- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cheapest price
$120
Average price
$139
Fastest journey
17 h 10 m
Average duration
19 h 46 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
744 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Nantes to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Nantes to Cologne will cost around $139 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $120.
It's difficult to get from Nantes to Cologne without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Nantes to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 55m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $48, and a flight costs an average of $197.
Distance: 462 miles (744 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$83 Average price Cheapest | $213 Average price | $680 Average price | $241 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 28m Average total duration 12h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 46m Average total duration 6h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 55m Average total duration Fastest 2h 55m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Nantes to Cologne:
A bus is $130 (€107) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Nantes to Cologne costing on average $213 (€175).
A bus is $597 (€493) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Nantes to Cologne costing on average $680 (€561).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 16m.
Bus takes on average 12h 58m.
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 12:20AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 16h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $155 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 17h10 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $105 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 15h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $172 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 03:55AM | Duration 19h25 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $144 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 05:05AM | Duration 18h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $120 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 18h25 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 03:55AM | Duration 15h15 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 05:05AM | Duration 16h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $144 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 16h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 18h45 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 18h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $105 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 10:30AM | Duration 18h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 22h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $151 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 15h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $129 |
The table below shows live departures for Nantes to Cologne buses for today, Monday, June 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:10 AM Pôle d'échange multimodal Gare Sud SNCF, 44000 Nantes | 15h15 | 11:25 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:30 AM Pôle d'échange multimodal Gare Sud SNCF, 44000 Nantes | 19h25 | 3:55 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:45 AM Pôle d'échange multimodal Gare Sud SNCF, 44000 Nantes | 18h20 | 5:05 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:30 PM Pôle d'échange multimodal Gare Sud SNCF, 44000 Nantes | 18h00 | 10:30 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:25 PM Pôle d'échange multimodal Gare Sud SNCF, 44000 Nantes | 15h20 | 12:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:30 AM Pôle d'échange multimodal Gare Sud SNCF, 44000 Nantes | 17h10 | 5:40 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 12:30 AM Pôle d'échange multimodal Gare Sud SNCF, 44000 Nantes | 21h10 | 9:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 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 Nantes to Cologne run on average 5 times per day, taking around 12h 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $48 (€40) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 462 miles (744 km) distance in 13h 20m.
Distance 462 miles (744 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $48 (€40) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 13h 20m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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.
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cologne’s key archaeology museum for Roman heritage, especially famous for the Dionysus mosaic and Roman artifacts from the city.
Important fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century painting, including one of Germany’s leading Impressionist collections.
Popular riverfront promenade in Deutz with one of the city’s best postcard views toward the cathedral skyline, especially at sunset.
Classic walking area with narrow lanes, traditional houses, churches, and river access, ideal for first-time visitors.
One of the Old Town’s best-known squares, surrounded by historic facades and a lively atmosphere close to major sights.
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.
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.
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.
An established fine-dining restaurant in central Cologne offering refined modern European cuisine, polished service, and an elegant hotel dining room.
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.
One of Cologne’s most famous brauhäuser near the cathedral, known for Kölsch and classic Rhineland dishes in a lively traditional atmosphere.
Moderate by German standards. Museums and transit are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
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.
Official public transport app
Köln ZOB, Cologne -> Köln Hauptbahnhof, Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Nantes 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 Nantes to Cologne buses use the Nantes, Route de Paris to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) station pair, with some services arriving at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2). Use this guide to compare Nantes and Cologne bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Nantes, Route de Paris is 4 km from Nantes city centre. Public transport options include:
Nantes, Route de Paris 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), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Nantes, Route de Paris.
Available at Nantes, Route de Paris: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nantes, Route de Paris: 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.
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