- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its Picasso collection and important Pop Art holdings.
Flights from Madrid to Cologne depart on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 32m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $203 (€166) but you can travel from only $71 (€57) by bus.
The earliest flight runs at 00:35, the last at 20:20. The fastest flight covers the 888 miles (1430 km) distance in 4h 35m. May is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 888 miles (1430 km) |
Average flight duration 3h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $203 (€166) |
Flights per day 6 |
Fastest flight 4h 35m |
First flight 12:35 AM |
Last flight 8:20 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 42 days |
Cheapest price
$351
Average price
$656
Fastest journey
4 h 35 m
Average duration
5 h 11 m
Flights per day
18
Distance
1430 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Madrid to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Cologne will cost around $656 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $351.
It's difficult to get from Madrid to Cologne without transferring at least once.
UX1503+
ICE 926
UX1503+
ICE 126
UX1503+
ICE 612
UX1509+
ICE 24
UX1509+
ICE 102
LH4163+
LH1984
UX1503+
ICE 612
LH4163+
LH5351
LH4165+
LH1976
UX1509+
ICE 120Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $71. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 32m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.4 - 3.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $71, and a flight costs an average of $203.
Distance: 888 miles (1430 km)
Most popular Flight | Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$728 Average price | $136 Average price Cheapest | $555 Average price | $352 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 32m Average total duration Fastest 3h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 24h 57m Average total duration 24h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 24h 0m Average total duration 23h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 18h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
4.3 - 8.6kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 3.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Madrid to Cologne:
A bus is $418 (€340) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Cologne costing on average $555 (€451).
A bus is $592 (€481) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Cologne costing on average $728 (€592).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 23h 30m.
Bus takes on average 24h 27m.
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Cologne flights for today, Thursday, June 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LH4163+ LH5351 | 2:55 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 6h55 | 9:50 PM Cologne Bonn Airport | 1 transfer | |
LH4163+ LH1984 | 2:55 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 4h35 | 7:30 PM Cologne Bonn Airport | 1 transfer | |
UX1509+ ICE 102 | 3:10 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 5h55 | 9:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
UX1509+ ICE 24 | 3:10 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 6h55 | 10:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
UX1509+ ICE 120 | 3:10 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 5h33 | 8:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
UX1509+ ICE 512 | 3:10 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 7h05 | 10:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FR 2051+ FR 8665 | 3:35 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 9h40 | 1:15 AM Cologne Bonn Airport | 1 transfer | |
FR 2061+ FR 8665 | 6:05 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 7h10 | 1:15 AM Cologne Bonn Airport | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, June 12 | |||||
LH4165+ LH1976 | 7:00 AM Madrid Barajas Airport | 5h25 | 12:25 PM Cologne Bonn Airport | 1 transfer | |
UX1503+ ICE 612 | 7:05 AM Madrid Barajas Airport | 5h00 | 12:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
UX1503+ ICE 926 | 7:05 AM Madrid Barajas Airport | 7h00 | 2:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
UX1503+ ICE 126 | 7:05 AM Madrid Barajas Airport | 5h38 | 12:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
TP1023 · TP572+ ICE 102 | 7:40 AM Madrid Barajas Airport | 13h25 | 9:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
TP1023 · TP572+ ICE 318 | 7:40 AM Madrid Barajas Airport | 13h59 | 9:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
TP1023 · TP572+ ICE 24 | 7:40 AM Madrid Barajas Airport | 14h25 | 10:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
LX2021+ LX4426 | 10:05 AM Madrid Barajas Airport | 7h00 | 5:05 PM Cologne Bonn Airport | 1 transfer | |
TP1011 · TP572+ ICE 24 | 11:05 AM Madrid Barajas Airport | 11h00 | 10:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
TP1011 · TP572+ ICE 102 | 11:05 AM Madrid Barajas Airport | 10h00 | 9:05 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
TP1011 · TP572+ ICE 318 | 11:05 AM Madrid Barajas Airport | 10h34 | 9:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
LH1801 · LH1982 | 11:50 AM Madrid Barajas Airport | 5h50 | 5:40 PM Cologne Bonn Airport | 1 transfer | |
SK582 · SK1635+ ICE 512 · S11 | 12:50 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 9h23 | 10:13 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
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 Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its Picasso collection and important Pop Art holdings.
Archaeological museum focused on Roman Cologne; famous for mosaics and finds from the ancient city. Main building has had closures, but the collection remains significant.
Leading fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque and 19th-century European painting in Cologne's historic center.
The city's most visited walking area, with narrow lanes, churches, colorful houses and easy access to major sights.
Popular riverside walking route with postcard views of the cathedral, bridges and skyline, especially lively near sunset.
Historic square in the Old Town surrounded by traditional facades, busy pedestrian activity and classic Cologne atmosphere.
Cologne’s signature pale beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses called Stangen. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a Brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, often served with fried onions and black pudding. The sweet-savory combination is strongly associated with Rhineland home cooking.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye bread roll with Gouda, mustard, onions, and pickles. It is a beloved Brauhaus snack traditionally eaten with Kölsch.
A celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Cologne known for creative modern tasting menus and polished service, ideal for a higher-end culinary experience.
A well-known casual restaurant famous for schnitzel and generous portions, with a friendly, old-school Cologne neighborhood feel.
A long-established Brauhaus in the Old Town serving hearty Cologne specialties, fresh Kölsch, and a warm wood-paneled atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Moderate by German standards: supermarkets and casual food are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included, but a tip is expected. Round up in cafés and taxis, and add about 5-10% in restaurants for good service.
Official public transport app
Cologne Bonn Airport -> Köln Hauptbahnhof
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Cologne 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 Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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