4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Munich to Cologne
Cheapest price
$26
Average price
$41
Fastest journey
5 h 50 m
Average duration
6 h 12 m
Buses per day
15
Distance
456 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Munich 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 to Cologne will cost around $41 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $26.
Of the 15 buses that leave Munich for Cologne on Mon, Mar 09, 13 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Mar 09 the direct buses cover the 456 km distance in an average of 6 h 12 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 50 m .
On Mon, Mar 09 the slowest buses will take 7 h 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.
FlixBusFlixBusFlixBus
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Munich to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Munich to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $30. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 7m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $30, and a flight costs an average of $82.
Distance: 283 miles (456 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$51 Average price Cheapest | $76 Average price | $267 Average price |
7h 17m Average total duration 6h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 27m Average total duration 4h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 7m Average total duration Fastest 1h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Munich to Cologne Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:10AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 10h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 21h40 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 10h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 03:35AM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 21h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $48 |
Live departures
Munich to Cologne bus times
The table below shows live departures for Munich to Cologne buses for today, Sunday, March 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 11:45 AM Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB) | 9h25 | 9:10 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:15 PM Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB) | 10h40 | 1:55 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:40 PM München, Fröttmaning P+R Parkplatz | 11h00 | 3:40 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus | 6:30 PM Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB) | 9h10 | 3:40 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
 30493 · 50428 | 7:30 PM Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB) | 21h20 | 4:50 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus | 7:50 PM Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB) | 8h10 | 4:00 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 8:15 PM München, Fröttmaning P+R Parkplatz | 7h45 | 4:00 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 8:20 PM Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB) | 8h40 | 5:00 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:30 PM München, Fröttmaning P+R Parkplatz | 10h15 | 9:45 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, March 9 | |||||
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:10 AM München, Fröttmaning P+R Parkplatz | 10h35 | 10:45 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus | 1:00 AM Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB) | 8h00 | 9:00 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 6:00 AM Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB) | 8h35 | 2:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 7:15 AM Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB) | 8h15 | 3:30 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 9:00 AM Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB) | 9h40 | 6:40 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 Munich to Cologne by train, bus, or flight
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Why should you book Munich to Cologne buses with Omio?
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 Trans Turist to find the best option for your trip from Munich 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 Munich to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Munich to Cologne.
ReviewsReviews for the bus trip from Munich to Cologne
Low priceNo changeStaff friendly
No WCPunctualCleaned busGood climateEverything was goodJourney information
Overview: Bus from Munich to Cologne
GermanyGermany
Buses from Munich to Cologne run on average 11 times per day, taking around 6h 47m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $30 (€24) but you can travel from only $24 (€20) by train.
There are 9 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 283 miles (456 km) distance in 7h 45m.
Distance 283 miles (456 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $30 (€24) |
Buses per day 11 |
Direct buses 9 |
Fastest bus 7h 45m |
First bus 00:15 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest month Sep |
Cheapest day Tue |
High season Oct - Dec |
Low season Jan - Mar |
Busiest day Tue |
Least busy day Thu |
Best day to book ahead 84 days |
Bus providers: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, Trans Turist from Munich to CologneYou can travel by bus between Munich to Cologne with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, Trans Turist for as low as $24 (€20). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
BlaBlaCar
Trans Turist
Bus from Munich to Cologne
The journey by bus from Munich to Cologne takes you through Germany's most scenic countryside in 8 to 10 hours. The route is fairly popular, so there are up to 15 departures both weekdays and on the weekend, spread out conveniently throughout the day. Most journeys are direct, especially if the journey takes place overnight. This option is the fastest since the roads stay clear of traffic at night.
How long is the journey by bus from Munich to Cologne?
The duration of the journey by bus from Munich to Cologne varies according to the time of day and route. The overnight bus tends to be the fastest, with a total journey time of 8 to 9 hours. During the daytime, the travel time may increase, especially if there is a transfer involved. Despite that, there tends to be at least one fast bus during the day as well, with an approximate travel time of 8 hours.
How many buses are there from Munich to Cologne?
The route from Munich to Cologne is definitely not the road less traveled, with approximately 13 departures daily. Passengers can take their pick from a varied timetable, with around two departures per hour in the morning from around 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and in the evening between 9.00 p.m. and 10.00 p.m. The first bus from Munich to Cologne leaves just after midnight, while the last one is between 10.00 p.m. and 11.00 p.m. There are departures scheduled in the late afternoon as well, meaning that the journey extends overnight and the arrival is in the small hours of the morning.
Where do buses from Munich to Cologne depart from and arrive to?
Departure bus station: The departure station for most buses from Munich to Cologne is Munich Central Bus Station, abbreviated to ZOB. The station is fairly central, only one stop away by S-Bahn, the overground train, making it possible to reach the city center in around 3 minutes. The Munich Central Bus Station is a modern, vibrant building, accessible by wheelchair, and offering diverse food and drink options, shopping, locker and waiting room facilities, as well as restrooms. Some buses from Munich to Cologne leave from the station Fröttmaning P+R Parkplatz, which is farther away from the Munich city center, 30 to 40 minutes by public transport, with changes. This bus terminal is accessible by wheelchair and has a cafeteria, restrooms, lockers, and a heated waiting area during the colder months.
Arrival bus station: The arrival station for all buses from Munich to Cologne is the Cologne Airport station. The travel time to the city center varies between 20 and 50 minutes and involves changing public transport and trains. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, various food and drink options are to be found on-site, and it is accessible to people with disabilities.
Which bus providers travel from Munich to Cologne?
The journey by bus from Munich to Cologne is operated by the company FlixBus, which covers the connecting buses as well if that should be the case with your journey.
FlixBus Munich to Cologne
On the route from Munich to Cologne, FlixBus operates up to 15 departures daily, with the frequency slightly increasing towards the weekend. Most of the buses are direct. The journeys requiring changes includes a waiting time of approximately one hour in the transfer station.
Munich to Cologne Bus: Onboard Services
With the FlixBus, there is are no class differentiated seating options but all seats offer plenty of legroom. For a small fee, travelers have the option of choosing their seats. The FlixBus luggage policy states that travelers can take 1 piece of carry-on, like a backpack, and have 2 pieces of checked-in luggage. The carry-on luggage must not exceed 15lbs, while the checked luggage can weigh up to 44lbs. Free WiFi is provided onboard all throughout the trip and there is a restroom available for passengers, but be sure to bring sanitizer, as not all buses have running water. Unfortunately, only Certified Service animals are allowed on the FlixBus. Bikes can be taken on board, as the buses from Munich to Cologne have a special holder. Travelers with limited mobility must contact the provider's Customer Service, at least 7 days prior to the trip. Unfortunately, not all vehicles have the necessary facilities for people using a wheelchair, so special arrangements have to be made. Wheelchairs must have certain features, so be sure to get in contact with FlixBus to set up the final details for your trip by bus from Munich to Cologne.
FAQs: Bus from Munich to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Munich 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.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Munich to Cologne
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
- 06:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafeteria München ZOB (in the station)
- Bavarian Bistro (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 58, 100 Metro: U1, U2 Train: S1, S2, S3, S4, S6, S7, S8
WifiParkingATMAccessibilityWC- Free Wi-Fi
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
WifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office- 00:00-23:59
- Free Wi-Fi
- Available outside Terminal 2 arrivals area.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: SB60 Train: S13, S19
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafeteria im ZOB (in the station)
- McDonald's (0.2 km)
- Vapiano (0.5 km).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 132, 133, 250 Metro: U5, U18 Train: S6, S11, S12
Most popular bus connections from Munich
More options for your journey from Munich to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cologne and Munich
Most popular bus connections to Cologne
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