- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Osnabrück to Cologne
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19
Cheapest price on Sep 19
€10
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€14
Fastest journey on Sep 19
1 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
1 h 54 m
Buses on Sep 19
5
Distance
167 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Osnabrück to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Osnabrück to Cologne will cost around €14 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €10.
Fast buses
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 5 buses from Osnabrück to Cologne, including 5 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 167 km distance in an average of 1 h 54 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 40 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 2 h 20 m 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.
3:00 PM1h50Osnabrück4:50 PMCologne€101One-way0 transfers- 9:50 AM1h40Osnabrück11:30 AMCologne€121One-way0 transfers
- 9:30 PM1h40Osnabrück11:10 PMCologne€141One-way0 transfers
- 1:30 PM2h00Osnabrück3:30 PMCologne€161One-way0 transfers
- 7:30 AM2h20Osnabrück9:50 AMCologne€171One-way0 transfers
- 9:30 PM1h40Osnabrück11:10 PMCologne€141One-way0 transfers
- 9:50 AM1h40Osnabrück11:30 AMCologne€121One-way0 transfers
- 3:00 PM1h50Osnabrück4:50 PMCologne€101One-way0 transfers
- 1:30 PM2h00Osnabrück3:30 PMCologne€161One-way0 transfers
- 7:30 AM2h20Osnabrück9:50 AMCologne€171One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, flight, and bus for Osnabrück to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Osnabrück to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €32 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 48m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €32, while a flight costs an average of €444.
Distance: 103 miles (167 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€32 Average price Cheapest | €41 Average price | €444 Average price | €30 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 0m Average total duration 7h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 48m Average total duration Fastest 2h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 17m Average total duration 2h 17m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Osnabrück to Cologne is a bus with an average price of €32.
This is compared to other travel options from Osnabrück to Cologne:
A bus is €9 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Osnabrück to Cologne costing on average €41.
A bus is €412 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Osnabrück to Cologne costing on average €444.
The fastest way to travel from Osnabrück to Cologne is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 17m.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 18m.
Bus takes on average 7h 30m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Osnabrück and Cologne including taking a train, flight, and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Osnabrück 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 €32 compared to roughly €30 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-1.67. The journey takes 7h 30m versus 2h 31m 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.
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.
Osnabrück to Cologne Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price €29 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price €27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €29 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €16 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €14 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €10 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €14 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €14 |
Live departures
Osnabrück to Cologne bus times
The table below shows live departures for Osnabrück to Cologne buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00 AM Osnabrück | 2h00 | 1:00 PM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2:40 PM Osnabrück | 2h00 | 4:40 PM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:20 PM Osnabrück | 1h40 | 7:00 PM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6:00 PM Osnabrück | 2h30 | 8:30 PM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Osnabrück to Cologne by train, flight, or bus
Compare train, flight, and bus 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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Sep 19
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Osnabrück to Cologne
GermanyGermany
Buses from Osnabrück to Cologne run on average 2 times per day, taking around 7h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €19 but you can travel from only €7 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 04:10, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 103 miles (167 km) distance in 3h 40m.
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 €7
Distance 103 miles (167 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price €19 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 3h 40m |
First bus 4:10 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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 €7
Bus providers: FlixBus from Osnabrück to CologneYou can travel by bus between Osnabrück to Cologne with FlixBus for as low as €7. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
3h 40m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
€19
FlixBus frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
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
Kolumba
Excellent private museum for modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and a sculpture-filled former industrial hall.
- Must visit
Wallraf-Richartz Museum
Art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, blending contemporary architecture with historic ruins and carefully curated sacred art.
- Must visit
Altstadt
The heart of Cologne’s old town, filled with historic lanes, churches, squares, and Rhine views. Best area for first walks and atmosphere.
- Must visit
Rheinpromenade
Broad riverside promenade ideal for walking, skyline views, and photos of the cathedral, bridge, and Rhine traffic.
- Must visit
Rheinboulevard
Popular east-bank steps and terrace with one of Cologne’s best panoramic views across the Rhine to the cathedral and old town.
Rheinischer Sauerbraten
Marinated beef roast in a sweet-sour gravy, traditionally served with red cabbage and dumplings. It is a Rhineland classic long associated with Cologne.
Himmel un Ääd
Pan-fried black pudding with onions and mashed potatoes or rye bread. This hearty Rhineland dish is a long-standing Cologne pub favorite.
- Vegetarian
Halve Hahn
Halved rye roll with butter, Gouda, onions, and mustard. It is Cologne's iconic simple pub snack, traditionally enjoyed with Kölsch.
OX & Klee
Celebrated fine-dining restaurant with modern German cuisine, polished service, and panoramic Rhine views from the upper floors.
Brauerei Päffgen
Well-known brewery restaurant with classic local fare, seasonal dishes, and its own Kölsch in a spacious historic atmosphere.
Brauhaus Sion
Beloved traditional brauhaus serving Mühlen Kölsch, Halve Hahn, and other Cologne staples in a bustling old-city setting.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak trade fair periods, but dining and local transit are generally manageable for most tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or street food.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
FAQs: Bus from Osnabrück to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Osnabrück 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 Osnabrück to Cologne can start from as little as €19 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Osnabrück to Cologne is €32 ; 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 Osnabrück to Cologne is 3h 40m to travel the 103 miles (167 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 Osnabrück to Cologne leaves at 4:10 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Osnabrück to Cologne leaves at 11:40 PM.
There are 2 buses a day from Osnabrück to Cologne which require at least one change with BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Osnabrück 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 Osnabrück and Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Osnabrück , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Osnabrück, Hauptbahnhof, Greven, Airportallee (Flughafen Münster/Osnabrück - Terminal II) . When arriving in Cologne , you can end your journey in bus stations like Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen), Leverkusen, Bf Mitte, Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2), Bonn, Museumsmeile .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Osnabrück, Hauptbahnhof, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen), located 13 away from the city centre.
A trip to Cologne from Osnabrück is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Osnabrück to Cologne is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Osnabrück and Cologne including taking a train, flight, and bus.
No, the bus from Osnabrück to Cologne has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Osnabrück to Cologne.
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 Osnabrück 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 Osnabrück to Cologne.
No, luggage for the bus from Osnabrück to Cologne needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Osnabrück to Cologne.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Osnabrück to Cologne.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Osnabrück to Cologne.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Osnabrück to Cologne.
Since both Osnabrück 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 Osnabrück 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 Osnabrück to Cologne
Most Osnabrück to Cologne buses use the Osnabrück, Hauptbahnhof to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) station pair, with some services arriving at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2). Use this guide to compare Osnabrück and Cologne bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Osnabrück
Arrival bus stations in Cologne
Osnabrück, HauptbahnhofOsnabrück Eisenbahnstraße, Eisenbahnstraße 16, 49074
City-centre transport
Getting to Osnabrück, Hauptbahnhof from Osnabrück city centre
BusX274 · 4m · €3
Which Cologne station do buses from Osnabrück arrive at?
Buses from Osnabrück to Cologne most often arrive at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen). Some services arrive at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Cologne arrival station.
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)Kennedystrasse, Koln, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) from Cologne city centre
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRe · 8m · €4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 12m · €4
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) bus station facilities and services
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, and WC.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Parking, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Elevators, ramps.
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)Kennedystrasse, 51147 Koln, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) from Cologne city centre
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRe · 16m · €4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 20m · €4
Re · 21m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 27m · €5
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) bus station facilities and services
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance and baggage claim area.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Elevators, ramps.
Most popular bus connections from Osnabrück
More options for your journey from Osnabrück to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cologne and Osnabrück
Most popular bus connections to Cologne
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