, Victoria Coach Station10:40 PMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$1001One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus+FlixTrain8:30 PM16h11London, Victoria Coach Station1:41 PMCologne Hbf$1131One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for London to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from London to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $60. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 55m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $60, and a train costs an average of $80.
Distance: 308 miles (497 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$99 Average price Cheapest | $163 Average price | $354 Average price | $44 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
15h 17m Average total duration 14h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 55m Average total duration Fastest 1h 55m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration 3h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from London to Cologne is a bus with an average price of $99 (€81).
This is compared to other travel options from London to Cologne:
A bus is $64 (€53) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from London to Cologne costing on average $163 (€134).
A bus is $255 (€210) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Cologne costing on average $354 (€291).
The fastest way to travel from London to Cologne is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 55m.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 55m.
Bus takes on average 14h 47m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between London and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from London to Cologne among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about -8h -19m sooner (14h 47m by bus vs 7h 28m by car) and save roughly $-54.99 (€-45.23) compared to fuel and tolls ($99 (€81) vs $44 (€36)). 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, Union Ivkoni International.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
London to Cologne Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 01:41PM | Duration 16h11 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $131 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $109 |
Live departures
London to Cologne bus times
The table below shows live departures for London to Cologne buses for today, Sunday, July 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 8:00 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 13h40 | 10:40 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus+FlixTrain | 8:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 16h11 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus | 10:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 13h15 | 12:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London 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 London to Cologne buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as Union Ivkoni International or BlaBlaCar Bus offer buses services from London to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London 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 or BlaBlaCar Bus to find the best option for your trip from London 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 London 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 or BlaBlaCar Bus to find the best option for your trip from London 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 London to Cologne.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from London to Cologne
United Kingdom
Germany
Buses from London to Cologne run on average 3 times per day, taking around 14h 47m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $60 (€49) but you can travel from only $29 (€24) by flight.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 308 miles (497 km) distance in 12h 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $29 (€24)
Distance 308 miles (497 km) |
Average bus duration 14h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $60 (€49) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 12h 45m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 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 $29 (€24)
Bus providers: FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International, BlaBlaCar Bus from London to CologneYou can travel by bus between London to Cologne with FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International, BlaBlaCar Bus for as low as $29 (€24). 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
12h 45m
Cheapest Price
$60 (€49)
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
13h 30m
Cheapest Price
$56 (€46)
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 Bus
About
BlaBlaCar Bus (formerly known as Ouibus or iDBUS) is a long-distance coach company operating in 10 European countries and connecting over 300 destinations. A subsidiary of the French carpooling company BlaBlaCar, it offers comfortable travel with standard amenities such as air conditioning, toilets, USB and power outlets for charging devices, extra legroom, and adjustable seats. Free Wi-Fi is available on select routes. BlaBlaCar Bus offers only a Standard ticket type, which allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and up to two checked bags per person.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
19h 50m
Cheapest Price
$77 (€63)
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating options.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; additional fees may apply.
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.
- Recommended
Wallraf-Richartz-Museum & Fondation Corboud
One of Germany’s key fine art museums, known for medieval painting, Gothic works, and major Impressionist holdings.
- Recommended
NS-Dokumentationszentrum
Cologne’s documentation center on National Socialism, housed in the former Gestapo headquarters with preserved prison cells.
- Recommended
Alter Markt
Historic Old Town square surrounded by traditional facades and lively pedestrian streets, ideal as a base for central sightseeing.
- Recommended
Heumarkt
Large central square in the Altstadt known for events, open space, and easy access to the Rhine promenade.
- Recommended
Belgian Quarter
Trendy inner-city neighborhood popular for independent shops, street life, and photogenic urban corners beyond the main tourist core.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Kölsch
Cologne’s signature top-fermented pale beer, traditionally served in small Stangen glasses and central to the city’s brewing culture.
- Vegetarian
Halver Hahn
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.
- Gluten-free
Himmel Un Ääd
A traditional Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes with apple sauce, often served with black pudding and fried onions. The name means ‘Heaven and Earth.’
Ox & Klee
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant offering modern tasting menus and polished service for a high-end culinary experience in Cologne.
Päffgen
Historic brewery and restaurant loved for house-brewed Kölsch and authentic local specialties in a rustic traditional atmosphere.
Bei Oma Kleinmann
Well-known casual restaurant famous for oversized schnitzels and hearty German comfort food with a friendly, classic atmosphere.
Euro
Moderate by German standards. Public transport is fair, while central hotels and dining cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for kebab, bakery, or fast food.
- Mid-range
- EUR 18-30 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 3-5 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
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.
KVB App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 3.40
- Day pass
- EUR 9.00
To the city center
Köln ZOB, Cologne -> Köln Hauptbahnhof, Cologne
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Single tickets and day passes are valid across KVB buses, trams, and many local trains within the selected fare zone. Buy tickets in the KVB App or from ticket machines before boarding.
- Card payment is generally available at ticket machines, but onboard payment on buses or trams is limited, so buy your ticket in advance when possible.
Bus from London to Cologne: travel overview
One of the less well used buses routes is the route from London to Cologne. Only the buses company National Express offers a departure to the Rhine metropolis once a day. The London Cologne buses start their journey at the Victoria Coach Station in London and reach the terminus near Cologne Central Station after a night trip. The journey starts in London at 9.30 p.m. and reaches its destination the next morning around 10.15 a.m., so that travellers can already fully enjoy the first day of their trip. The journey time London - Cologne is approx. 11 hours and 45 minutes.
Cologne is the most populous city in North Rhine-Westphalia and the fourth largest city in Germany. Cologne is known above all for its exuberant carnival and the impressive cathedral, which is located in the direct vicinity of the main railway station and which you can hardly miss.
FAQs: Bus from London to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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.
Cheap bus tickets from London to Cologne can start from as little as $60 (€49) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for London to Cologne is $99 (€81) ; 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 London to Cologne is 12h 45m to travel the 308 miles (497 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 London to Cologne leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from London to Cologne leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from London to Cologne with FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from London to Cologne, you can count on FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International, BlaBlaCar Bus for the best way to get you to Cologne. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between London and Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from London , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including London, Victoria Coach Station, Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney), London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3, London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, London, Stratford City Bus Station . When arriving in Cologne , you can end your journey in bus stations like Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen), Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2), Leverkusen, Bf Mitte, Bergisch Gladbach, Busbahnhof (Bensberg U), Düsseldorf, ZOB am Hbf .Passengers board the bus most frequently from London, Victoria Coach Station, which is located around 1 miles (2 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 London is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 12h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from London to Cologne is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between London and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from London to Cologne:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating options.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Union Ivkoni International
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Service animals allowed.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from London to Cologne for bus company FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International, BlaBlaCar Bus.
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 London to Cologne depends on the bus companies:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
- 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, BlaBlaCar Bus.
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 London to Cologne.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from London to Cologne:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
- 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 London to Cologne:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- 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 London 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 London to Cologne with the following bus company: FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International, BlaBlaCar Bus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from London to Cologne with the following bus company: FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from London to Cologne with the following bus company: FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International, BlaBlaCar Bus.
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 London 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.
More options for your journey from London to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cologne and London
Most popular bus connections to Cologne
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