- 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.
Cheapest price
€46
Average price
€50
Fastest journey
10 h 40 m
Average duration
11 h 47 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
562 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Salzburg to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Salzburg to Cologne will cost around €50 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €46.
Of the 7 buses that leave Salzburg for Cologne on Wed, Aug 05, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct buses cover the 562 km distance in an average of 11 h 47 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 40 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest buses will take 12 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
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Salzburg to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €30. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €30, and a flight costs an average of €136.
Distance: 349 miles (562 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€46 Average price Cheapest | €130 Average price | €502 Average price | €44 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 6m Average total duration 11h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 17m Average total duration 7h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.6 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.7 - 3.4kg 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Salzburg to Cologne:
A bus is €84 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Salzburg to Cologne costing on average €130.
A bus is €456 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Salzburg to Cologne costing on average €502.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 47m.
Bus takes on average 11h 36m.
You'll arrive about -5h -44m sooner (11h 36m by bus vs 6h 52m by car) and save roughly €-1.70 compared to fuel and tolls (€46 vs €44). 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 FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International.
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 12:15AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €48 |
Operator | Departure Time 03:00AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10AM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 12h25 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €61 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 11h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 11h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 13h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €66 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 13h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €56 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:35AM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 11h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 13h25 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 14h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 04:35AM | Duration 14h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €53 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:35PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price €62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €48 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 10h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €46 |
The table below shows live departures for Salzburg to Cologne buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:35 PM Salzburg, P+R Süd | 12h15 | 5:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 11:20 PM Salzburg, P+R Süd | 10h40 | 10:00 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, August 5 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:15 AM Salzburg, P+R Süd | 12h45 | 1:00 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:50 AM Salzburg, P+R Süd | 11h55 | 4:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:30 AM Salzburg, P+R Süd | 13h10 | 7:40 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:35 AM Salzburg, P+R Süd | 12h05 | 8:40 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:10 PM Salzburg, P+R Süd | 14h45 | 2:55 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
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 Salzburg to Cologne run on average 7 times per day, taking around 11h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €30 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:01, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 349 miles (562 km) distance in 10h 30m.
Distance 349 miles (562 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price €30 |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 10h 30m |
First bus 12:01 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Outstanding collection of Picasso, pop art, and modern masters in a central museum complex. A major stop for twentieth-century art lovers.
Excellent private museum for modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and a sculpture-filled former industrial hall.
Art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, blending contemporary architecture with historic ruins and carefully curated sacred art.
The heart of Cologne’s old town, filled with historic lanes, churches, squares, and Rhine views. Best area for first walks and atmosphere.
Broad riverside promenade ideal for walking, skyline views, and photos of the cathedral, bridge, and Rhine traffic.
Popular east-bank steps and terrace with one of Cologne’s best panoramic views across the Rhine to the cathedral and old town.
Marinated beef roast in a sweet-sour gravy, traditionally served with red cabbage and dumplings. It is a Rhineland classic long associated with Cologne.
Pan-fried black pudding with onions and mashed potatoes or rye bread. This hearty Rhineland dish is a long-standing Cologne pub favorite.
Halved rye roll with butter, Gouda, onions, and mustard. It is Cologne's iconic simple pub snack, traditionally enjoyed with Kölsch.
Celebrated fine-dining restaurant with modern German cuisine, polished service, and panoramic Rhine views from the upper floors.
Well-known brewery restaurant with classic local fare, seasonal dishes, and its own Kölsch in a spacious historic atmosphere.
Beloved traditional brauhaus serving Mühlen Kölsch, Halve Hahn, and other Cologne staples in a bustling old-city setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak trade fair periods, but dining and local transit are generally manageable for most tourists.
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Salzburg 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 Salzburg to Cologne buses use the Salzburg, P+R Süd to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) station pair, with some services arriving at Leverkusen, Bf Mitte. Use this guide to compare Salzburg and Cologne bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Salzburg, P+R Süd is 3 km from Salzburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Salzburg, P+R Süd has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café Süd (in the station), Fast-Food Express (in the station)
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Salzburg, P+R Süd.
Available at Salzburg, P+R Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Salzburg, P+R Süd: 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need