- 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 08
$70
Average ticket price on Sep 08
$82
Fastest journey on Sep 08
13 h 15 m
Average journey duration on Sep 08
14 h 22 m
Buses on Sep 08
3
Distance
497 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from London to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Cologne will cost around $82 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $70.
On Tue, Sep 08, we found 3 buses from London to Cologne, including 2 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 08 the direct buses cover the 497 km distance in an average of 14 h 22 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 13 h 15 m .
On Tue, Sep 08 the slowest buses will take 16 h 11 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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FlixTrain
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FlixTrainOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from London to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $116 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 1m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $116, while a train costs an average of $358.
Distance: 308 miles (497 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$116 Average price Cheapest | $123 Average price | $358 Average price | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
15h 21m Average total duration 14h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 13m Average total duration 2h 13m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 1m Average total duration Fastest 3h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from London to Cologne:
A bus is $7 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from London to Cologne costing on average $123.
A bus is $242 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Cologne costing on average $358.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 31m.
Bus takes on average 14h 51m.
Tickets start at around $116 compared to roughly $45 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-71.39. The journey takes 14h 51m versus 7h 28m 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.
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 08:00AM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 01:41PM | Duration 16h11 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 01:41PM | Duration 13h41 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $102 |
The table below shows live departures for London to Cologne buses for today, Monday, September 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 8:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 16h11 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 10:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 13h15 | 12:45 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, September 8 | |||||
FlixBus | 8:00 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 13h40 | 10:40 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 London to Cologne run on average 3 times per day, taking around 14h 51m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $64 but you can travel from only $29 by flight.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 308 miles (497 km) distance in 12h 40m.
Distance 308 miles (497 km) |
Average bus duration 14h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $64 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 12h 40m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 77 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.
One of the less well used buses routes is the route from London to Cologne. Only the buses company National Express offers a departure to the Rhine metropolis once a day. The London Cologne buses start their journey at the Victoria Coach Station in London and reach the terminus near Cologne Central Station after a night trip. The journey starts in London at 9.30 p.m. and reaches its destination the next morning around 10.15 a.m., so that travellers can already fully enjoy the first day of their trip. The journey time London - Cologne is approx. 11 hours and 45 minutes.
Cologne is the most populous city in North Rhine-Westphalia and the fourth largest city in Germany. Cologne is known above all for its exuberant carnival and the impressive cathedral, which is located in the direct vicinity of the main railway station and which you can hardly miss.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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 London to Cologne buses use the London, Victoria Coach Station to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) station pair, with some services arriving at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2). Use this guide to compare London and Cologne bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
London, Victoria Coach Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Victoria Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Starbucks (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at London, Victoria Coach Station.
Available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Caffè Nero (in the station)
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located in the arrivals and departures areas, offering multiple currency options.
Ticket office support is available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3.
Available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3: Ramps, assistance.
London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: The Crown Rivers (in the station), Giraffe (in the station), Wagamama (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the arrivals and departures areas.
Ticket office support is available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5.
Available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5: 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