- 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
$80
Average price
$117
Fastest journey
12 h 25 m
Average duration
13 h 29 m
Buses per day
11
Distance
743 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Vienna to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Vienna to Cologne will cost around $117 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $80.
Of the 11 buses that leave Vienna for Cologne on Sun, Aug 09, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 09 the direct buses cover the 743 km distance in an average of 13 h 29 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 12 h 25 m .
On Sun, Aug 09 the slowest buses will take 14 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
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FlixBus · FlixBus
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FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Vienna to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $51. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 35m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $51, and a flight costs an average of $77.
Distance: 461 miles (743 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$78 Average price Cheapest | $165 Average price | $236 Average price | $197 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 48m Average total duration 11h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 24m Average total duration 9h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 35m Average total duration Fastest 2h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.7 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - 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 Vienna to Cologne:
A bus is $86 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Vienna to Cologne costing on average $165.
A bus is $157 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Vienna to Cologne costing on average $236.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 54m.
Bus takes on average 11h 18m.
Tickets start at around $78 compared to roughly $197 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $118. The journey takes 11h 18m versus 8h 33m 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 FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International, BlaBlaCar.
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 02:40AM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 14h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00AM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 14h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator RegioJet a.s. | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 24h20 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $121 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 17h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 16h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 03:35AM | Duration 13h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator RegioJet a.s. | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 16h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 17h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 02:00AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 03:20AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:55PM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 12h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 01:41PM | Duration 16h41 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 12h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 15h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $79 |
The table below shows live departures for Vienna to Cologne buses for today, Saturday, August 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:30 AM Vienna, International Busterminal (VIB) | 16h25 | 2:55 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 2:35 PM Vienna, International Busterminal (VIB) | 13h00 | 3:35 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
(Vienna -> Prague) · (Prague -> Amsterdam) | 3:45 PM Vienna, Central Station Südtiroler Platz | 16h20 | 8:05 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:55 PM Vienna, Central Station Südtiroler Platz | 17h05 | 10:00 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 5:55 PM Vienna, International Busterminal (VIB) | 12h25 | 6:20 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 9:00 PM Vienna, International Busterminal (VIB) | 16h41 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 10:55 PM Vienna, International Busterminal (VIB) | 12h50 | 11:45 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:45 PM Vienna, Central Station Südtiroler Platz | 15h50 | 3:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, August 9 | |||||
FlixBus | 2:40 AM Vienna, International Busterminal (VIB) | 14h45 | 5:25 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 3:00 AM Vienna, Central Station Südtiroler Platz | 14h25 | 5:25 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
(Vienna -> Prague) · (Split -> Prague) · (Prague -> Amsterdam) | 7:45 AM Vienna, Central Station Südtiroler Platz | 24h20 | 8:05 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:15 AM Vienna, Central Station Südtiroler Platz | 17h40 | 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 Vienna to Cologne run on average 9 times per day, taking around 11h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $51 if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:20, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 461 miles (743 km) distance in 12h 25m.
Distance 461 miles (743 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $51 |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 12h 25m |
First bus 12:20 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 56 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 Vienna 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 Vienna to Cologne buses use the Vienna, International Busterminal (VIB) to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) station pair, with some services arriving at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2). Use this guide to compare Vienna and Cologne bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Vienna, International Busterminal (VIB) is 3 km from Vienna city centre. Public transport options include:
Vienna, International Busterminal (VIB) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Vienna, International Busterminal (VIB).
Available at Vienna, International Busterminal (VIB): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Vienna, International Busterminal (VIB): Elevators, ramps.
Wien, Hauptbahnhof Südtiroler Platz is 2 km from Vienna city centre. Public transport options include:
Wien, Hauptbahnhof Südtiroler Platz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurant 1 (in the station), Restaurant 2 (in the station), Restaurant 3 (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the shopping area.
Ticket office support is available at Wien, Hauptbahnhof Südtiroler Platz.
Available at Wien, Hauptbahnhof Südtiroler Platz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wien, Hauptbahnhof Südtiroler Platz: 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.
Köln, ZOB is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln, ZOB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria im ZOB (in the station), McDonald's (0.2 km), Vapiano (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Köln, ZOB.
Available at Köln, ZOB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, ZOB: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need