- 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 on Sep 14
$115
Average ticket price on Sep 14
$118
Fastest journey on Sep 14
1 d 8 h
Average journey duration on Sep 14
1 d 10 h 13 m
Buses on Sep 14
2
Distance
1541 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sofia to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sofia to Cologne will cost around $118 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $115.
It's difficult to get from Sofia to Cologne without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Sofia to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $150 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 17m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the bus is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 1.5 - 3.9kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $150, while a flight costs an average of $493.
Distance: 957 miles (1541 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$150 Average price Cheapest | $493 Average price | $473 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
32h 10m Average total duration 31h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 17m Average total duration Fastest 4h 17m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 19h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.5 - 3.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 4.6 - 9.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Sofia to Cologne:
A bus is $343 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sofia to Cologne costing on average $493.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 31h 40m.
Tickets start at around $150 compared to roughly $473 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $323. The journey takes 31h 40m versus 19h 10m 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.
Direct services are operated by Union Ivkoni International.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 36h25 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $121 |
Operator | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 30h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $161 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 33h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $120 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 32h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $107 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 32h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $115 |
The table below shows live departures for Sofia to Cologne buses for today, Sunday, September 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:20 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 33h20 | 7:40 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 10:50 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 39h51 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:50 PM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 32h00 | 5:50 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, September 14 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:45 AM София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) | 36h25 | 1:10 PM 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 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 Sofia to Cologne run on average 2 times per day, taking around 31h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $83 but you can travel from only $30 by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 957 miles (1541 km) distance in 29h 15m.
Distance 957 miles (1541 km) |
Average bus duration 31h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $83 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 29h 15m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 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 Sofia 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 Sofia to Cologne buses use the София, Централна Aвтогара 2 (Sofia, Centralna Avtogara 2) to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) station pair, with some services arriving at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2). Use this guide to compare Sofia and Cologne bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) is 1 km from Sofia city centre. Public transport options include:
Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Serdika (in the station), Bistro Bulgaria (0.2 km), Sofia Grill House (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика).
Available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sofiya, Avtogara Serdika (София, Автогара Сердика): 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