- 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 Paderborn to Cologne
Showing times and prices for Jun 20
Cheapest price
$39
Average price
$44
Fastest journey
8 h 5 m
Average duration
8 h 5 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
153 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Paderborn to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Paderborn to Cologne will cost around $44 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
Fast buses
Of the 2 buses that leave Paderborn 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 153 km distance in an average of 8 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 5 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 8 h 5 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.
6:20 AM8h05Paderborn2:25 PMCologne$391One-way0 transfers- 5:20 AM8h05Paderborn1:25 PMCologne$501One-way0 transfers
- 6:20 AM8h05Paderborn2:25 PMCologne$391One-way0 transfers
- 5:20 AM8h05Paderborn1:25 PMCologne$501One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Paderborn to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Paderborn to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 27m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $27, and a flight costs an average of $999.
Distance: 95 miles (153 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$38 Average price Cheapest | $51 Average price | $999 Average price | $33 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 40m Average total duration 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 57m Average total duration Fastest 2h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 50m Average total duration 5h 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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 Paderborn to Cologne is a bus with an average price of $38 (€31).
This is compared to other travel options from Paderborn to Cologne:
A bus is $12 (€10) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Paderborn to Cologne costing on average $51 (€41).
A bus is $960 (€787) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Paderborn to Cologne costing on average $999 (€818).
The fastest way to travel from Paderborn to Cologne is by train with an average journey time of 2h 27m.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 10m.
Flight takes on average 5h 50m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Paderborn and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Paderborn to Cologne among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about -1h -54m sooner (3h 10m by bus vs 2h 16m by car) and save roughly $-4.93 (€-4.04) compared to fuel and tolls ($38 (€31) vs $33 (€27)). 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 BlaBlaCar.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Paderborn to Cologne Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:20AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 12:56PM | Duration 5h36 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 07:05AM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $36 |
Live departures
Paderborn to Cologne bus times
The table below shows live departures for Paderborn to Cologne buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:20 AM Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West | 8h05 | 3:25 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 7:20 AM Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West | 5h36 | 12:56 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Paderborn 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.
Sat
Jun 20
Jun 20
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Jun 21
Jun 21
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Jun 26
Jun 26
Why should you book Paderborn to Cologne buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Paderborn to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Paderborn to Cologne.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- 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 Paderborn 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 Paderborn to Cologne.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Paderborn to Cologne
GermanyGermany
Buses from Paderborn to Cologne run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) but you can travel from only $26 (€21) by train.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 95 miles (153 km) distance in 5h 36m.
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 $26 (€21)
Distance 95 miles (153 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€22) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 5h 36m |
First bus 4:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 $26 (€21)
Bus providers: BlaBlaCar, FlixBus from Paderborn to CologneYou can travel by bus between Paderborn to Cologne with BlaBlaCar, FlixBus for as low as $26 (€21). 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 Duration
5h 36m
Cheapest Price
$27 (€22)
FlixBus frequency
1 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.
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 Paderborn to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Paderborn 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 Paderborn to Cologne can start from as little as $27 (€22) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Paderborn 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 Paderborn to Cologne is 5h 36m to travel the 95 miles (153 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 Paderborn to Cologne leaves at 4:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Paderborn to Cologne leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 3 direct buses a day from Paderborn to Cologne with BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Paderborn to Cologne, you can count on BlaBlaCar, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Cologne. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Paderborn and Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Cologne from Paderborn is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 36m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Paderborn to Cologne is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Paderborn and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Paderborn to Cologne:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Paderborn to Cologne for bus company FlixBus.
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.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Paderborn to Cologne depends on the bus companies:
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Paderborn to Cologne.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Paderborn to Cologne:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Paderborn to Cologne:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Paderborn to Cologne. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Paderborn to Cologne with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Paderborn to Cologne with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Paderborn to Cologne with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since both Paderborn 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 Paderborn 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 Paderborn to Cologne
Most Paderborn to Cologne buses use the Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) station pair. Use this guide to compare Paderborn and Cologne bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Paderborn
Arrival bus stations in Cologne
Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West
City-centre transport
Getting to Paderborn, Maspernplatz-West from Paderborn city centre
BusE6, N4, N1, 6 · 6m · every ~4 min
Which Cologne station do buses from Paderborn arrive at?
Buses from Paderborn to Cologne most often arrive at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen). Some services arrive at Bonn, Museumsmeile, 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 · $5 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 12m · $5
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.
Most popular bus connections from Paderborn
More options for your journey from Paderborn to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cologne and Paderborn
Most popular bus connections to Cologne
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