- 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 Osnabrück to Cologne
Showing times and prices for Jun 20
Cheapest price
$12
Average price
$14
Fastest journey
2 h
Average duration
2 h 15 m
Buses per day
2
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 $12.
Fast buses
Of the 2 buses that leave Osnabrück for Cologne on Sat, Jun 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 167 km distance in an average of 2 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 2 h 30 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.
8:40 AM2h30Osnabrück11:10 AMCologne$121One-way0 transfers- 1:00 PM2h00Osnabrück3:00 PMCologne$171One-way0 transfers
- 1:00 PM2h00Osnabrück3:00 PMCologne$171One-way0 transfers
- 8:40 AM2h30Osnabrück11:10 AMCologne$121One-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 train with prices starting from $11. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 11m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $11, and a flight costs an average of $278.
Distance: 103 miles (167 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$38 Average price | $35 Average price Cheapest | $518 Average price | $36 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 41m Average total duration Fastest 2h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 47m Average total duration 2h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 33m Average total duration 4h 33m Onboard + 3h 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 |
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 train with an average price of $35 (€29).
This is compared to other travel options from Osnabrück to Cologne:
A train is $3 (€2) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Osnabrück to Cologne costing on average $38 (€31).
A train is $483 (€395) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Osnabrück to Cologne costing on average $518 (€424).
The fastest way to travel from Osnabrück to Cologne is by bus with an average journey time of 2h 11m.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 17m.
Flight takes on average 4h 33m.
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 quicker way to make this trip, and the time saved usually justifies the slightly higher cost.
You'll arrive about 20m sooner (2h 11m by bus vs 2h 31m by car). Tickets start at around $38 (€31) compared to roughly $36 (€30) in fuel and tolls — a bit more, but you're getting time back, skipping traffic and parking, and you can work or rest on board.
Direct coaches are operated by BlaBlaCar.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel splits across several people), want flexibility on timing, or plan to stop en route.
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 | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35AM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $17 |
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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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Osnabrück to Cologne
GermanyGermany
Buses from Osnabrück to Cologne run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 11m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) but you can travel from only $11 (€9) by train.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:10, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 103 miles (167 km) distance in 6h 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 $11 (€9)
Distance 103 miles (167 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 6h 40m |
First bus 4:10 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 2 days |
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 $11 (€9)
Bus providers: BlaBlaCar from Osnabrück to CologneYou can travel by bus between Osnabrück to Cologne with BlaBlaCar for as low as $11 (€9). 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
4 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 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 $22 (€18) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Osnabrück to Cologne is $38 (€31) ; 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 6h 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.
Yes, there are 3 direct buses a day from Osnabrück to Cologne with BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct 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), Bonn, Museumsmeile, Leverkusen, Bf Mitte .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 6h 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
Osnabrück
Cologne
The major bus station for departures in Osnabrück is Osnabrück, Hauptbahnhof. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Osnabrück, Hauptbahnhof for your trip from Osnabrück to Cologne.
Osnabrück, Hauptbahnhof
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Cologne is Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) for your trip to Cologne from Osnabrück.
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
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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