- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its Picasso collection and important Pop Art holdings.
Cheapest price
$180
Average price
$223
Fastest journey
1 d 1 h
Average duration
1 d 2 h 28 m
Buses per day
11
Distance
1430 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Cologne will cost around $223 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $180.
It's difficult to get from Madrid to Cologne without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
4004 · 50458
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
4004 · 50458
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus+
FlixTrainOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $71. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 32m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.4 - 3.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $71, and a flight costs an average of $204.
Distance: 888 miles (1430 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$137 Average price Cheapest | $730 Average price | $556 Average price | $352 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
24h 57m Average total duration 24h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 32m Average total duration Fastest 3h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 24h 0m Average total duration 23h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 18h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.4 - 3.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 4.3 - 8.6kg CO2 emissions | - 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 Madrid to Cologne:
A bus is $419 (€340) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Cologne costing on average $556 (€451).
A bus is $593 (€481) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Cologne costing on average $730 (€592).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 23h 30m.
Bus takes on average 24h 27m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). 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 {directProviders}.
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 02:50PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 30h50 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $137 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 26h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 25h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $120 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 25h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $117 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 27h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $115 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 26h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 03:55AM | Duration 29h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 03:55AM | Duration 29h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $121 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 32h35 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 01:41PM | Duration 37h42 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $104 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Cologne buses for tomorrow, Saturday, June 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4004 · 50458 | 3:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 25h20 | 4:50 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:55 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 25h45 | 5:40 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:55 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 27h50 | 7:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:40 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 25h00 | 5:40 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 4:40 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 28h25 | 9:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:50 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 30h05 | 2:55 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:35 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 29h20 | 3:55 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:55 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 29h00 | 3:55 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 32h35 | 8:10 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:59 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 32h11 | 8:10 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 11:59 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 37h42 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
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 Madrid to Cologne run on average 7 times per day, taking around 24h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $71 (€57) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 888 miles (1430 km) distance in 25h 0m.
Distance 888 miles (1430 km) |
Average bus duration 24h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $71 (€57) |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 25h 0m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 42 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, known for its Picasso collection and important Pop Art holdings.
Archaeological museum focused on Roman Cologne; famous for mosaics and finds from the ancient city. Main building has had closures, but the collection remains significant.
Leading fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque and 19th-century European painting in Cologne's historic center.
The city's most visited walking area, with narrow lanes, churches, colorful houses and easy access to major sights.
Popular riverside walking route with postcard views of the cathedral, bridges and skyline, especially lively near sunset.
Historic square in the Old Town surrounded by traditional facades, busy pedestrian activity and classic Cologne atmosphere.
Cologne’s signature pale beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses called Stangen. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a Brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, often served with fried onions and black pudding. The sweet-savory combination is strongly associated with Rhineland home cooking.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye bread roll with Gouda, mustard, onions, and pickles. It is a beloved Brauhaus snack traditionally eaten with Kölsch.
A celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Cologne known for creative modern tasting menus and polished service, ideal for a higher-end culinary experience.
A well-known casual restaurant famous for schnitzel and generous portions, with a friendly, old-school Cologne neighborhood feel.
A long-established Brauhaus in the Old Town serving hearty Cologne specialties, fresh Kölsch, and a warm wood-paneled atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Moderate by German standards: supermarkets and casual food are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included, but a tip is expected. Round up in cafés and taxis, and add about 5-10% in restaurants for good service.
Official public transport app
Köln ZOB, Cologne -> Köln Hauptbahnhof, Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid 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.

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