- 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.
Cheapest price
$83
Average price
$99
Fastest journey
9 h 55 m
Average duration
13 h 21 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
597 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Lyon to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lyon to Cologne will cost around $99 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $83.
Of the 5 buses that leave Lyon for Cologne on Wed, Jul 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 22 the direct buses cover the 597 km distance in an average of 13 h 21 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 55 m .
On Wed, Jul 22 the slowest buses will take 15 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.
FlixBus · FlixBus
4782 · 50428
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
50470 · 50448
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
50470 · 50448
4782 · 50428Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lyon to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $47. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 28m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $47, and a flight costs an average of $211.
Distance: 370 miles (597 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$79 Average price Cheapest | $205 Average price | $697 Average price | $182 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 35m Average total duration 11h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 20m Average total duration 5h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 28m Average total duration Fastest 2h 28m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.8 - 3.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Lyon to Cologne:
A bus is $126 (€104) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lyon to Cologne costing on average $205 (€168).
A bus is $619 (€509) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lyon to Cologne costing on average $697 (€573).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 50m.
Bus takes on average 11h 5m.
Tickets start at around $79 (€65) compared to roughly $182 (€150) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $104 (€85). The journey takes 11h 5m versus 7h 47m 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.
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 02:20AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 13h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 02:40AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 15h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 13h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:20AM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 14h20 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 03:55AM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $113 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 17h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:15PM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $75 |
The table below shows live departures for Lyon to Cologne buses for today, Tuesday, July 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
51470 · 50448 | 3:30 PM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) | 14h55 | 6:25 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer | |
51095 · 52119 | 9:10 PM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) | 17h15 | 2:25 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 10:15 PM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) | 9h55 | 8:10 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, July 22 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:20 AM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) | 13h10 | 3:30 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
4782 · 50428 | 2:40 AM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) | 15h10 | 5:50 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:10 AM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) | 13h35 | 4:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Lyon to Cologne run on average 6 times per day, taking around 11h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $47 (€38) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 370 miles (597 km) distance in 9h 55m.
Distance 370 miles (597 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 (€38) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 9h 55m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Outstanding collection of Picasso, pop art, and modern masters in a central museum complex. A major stop for twentieth-century art lovers.
Excellent private museum for modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and a sculpture-filled former industrial hall.
Art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, blending contemporary architecture with historic ruins and carefully curated sacred art.
The heart of Cologne’s old town, filled with historic lanes, churches, squares, and Rhine views. Best area for first walks and atmosphere.
Broad riverside promenade ideal for walking, skyline views, and photos of the cathedral, bridge, and Rhine traffic.
Popular east-bank steps and terrace with one of Cologne’s best panoramic views across the Rhine to the cathedral and old town.
Marinated beef roast in a sweet-sour gravy, traditionally served with red cabbage and dumplings. It is a Rhineland classic long associated with Cologne.
Pan-fried black pudding with onions and mashed potatoes or rye bread. This hearty Rhineland dish is a long-standing Cologne pub favorite.
Halved rye roll with butter, Gouda, onions, and mustard. It is Cologne's iconic simple pub snack, traditionally enjoyed with Kölsch.
Celebrated fine-dining restaurant with modern German cuisine, polished service, and panoramic Rhine views from the upper floors.
Well-known brewery restaurant with classic local fare, seasonal dishes, and its own Kölsch in a spacious historic atmosphere.
Beloved traditional brauhaus serving Mühlen Kölsch, Halve Hahn, and other Cologne staples in a bustling old-city setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak trade fair periods, but dining and local transit are generally manageable for most tourists.
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lyon 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 Lyon to Cologne buses use the Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gherlan) to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) station pair, with some services arriving at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2). Use this guide to compare Lyon and Cologne bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache is 1 km from Lyon city centre. Public transport options include:
Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café de la Gare (in the station), Le Bistrot de Lyon (0.5 km), Brasserie Georges (0.6 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache.
Available at Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache: Elevators, ramps.
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