- 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 19
$45
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$79
Fastest journey on Sep 19
9 h 20 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
13 h 19 m
Buses on Sep 19
5
Distance
413 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Zurich to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Cologne will cost around $79 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $45.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 5 buses from Zurich to Cologne, including 1 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 413 km distance in an average of 13 h 19 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 20 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 21 h 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
7990 · 50428
4739 · 52119
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
4739 · 52119
7990 · 50428Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $73 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 54m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $73, while a flight costs an average of $467.
Distance: 256 miles (413 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$73 Average price Cheapest | $467 Average price | $157 Average price | $174 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 9m Average total duration 12h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 54m Average total duration Fastest 1h 54m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 2m Average total duration 5h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 32m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | 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 Zurich to Cologne:
A bus is $84 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Cologne costing on average $157.
A bus is $394 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Cologne costing on average $467.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 32m.
Bus takes on average 12h 39m.
Tickets start at around $73 compared to roughly $174 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $101. The journey takes 12h 39m versus 5h 32m 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, 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 BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 03:35AM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 11h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 21h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 21h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 14h26 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $87 |
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Cologne buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:25 PM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 10h10 | 3:35 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:20 PM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 11h40 | 6:00 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer | |
7990 · 50428 | 8:50 PM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 21h00 | 5:50 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 9:25 PM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 9h20 | 6:45 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
4739 · 52119 | 11:59 PM Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai) | 14h26 | 2:25 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 transfer |
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 Zurich to Cologne run on average 4 times per day, taking around 12h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $26 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:02, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 256 miles (413 km) distance in 8h 40m.
Distance 256 miles (413 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 8h 40m |
First bus 12:02 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 63 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 Zurich 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 Zurich to Cologne buses use the Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) station pair, with some services arriving at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2). Use this guide to compare Zurich and Cologne bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai) is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai).
Available at Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai): Elevators, ramps.
Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast-food and cafe options available.
Wi-Fi is available at Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof). ATMs are aTMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof).
Available at Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof): Wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
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.
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