- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Munich Airport to Cologne
Showing times and prices for Jun 21
Cheapest price
$53
Average price
$58
Fastest journey
8 h 30 m
Average duration
10 h
Buses per day
4
Distance
451 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Munich Airport to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Munich Airport to Cologne will cost around $58 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $53.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Munich Airport to Cologne without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus9:10 PM9h10München, Flughafen (Terminal 2)6:20 AMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$531One-way1 transfer- FlixBus · FlixBus3:25 PM12h10München, Flughafen (Terminal 2)3:35 AMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$531One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus12:35 AM8h30München, Flughafen (Terminal 2)9:05 AMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$561One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus1:35 AM10h10München, Flughafen (Terminal 2)11:45 AMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$701One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus12:35 AM8h30München, Flughafen (Terminal 2)9:05 AMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$561One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus9:10 PM9h10München, Flughafen (Terminal 2)6:20 AMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$531One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus1:35 AM10h10München, Flughafen (Terminal 2)11:45 AMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$701One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus3:25 PM12h10München, Flughafen (Terminal 2)3:35 AMKöln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)$531One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Munich Airport to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Munich Airport to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $33. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 7m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $33, and a flight costs an average of $76.
Distance: 280 miles (451 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$59 Average price Cheapest | $123 Average price | $237 Average price | $103 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 31m Average total duration 6h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 4m Average total duration 5h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 7m Average total duration Fastest 1h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 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 |
The cheapest way to travel from Munich Airport to Cologne is a bus with an average price of $59 (€48).
This is compared to other travel options from Munich Airport to Cologne:
A bus is $64 (€53) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Munich Airport to Cologne costing on average $123 (€101).
A bus is $178 (€146) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Munich Airport to Cologne costing on average $237 (€194).
The fastest way to travel from Munich Airport to Cologne is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 7m.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 34m.
Bus takes on average 6h 1m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Munich Airport and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Munich Airport 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 $59 (€48) compared to roughly $103 (€84) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $44 (€36). The journey takes 6h 1m versus 5h 41m 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 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.
Munich Airport to Cologne Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:35AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 15h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:55AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 15h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:35AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 21h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 12h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:25PM | Arrival Time 03:35AM | Duration 12h10 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 01:30AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $46 |
Live departures
Munich Airport to Cologne bus times
The table below shows live departures for Munich Airport to Cologne buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:25 PM München, Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 12h10 | 3:35 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:10 PM München, Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 9h10 | 6:20 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:35 AM München, Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 8h30 | 9:05 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:35 AM München, Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 10h10 | 11:45 AM 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 prices and tickets Munich Airport 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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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Munich Airport to Cologne
GermanyGermany
Buses from Munich Airport to Cologne run on average 4 times per day, taking around 6h 1m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $33 (€27) but you can travel from only $33 (€27) by train.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:35, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 280 miles (451 km) distance in 9h 10m.
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
Train from $33 (€27)
Distance 280 miles (451 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 (€27) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 9h 10m |
First bus 12:35 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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
Train from $33 (€27)
Bus providers: BlaBlaCar from Munich Airport to CologneYou can travel by bus between Munich Airport to Cologne with BlaBlaCar for as low as $33 (€27). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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
3 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
Römisch-Germanisches Museum
Cologne’s key archaeology museum for Roman heritage, especially famous for the Dionysus mosaic and Roman artifacts from the city.
- Recommended
Wallraf-Richartz-Museum & Fondation Corboud
Important fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century painting, including one of Germany’s leading Impressionist collections.
- Must visit
Rheinboulevard
Popular riverfront promenade in Deutz with one of the city’s best postcard views toward the cathedral skyline, especially at sunset.
- Must visit
Cologne Old Town
Classic walking area with narrow lanes, traditional houses, churches, and river access, ideal for first-time visitors.
- Recommended
Alter Markt
One of the Old Town’s best-known squares, surrounded by historic facades and a lively atmosphere close to major sights.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Kölsch
Cologne’s signature top-fermented pale beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a local brauhaus.
- Gluten-free
Himmel un Ääd
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, usually served with black pudding and fried onions. The sweet-savory combination is strongly associated with Rhineland home cooking.
- Vegetarian
Halver Hahn
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye bread roll with aged Gouda, butter, mustard, and onions. It is a beloved Kölsch beer snack in traditional Cologne pubs.
Hanse Stube
An established fine-dining restaurant in central Cologne offering refined modern European cuisine, polished service, and an elegant hotel dining room.
Bei Oma Kleinmann
A well-known casual restaurant loved for schnitzel and hearty German comfort food. It has a relaxed, local feel and a strong reputation among visitors and residents.
Früh am Dom
One of Cologne’s most famous brauhäuser near the cathedral, known for Kölsch and classic Rhineland dishes in a lively traditional atmosphere.
Euro
Moderate by German standards. Museums and transit are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for kebab, bakery, or currywurst.
- Mid-range
- EUR 18-35 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 small bills; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Add EUR 1-2 for taxis, and round up in cafés if table service is provided.
KVB App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 3.60 EUR
- Day pass
- 9.00 EUR
To the city center
Köln ZOB, Cologne -> Köln Hauptbahnhof, Cologne
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- You can usually pay by card in KVB ticket machines, but not always on board buses and trams, so buy tickets in advance in the app or at machines.
- Validate paper tickets if required and check whether your ticket covers the needed fare zone before boarding.
FAQs: Bus from Munich Airport to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Munich Airport 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 Munich Airport to Cologne can start from as little as $33 (€27) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Munich Airport to Cologne is $59 (€48) ; 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 Munich Airport to Cologne is 9h 10m to travel the 280 miles (451 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 Munich Airport to Cologne leaves at 12:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Munich Airport to Cologne leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Munich Airport to Cologne with BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Munich Airport to Cologne, you can count on BlaBlaCar for the best way to get you to Cologne. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Munich Airport and Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Cologne from Munich Airport is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Munich Airport to Cologne is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Munich Airport and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Munich Airport to Cologne.
No, the bus from Munich Airport to Cologne has no accessibility options.
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.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Munich Airport to Cologne.
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.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Munich Airport to Cologne.
No, luggage for the bus from Munich Airport to Cologne needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Munich Airport to Cologne.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Munich Airport to Cologne.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Munich Airport to Cologne.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Munich Airport to Cologne.
Since both Munich Airport 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 Munich Airport 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 Munich Airport to Cologne
Munich
Cologne
Amenities at bus station
Wifi
Parking
ATM
Accessibility
WCinformation
Distance to city center
13 km
Car connection
KennedystraßeWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 00:00-23:59
Distance to city center
13 kmCar connection
KennedystrasseWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Taxis
- Available outside Terminal 2 arrivals area
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station
Public transit options for Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
- Bus: SB60 Train: S13, S19
Köln, ZOB
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-22:00
Distance to city center
1 kmCar connection
Breslauer PlatzWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafeteria im ZOB (in the station)
- McDonald's (0.2 km)
- Vapiano (0.5 km).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station
Public transit options for Köln, ZOB
- Bus: 132, 133, 250 Metro: U5, U18 Train: S6, S11, S12
Most popular bus connections from Munich Airport
More options for your journey from Munich Airport to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cologne and Munich Airport
Most popular bus connections to Cologne
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