- 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
$109
Average price
$161
Fastest journey
1 d 1 h
Average duration
1 d 3 h 5 m
Buses per day
10
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 $161 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $109.
It's difficult to get from Madrid to Cologne without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
4004 · 50428
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
4004 · 50428
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio 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 $57. 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 $57, and a flight costs an average of $166.
Distance: 888 miles (1430 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$111 Average price Cheapest | $592 Average price | $451 Average price | $286 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 $340 (€340) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Cologne costing on average $451 (€451).
A bus is $481 (€481) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Cologne costing on average $592 (€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 Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 26h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 27h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 25h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 27h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 26h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 03:55AM | Duration 29h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 03:55AM | Duration 29h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 32h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 32h11 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $93 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Cologne buses for today, Tuesday, July 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:25 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 27h00 | 11:25 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:50 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 26h35 | 11:25 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
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 | |
| Wednesday, July 29 | |||||
4004 · 50428 | 3:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 26h20 | 5:50 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 | 4:40 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 25h00 | 5:40 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 Madrid to Cologne run on average 7 times per day, taking around 24h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $57 (€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 $57 (€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.
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 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.

Most Madrid to Cologne buses use the Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) station pair, with some services arriving at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2). Use this guide to compare Madrid and Cologne bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses is 3 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km), La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses.
Available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Rodilla, Mahoudrid
ATMs are aTMs located throughout T4, major cards accepted .
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid).
Available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): Step-free access, elevators, accessible toilets.
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.
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