- Must visit
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Iconic contemporary art museum designed by Frank Gehry, famous for its titanium architecture and major modern art exhibitions.
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Journey information
Overview: Cologne to Bilbao flight
Germany
Spain
Flights from Cologne to Bilbao depart on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 20m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $146 (€120) but you can travel from only $38 (€31) by bus.
The earliest flight runs at 05:45, the last at 21:35. The fastest flight covers the 703 miles (1132 km) distance in 4h 0m. December is the cheapest month to fly.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $38 (€31)
Distance 703 miles (1132 km) |
Average flight duration 3h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $146 (€120) |
Flights per day 6 |
Fastest flight 4h 0m |
First flight 5:45 AM |
Last flight 9:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 49 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $38 (€31)
The cheapest and fastest flights from Cologne to Bilbao
Showing times and prices for Jun 28
Cheapest price
$648
Average price
$748
Fastest journey
4 h 50 m
Average duration
8 h 1 m
Flights per day
7
Distance
1132 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Cologne to Bilbao is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Bilbao will cost around $748 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $648.
Fast flights
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Bilbao without transferring at least once.
FR 1355+
VY14518:50 AM6h00Cologne Bonn Airport2:50 PMBilbao Airport$6481One-way1 transfer
LH1983 · LH18306:05 PM5h20Cologne Bonn Airport11:25 PMBilbao Airport$6491One-way1 transfer
LX4429+
LX82266:40 PM25h40Cologne Bonn Airport8:20 PMBilbao Airport$6651One-way1 transfer- FR 1355+VY1307 · VY14208:50 AM23h25Cologne Bonn Airport8:15 AMBilbao Airport$7171One-way2 transfers
LH4051+LH115 · LH11461:05 PM9h45Cologne Bonn Airport10:50 PMBilbao Airport$7501One-way2 transfers
- LH4051+LH18281:05 PM4h50Cologne Bonn Airport5:55 PMBilbao Airport$8711One-way1 transfer
- LH1983 · LH18306:05 PM5h20Cologne Bonn Airport11:25 PMBilbao Airport$6491One-way1 transfer
- FR 1355+VY14518:50 AM6h00Cologne Bonn Airport2:50 PMBilbao Airport$6481One-way1 transfer
- LH4051+LH115 · LH11461:05 PM9h45Cologne Bonn Airport10:50 PMBilbao Airport$7501One-way2 transfers
- FR 1355+VY1307 · VY14288:50 AM14h10Cologne Bonn Airport11:00 PMBilbao Airport$9341One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Cologne to Bilbao
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Bilbao among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $38. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 20m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $38, and a flight costs an average of $146.
Distance: 703 miles (1132 km)
Compare flight with
| Flight | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$464 Average price | $86 Average price Cheapest | $413 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 20m Average total duration Fastest 3h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 21h 43m Average total duration 21h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cologne to Bilbao is a bus with an average price of $86 (€71).
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Bilbao:
A bus is $378 (€312) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Bilbao costing on average $464 (€383).
The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Bilbao is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 20m.
Other travel options to Bilbao take longer:
Bus takes on average 21h 13m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne and Bilbao including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Bilbao among Omio's users.
Live departures
Cologne to Bilbao flight times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Bilbao flights for today, Saturday, June 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LH1983 · LH1830 | 6:25 PM Cologne Bonn Airport | 5h00 | 11:25 PM Bilbao Airport | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, June 28 | |||||
| FR 1355+VY1451 | 8:50 AM Cologne Bonn Airport | 6h00 | 2:50 PM Bilbao Airport | 1 transfer | |
| FR 1355+VY1307 · VY1420 | 8:50 AM Cologne Bonn Airport | 23h25 | 8:15 AM Bilbao Airport | 2 transfers | |
| FR 1355+VY1307 · VY1428 | 8:50 AM Cologne Bonn Airport | 14h10 | 11:00 PM Bilbao Airport | 2 transfers | |
| LH4051+LH1828 | 1:05 PM Cologne Bonn Airport | 4h50 | 5:55 PM Bilbao Airport | 1 transfer | |
| LH4051+LH115 · LH1146 | 1:05 PM Cologne Bonn Airport | 9h45 | 10:50 PM Bilbao Airport | 2 transfers | |
| LH1983 · LH1830 | 6:05 PM Cologne Bonn Airport | 5h20 | 11:25 PM Bilbao Airport | 1 transfer | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Bilbao by bus or flight
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.
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Why should you book Cologne to Bilbao flights with Omio?
Lufthansa as well as Lufthansa Cityline or Air Baltic offer flights services from Cologne to Bilbao.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Bilbao.
Why book with Omio vs Lufthansa?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Lufthansa, but also compare tickets for the likes of Lufthansa Cityline or Air Baltic to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Bilbao.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Lufthansa with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Bilbao.
Why book with Omio over Skyscanner, Trip or Kayak?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Lufthansa Cityline or Air Baltic to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Bilbao.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Bilbao.
Airlines: Lufthansa, Lufthansa Cityline, Air Baltic from Cologne to BilbaoFind the best flights between Cologne to Bilbao with Omio's travel partners Lufthansa, Lufthansa Cityline, Air Baltic from $38 (€31). We can find you the best deals, schedules and tickets when comparing and booking the best trip.
Lufthansa
About
Lufthansa is Germany’s largest airline and one of the leading carriers in Europe, connecting travelers to destinations worldwide from its main hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. Its modern fleet offers a wide choice of travel experiences, from Economy Class with affordable fares and onboard entertainment to Premium Economy, Business Class, and First Class with extra comfort, fine dining, and exclusive lounge access.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 0m
Cheapest Price
$146 (€120)
Lufthansa frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
1 carry-on bag (8 kg) and 1 personal item included in Economy Class
Additional luggage
Additional bags can be purchased, prices vary by route and fare type
Cancellation Policy
Refunds depend on fare type; most flexible fares offer full refund, basic fares are non-refundable
Pregnant on board
Lufthansa allows travel up to end of 36th week for single pregnancies, 32nd week for multiple pregnancies. Medical certificate required after 28th week
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minor service available for children aged 5-11 (mandatory) and 12-17 (optional). Service fee applies
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
Food sold onboard
USB plugs
Accessibility
Lufthansa provides wheelchair service and special assistance for passengers with reduced mobility
Pets
Small dogs and cats allowed in cabin or cargo hold, fees apply. Service animals travel free of charge
Entertaiment on board
Lufthansa Cityline
About
Lufthansa CityLine is a German regional airline and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, operating as part of the Lufthansa Regional concept. Headquartered at Munich Airport, with hubs also at Frankfurt Airport, it operates a dense domestic and European network on behalf of its parent company. The airline primarily uses regional jets like the Bombardier CRJ900, along with Airbus A319s and A320neos, to connect smaller European cities to Lufthansa's major hubs. Lufthansa CityLine is known for its reliability in providing feeder traffic to Frankfurt and Munich.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 40m
Cheapest Price
$193 (€159)
Lufthansa Cityline frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 carry-on bag (8kg max) and 1 personal item
Additional luggage
Additional checked baggage can be purchased, up to 23kg per piece
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible up to 24h before departure, refund depends on fare type and timing of cancellation
Pregnant on board
Up to 36 weeks for single pregnancies, 32 weeks for multiple pregnancies. Medical certificate required after 28th week
Unaccompagned minor
Available for children aged 5-11, must be booked at least 48h in advance. Service fee applies
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
Food sold onboard
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair assistance available, must be requested at least 48h before departure
Pets
Small pets in cabin (max 8kg including carrier), must be booked in advance
Entertaiment on board
Air Baltic
About
AirBaltic is the flag carrier of Latvia and a leading hybrid airline in the Baltics, combining aspects of traditional network and low-cost carriers. Founded in 1995, it operates a modern fleet of Airbus A220-300 aircraft, connecting the Baltics from hubs in Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius, and Tampere to over 70 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus. The company is majority-owned by the Latvian state. AirBaltic is recognized for its commitment to passenger experience, having received awards for cabin service and being among the world's safest airlines. In a pioneering move, AirBaltic became the first European airline to offer free high-speed SpaceX Starlink internet on its flights in February 2025.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Air Baltic frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 cabin bag (55x40x23 cm) max 8kg
Additional luggage
Checked baggage up to 23kg can be purchased
Cancellation Policy
Refundable tickets available with Premium fare, Basic tickets non-refundable but changeable for fee
Pregnant on board
Until week 36, medical certificate required after week 28
Unaccompagned minor
Available for children aged 5-17, must be booked at least 48h in advance, service fee applies
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance available for passengers with reduced mobility, must be requested at least 48h before departure
Pets
Small pets in cabin, max 8kg including carrier, must be booked in advance
Entertaiment on board
Complete guide to Bilbao
Things to do in Bilbao
Discover the best of Bilbao — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bilbao trip today.
- Must visit
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
One of Spain’s leading art museums, with strong collections spanning medieval works to modern Basque and Spanish art.
- Recommended
Itsasmuseum Bilbao
Maritime museum by the estuary covering Bilbao’s shipbuilding, port history, and relationship with the sea.
- Must visit
Casco Viejo
Bilbao’s historic Old Town, known for its narrow lanes, traditional architecture, lively squares, and local atmosphere.
- Must visit
Abandoibarra
Revitalized riverside district around the Guggenheim, ideal for walking, architecture, and skyline views.
- Must visit
Artxanda Viewpoint
Popular panoramic viewpoint above Bilbao with wide city views, especially attractive at sunset.
- Gluten-free
Bacalao al Pil-Pil
Salt cod gently cooked with olive oil, garlic, and chili until the sauce emulsifies. A Basque classic strongly associated with Bilbao and nearby coastal cuisine.
- Gluten-free
Bacalao a la Vizcaína
Salt cod served with a rich Bizkaian red pepper and onion sauce. It is one of the signature dishes of the province of Bizkaia.
- Gluten-free
Marmitako
A traditional Basque fisherman’s stew of tuna, potatoes, peppers, and onions. It is especially emblematic of the Cantabrian coast.
Restaurante Mina
Well-known fine dining restaurant overlooking the river, offering a seasonal tasting-menu approach rooted in high-level Basque cooking.
Gure Toki
Popular pintxos bar on Plaza Nueva, celebrated for creative Basque bites and a busy, classic old-town setting.
La Viña del Ensanche
Established Bilbao dining room and deli known for quality Basque produce, seafood, ham, and a polished but traditional atmosphere.
Euro
Moderate for Spain: pintxos and local bars can be good value, while hotels and fine dining cost more in peak season.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 10-15 for a simple lunch or pintxos.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 1.80-3.00 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Locals often round up or leave EUR 1-2 in bars, 5-10% in restaurants for very good service. Tipping is appreciated, not expected.
Bilbobus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 1.50 EUR
- Day pass
- 5.00 EUR
To the city center
Bilbao Airport -> Moyua Plaza, Bilbao
- Distance
- 12 km
- Travel time
- 25 min
- You can use contactless bank cards on Metro Bilbao gates and on many urban transport services, but carrying some cash is still useful for certain operators or ticket machines.
- The Barik card is the most practical option if you plan to use metro, tram, funicular, or buses several times, as it works across much of Bilbao's public transport network.
FAQs: Cologne to Bilbao Flight
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Bilbao by flight. 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 flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Bilbao, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap plane tickets from Cologne to Bilbao can start from as little as $146 (€120) when you book in advance. The average flight ticket price for Cologne to Bilbao is $464 (€383) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by plane from Cologne to Bilbao is 4h 0m to travel the 703 miles (1132 km) long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest flight from Cologne to Bilbao leaves at 5:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest flight from Cologne to Bilbao leaves at 9:35 PM.
There are 6 flights a day from Cologne to Bilbao which require at least one change with Lufthansa, Lufthansa Cityline, Air Baltic. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer flights.
When taking a flight from Cologne to Bilbao, you can count on Lufthansa, Lufthansa Cityline, Air Baltic for the best way to get you to Bilbao. You can also check all possible airlines who offer a service between Cologne and Bilbao and compare the amenities they offer before buying a plane ticket.
Flights from Cologne to Bilbao generally leave from Cologne Bonn Airport and arrive in Bilbao Airport.Cologne Bonn Airport is 8 miles (13 km) away from Cologne city centre and Bilbao Airport is 0 miles (1 km) from Bilbao city centre.
The cheapest month for a flight from Cologne to Bilbao is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne and Bilbao including taking a bus and flight.
Since both Cologne and Bilbao are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
There is no time difference between Cologne and Bilbao.
The best events to attend in Bilbao include:
- Bilbao BBK Live, a music festival featuring international and local artists
- Bilbao Art District, a celebration of art with exhibitions and performances throughout the city
- Semana Grande, a week-long festival with concerts, fireworks, and traditional Basque activities
- Festival Internacional de Cine de Bilbao, an international film festival showcasing diverse films and filmmakers.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Bilbao are:
- Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, a modern and contemporary art museum known for its innovative architecture by Frank Gehry
- Casco Viejo, the old town of Bilbao featuring narrow streets, historic buildings, and vibrant local markets
- Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, a museum housing a diverse collection of artworks from the Middle Ages to contemporary pieces
- Santiago Cathedral, a Gothic-style cathedral with a rich history dating back to the 14th century
- Zubizuri Bridge, a striking white arch bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava offering scenic views of the city.
The best holidays to experience in Bilbao include:
- Carnival, lively parades and colorful costumes in February
- Easter, significant religious celebrations and local traditions in March/April
- San Sebastián Day, a celebration of the city's patron saint with various festivities in September
- Christmas Holidays, festive markets and beautiful decorations throughout December.
The best things to do in Bilbao include:
- Mount Artxanda, a scenic viewpoint accessible by funicular offering panoramic views of the city
- La Ribera Market, a vibrant market offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and a lively atmosphere
- A walk along the Nervión River, providing a relaxing experience with beautiful views of the cityscape
- Enjoying pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, in one of the many local bars
- Exploring the Azkuna Zentroa, a cultural and leisure center housed in a former wine warehouse.
The best season to visit Bilbao is Spring or Fall. The best weather to explore Bilbao is during April-June or September-October.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne to Bilbao among Omio's users.
For international flights we recommend to arrive 2.5 to 3 hours before departure. Please check the website of your departure airport if in doubt. Some airports may offer booking time slots for security checks or offer additional information on when to get there based on time of day.
Most airlines permit carry-on bags that fit within specific dimensions (e.g., 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. Bags must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Many airlines impose weight limits, commonly ranging between 7 kg (15 lbs) and 12 kg (26 lbs). Typically, passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item (for example a purse, laptop bag, or backpack). Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you. Budget Airlines (like Ryanair or Wizz Air) have stricter size and weight limits, often requiring fees for larger carry-ons. Full-Service Airlines have more lenient policies, sometimes including more spacious dimensions or higher weight limits depending on your ticket class.
The list of items prohibited on an airplane varies by country and airline, but in general, the following items are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage: Weapons and self-defence items, sharp objects, flammable materials, explosives, toxic substances, or liquids over 100ml (except for medications and baby essentials). In checked baggage, firearms (without authorization), explosives, large lithium batteries, and hazardous chemicals are prohibited. Electronic cigarettes must be in carry-on bags, while alcohol and dry ice have restrictions. Always check with your airline for specific regulations.
Spain uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, while cash may be preferred for small purchases, markets, and rural locations.
In Bilbao, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport, the old town, and near major attractions such as the Guggenheim Museum. Common scams include distraction techniques and overcharging taxi drivers; it’s advisable to use official taxis or ride-hailing apps. Travelers should also be aware of counterfeit tickets for events or transportation and always verify prices before purchasing. Staying vigilant in busy spots and keeping belongings secure helps reduce risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular airports
Popular airports from Cologne to Bilbao
Cologne
Bilbao
The major airport for departures in Cologne is Cologne Bonn Airport. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cologne Bonn Airport for your trip from Cologne to Bilbao.
Amenities at airport
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Shower
Lounge
Lost and Found Officeinformation
Distance to city center
13 km
Car connection
A59, Exit FlughafenWifi
- Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport
Shopping
- Shops in both terminals, including duty-free and fashion
Parking
- Parking available near terminals, approximately 3€ per hour
Taxis
- Available outside the terminal
Accessibility
- Ramps, assistance
WC
- Available throughout the airport
Shower
- Yes
Lounge
- Lounges available, including Lufthansa Lounge
Lost and Found Office
- Located in Terminal 2, service desk
Public transit options for Cologne Bonn Airport
- Bus: SB60, 161
- Train: S13, S19
The major airport for arrivals in Bilbao is Bilbao Airport. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bilbao Airport for your journey to Bilbao from Cologne.
Amenities at airport
WifiShoppingParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found Officeinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmCar connection
AP-8, Exit 11Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport
Shopping
- Shops are located in the departures area, main shops include duty-free and local products
Parking
- Parking available with short-term and long-term options, approximately 1.2€ per hour
Taxis
- Available outside the terminal
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available throughout the airport, including accessible facilities
Lounge
- Lounges available, the VIP Lounge offers refreshments and Wi-Fi
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the arrivals area
Public transit options for Bilbao Airport
- Bus: A3247
Most popular flights from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Bilbao
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular flights to and from Bilbao and Cologne
Most popular flights to Bilbao
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