- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts
Hungary’s top fine arts museum, with major European works from antiquity to the 20th century. Ideal for classic painting, sculpture, and old masters.
Flights from Cologne to Budapest depart on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 58m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $102 (€83) but you can travel from only $61 (€50) by bus.
The earliest flight runs at 05:45, the last at 21:35. The fastest flight covers the 594 miles (956 km) distance in 1h 40m. July is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 594 miles (956 km) |
Average flight duration 1h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $102 (€83) |
Flights per day 7 |
Fastest flight 1h 40m |
First flight 5:45 AM |
Last flight 9:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
Cheapest price
$490
Average price
$855
Fastest journey
3 h 20 m
Average duration
4 h 12 m
Flights per day
7
Distance
956 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Cologne to Budapest is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Budapest will cost around $855 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $490.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Budapest without transferring at least once.
LH1985 · LH1682
LH1983 · LH1682
OS639+
OS8918
OS631+
OS8918
LH1973 · LH1676
LH1985 · LH1682
LH1678+
LH1977
LH1973 · LH1676
OS639+
OS8918
LH1983 · LH1682Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Budapest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $61. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 58m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $61, and a flight costs an average of $102.
Distance: 594 miles (956 km)
| Flight | Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$520 Average price | $190 Average price | $90 Average price Cheapest | $38 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 58m Average total duration Fastest 1h 58m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 10m Average total duration 12h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 52m Average total duration 16h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
2.9 - 5.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.0 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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 Cologne to Budapest:
A bus is $100 (€82) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Budapest costing on average $190 (€156).
A bus is $430 (€353) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Budapest costing on average $520 (€427).
Other travel options to Budapest take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 40m.
Bus takes on average 16h 22m.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Budapest flights for today, Saturday, July 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LH1985 · LH1682 | 7:35 PM Cologne Bonn Airport | 3h55 | 11:30 PM Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport | 1 transfer | |
This is the last flight 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.
Discover the best of Budapest — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Budapest trip today.
Hungary’s top fine arts museum, with major European works from antiquity to the 20th century. Ideal for classic painting, sculpture, and old masters.
Leading contemporary art museum with strong Hungarian and international shows. Worth visiting for bold exhibitions in a landmark modern building.
National museum covering Hungarian history, archaeology, and statehood. A classic stop for understanding the country beyond Budapest’s landmarks.
UNESCO-listed castle quarter of cobbled streets, courtyards, and viewpoints. Best for atmosphere, heritage walks, and some of Budapest’s finest vistas.
Elegant Andrássy Avenue links the center with Heroes’ Square through palaces and shops. A grand boulevard ideal for walking and historic city views.
Large central park with boating lake, baths, museums, and promenades. A versatile area for families, relaxed walks, and major city attractions.
A rich paprika beef soup with potatoes and vegetables. It is Hungary’s signature comfort dish and a staple in homes and traditional inns.
Slow-cooked beef stew with lots of onion and paprika, usually served with nokedli. A classic example of deep Hungarian paprika flavor.
River fish soup, often carp-based, cooked with hot paprika. It is especially traditional along the Danube and at festive family meals.
Refined Hungarian dining in a historic building, with updated national classics and strong wine service in a formal atmosphere.
Michelin-starred fine dining with a modern tasting menu rooted in Hungarian ingredients. Stylish, intimate, and one of Budapest’s top tables.
Traditional Hungarian restaurant known for goulash, pörkölt, and live music. Warm, old-style atmosphere near the city center.
Moderate for Europe: stays and dining are cheaper than in Western capitals, while central hotels and tourist areas cost more. Transit is good value.
About 10% is common in restaurants if no service charge is added. Round up for taxis and leave small change or round up at cafes.
Official public transport app
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport -> Deák Ferenc tér, Budapest
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Budapest 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 Budapest, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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