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The cheapest and fastest buses from Rotterdam to Cologne
Showing times and prices for Dec 11
Cheapest price
$20
Average price
$30
Fastest journey
4 h 25 m
Average duration
5 h 23 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
204 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Rotterdam to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rotterdam to Cologne will cost around $30 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Fast buses
Of the 7 buses that leave Rotterdam for Cologne on Thu, Dec 11, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Dec 11 the direct buses cover the 204 km distance in an average of 5 h 23 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 25 m .
On Thu, Dec 11 the slowest buses will take 6 h 45 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.
FlixBus · FlixBus09:55PM6h45
Rotterdam, Zuidplein04:40AMKöln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)
$201One-way
1 transfer
FlixBus · FlixBus10:15PM6h25
Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)04:40AMKöln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)
$201One-way
1 transfer
(Amsterdam -> Prague)03:15PM4h25
Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)07:40PMKöln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
$201One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus06:35PM4h40
Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)11:15PMKöln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)
$261One-way
0 transfers
1662 · 601111:25AM10h50
Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)10:15PMKöln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
$301One-way
1 transfer
(Amsterdam -> Prague)03:15PM4h25
Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)07:40PMKöln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
$201One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus06:35PM4h40
Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)11:15PMKöln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)
$261One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus09:25AM4h40
Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)02:05PMKöln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)
$451One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus · FlixBus10:15PM6h25
Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)04:40AMKöln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)
$201One-way
1 transfer
FlixBus · FlixBus09:55PM6h45
Rotterdam, Zuidplein04:40AMKöln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)
$201One-way
1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Rotterdam to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Rotterdam to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 15m. 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 bus costs an average of €10, and a train costs an average of €38.
Distance: 126 miles (204 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€21 Average price Cheapest | €60 Average price |
5h 36m Average total duration 5h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 45m Average total duration Fastest 3h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Rotterdam to Cologne Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:20AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:25AM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:05PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Regiojet | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:55PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:15PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Live departures
Rotterdam to Cologne bus times
The table below shows live departures for Rotterdam to Cologne buses for today, Wednesday, December 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 5:55 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Amsterdam -> Prague) | 2:15 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 4h25 | 6:40 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 5:35 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 4h40 | 10:15 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:55 PM Rotterdam, Zuidplein | 6h45 | 3:40 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:15 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 6h25 | 3:40 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, December 11 | |||||
| 3:20 AM Rotterdam | 6h05 | 9:25 AM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Rotterdam to Cologne by bus or train
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Rotterdam to Cologne
Netherlands
Germany
Buses from Rotterdam to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 5h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 126 miles (204 km) distance in 4h 25m.
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
Distance 126 miles (204 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 4h 25m |
First bus 00:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
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
Bus providers: FlixBus, Ourbus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Union Ivkoni - Unibus from Rotterdam to CologneYou can travel by bus between Rotterdam to Cologne with FlixBus, Ourbus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Union Ivkoni - Unibus for as low as $12 (€10). 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
4h 40m
Cheapest Price
$12 (€9)
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.
Ourbus
About
Union Ivkoni International is a prominent bus company based in Sofia, Bulgaria, established in 1992. It is recognized as the largest bus carrier in Bulgaria and a leader in bus transport across Europe. The company offers extensive services, including regular bus lines, bus rentals, and bus tours, with over 715 daily departures to more than 100 towns in Bulgaria and over 150 towns in Central and Western Europe, Greece, and Turkey. Union Ivkoni also operates its own tourist brand, Uni Holidays, providing various excursions, vacations, and plane tickets.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 30m
Cheapest Price
$22 (€18)
Ourbus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs and one checked bag up to 50 lbs.
Additional luggage
10 USD per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a full refund in the form of a travel credit.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Service animals allowed.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
BlaBlaCar Bus
About
BlaBlaCar Bus (formerly known as Ouibus or iDBUS) is a long-distance coach company operating in 10 European countries and connecting over 300 destinations. A subsidiary of the French carpooling company BlaBlaCar, it offers comfortable travel with standard amenities such as air conditioning, toilets, USB and power outlets for charging devices, extra legroom, and adjustable seats. Free Wi-Fi is available on select routes. BlaBlaCar Bus offers only a Standard ticket type, which allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and up to two checked bags per person.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
15h 15m
Cheapest Price
$99 (€80)
BlaBlaCar Bus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating options.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; additional fees may apply.
Union Ivkoni - Unibus
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 6m
Union Ivkoni - Unibus frequency
1 a day
FAQs: Bus from Rotterdam to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam to Cologne can start from as little as $16 (€13) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Rotterdam to Cologne is $31 (€25); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Rotterdam to Cologne bus travel time is 4 h 25 min for the 126 mile (203 km) long route, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Rotterdam to Cologne leaves at 7: 05AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last bus from Rotterdam to Cologne leaves at 10: 50PM.
There are 6 buses a day from Rotterdam to Cologne which require at least one change with FlixBus, Ourbus, BlaBlaCar Bus or Union Ivkoni - Unibus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
Take the Rotterdam to Cologne bus with FlixBus, Ourbus, BlaBlaCar Bus or Union Ivkoni - Unibus. However, it's always good to check out all possible bus companies for the trip from Rotterdam to Cologne as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
A trip to Cologne from Rotterdam is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4 h 25 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Rotterdam to Cologne by bus is October.
You have options as you can travel to Cologne from Rotterdam 2 different ways: bus or train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Rotterdam to Cologne:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Ourbus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Service animals allowed.
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating options.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Rotterdam to Cologne for bus providers FlixBus, Ourbus and BlaBlaCar Bus.
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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus companies FlixBus, Ourbus and BlaBlaCar Bus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Rotterdam 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.
- Ourbus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a full refund in the form of a travel credit.
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Rotterdam to Cologne, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Rotterdam to Cologne.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Rotterdam to Cologne:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Ourbus
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs and one checked bag up to 50 lbs.
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Rotterdam to Cologne:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Ourbus
- 10 USD per additional bag.
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam to Cologne with the following bus providers: FlixBus, Ourbus and BlaBlaCar Bus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Rotterdam to Cologne with the following bus companies: FlixBus, Ourbus and BlaBlaCar Bus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Rotterdam to Cologne with the following bus providers: FlixBus, Ourbus and BlaBlaCar Bus.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Rotterdam to Cologne
Rotterdam
Cologne
The major bus station for departures in Rotterdam is Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) for your trip from Rotterdam to Cologne.
Amenities at bus station
Wifi
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Ticket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-23:00
Car connection
ConradstraatWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafeteria Centraal (in the station)
- Dutch Delights (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)
- Bus: 33, 38, 44 Metro: D, E Train: Intercity, Sprinter
Rotterdam, Westerstraat
information
Rotterdam, Zuidplein
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 Rotterdam.
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingATMAccessibilityWCinformation
Distance to city center
13 kmCar connection
KennedystraßeWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 00:00-23:59
Distance to city center
1 kmCar connection
Breslauer PlatzWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafeteria Köln Hbf (in the station)
- Local Cuisine Express (in the station)
- Fast Food Corner (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Köln, Hbf
- Bus: 132, 133, 250, 260 Metro: U5, U16, U18 Train: S6, S11, S12, S13
Köln, ZOB
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-22:00
Distance to city center
1 kmCar connection
Breslauer PlatzWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafeteria im ZOB (in the station)
- McDonald's (0.2 km)
- Vapiano (0.5 km).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Köln, ZOB
- Bus: 132, 133, 250 Metro: U5, U18 Train: S6, S11, S12
Most popular bus connections from Rotterdam
More options for your journey from Rotterdam to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cologne and Rotterdam
Most popular bus connections to Cologne
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