How to travel from Madrid to Cologne

Thu, Aug 27
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Ryanair
1,000+ more
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Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Madrid to Cologne

Omio 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 $83. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 33m. 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 $83, and a flight costs an average of $328.

Distance: 888 miles (1430 km)

Compare flight with

Most popular
Flight
Bus
Train
Driving

$567

Average price

$141

Average price

Cheapest

$560

Average price

$361

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 33m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 33m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

24h 53m

Average total duration

24h 23m

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

Malta Air

Most popular airline

FlixBus

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Madrid to Cologne is a bus with an average price of $141.

This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Cologne:

A bus is $419 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Cologne costing on average $560.

A bus is $427 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Cologne costing on average $567.

The fastest way to travel from Madrid to Cologne is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 33m.

Other travel options to Cologne take longer:

Train takes on average 23h 30m.

Bus takes on average 24h 23m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madrid and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Madrid to Cologne among Omio's users.

Travel options
from Madrid to Cologne

How to get from Madrid to Cologne by train, bus or flight.

Our recommendation

bus

The best way to travel from Madrid to Cologne is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.

  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    11:59 PM32h11
    Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
    8:10 AMKöln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
    $2661One-way
    1 transfer

Cheapest

  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    11:59 PM32h11
    Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
    8:10 AMKöln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
    $2661One-way
    1 transfer

Fastest

  • Lufthansa City AirlinesLH4163+LufthansaLH1984
    2:55 PM4h35
    Madrid Barajas Airport
    7:30 PMCologne Bonn Airport
    $11201One-way
    1 transfer

Other options

  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain
    11:59 PM37h24
    Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
    1:23 PMCologne Hbf
    $2681One-way
    3 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain
    4:40 PM29h08
    Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
    9:48 PMCologne Hbf
    $2801One-way
    2 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    4:40 PM25h00
    Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
    5:40 PMKöln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
    $2841One-way
    1 transfer
  • Sas AirwaysSK582 · SK1635+Deutsche BahnICE 512
    12:50 PM9h15
    Madrid Barajas Airport
    10:05 PMCologne Hbf
    $2771One-way
    2 transfers
  • RyanairFR 2061+Malta AirFR 8665
    6:05 PM7h10
    Madrid Barajas Airport
    1:15 AMCologne Bonn Airport
    $3671One-way
    1 transfer
  • RyanairFR 2051+Malta AirFR 8665
    3:35 PM9h40
    Madrid Barajas Airport
    1:15 AMCologne Bonn Airport
    $3671One-way
    1 transfer

Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .

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FAQs: Travel from Madrid to Cologne

Travel to Cologne easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Madrid to Cologne.

FAQs
There are 3 options to travel between Madrid and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
The cheapest way to travel from Madrid to Cologne is a bus with an average price of $141.

This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Cologne:

A bus is $419 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Cologne costing on average $560.

A bus is $427 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Cologne costing on average $567.

The fastest way to travel from Madrid to Cologne is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 33m.

Other travel options to Cologne take longer:

Train takes on average 23h 30m.

Bus takes on average 24h 23m.

The distance from Madrid to Cologne is approximately 888 miles (1430 km).
The average frequency per day from Madrid to Cologne is:
  • Around 8 buses per day.
  • Around 6 flights per day.
  • Around 2 trains per day.

However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Madrid and Cologne as scheduled services by train, bus, and flight can vary by season or day of the week.

These are the most popular departure and arrival points from Madrid to Cologne:
  • Flights mostly depart from Madrid Barajas Airport and arrive in Cologne Bonn Airport.
  • Buses mostly depart from Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses and arrive in Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen).
If finding a good deal is your main consideration for your trip from Madrid to Cologne, then we'll help you find the best value travel companies for you:
  • Travel with Malta Air, Lufthansa, Ryanair, Iberia, Vueling to go to Cologne by flight.
  • Travel with AVE, Renfe Viajeros to go to Cologne by train.
  • Travel with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Infobus to go to Cologne by bus.
Yes, there is a direct route available from Madrid to Cologne:
  • 0 direct flights per day with Iberia.
Omio customers who travel from Madrid to Cologne often also extend their vacation to go to Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, London. Omio can help you plan your trip by finding the best connections between Cologne and these popular destinations at a great price.
Most travelers need at least three days in Cologne to see the main sights at a comfortable pace. If you want day trips or a slower itinerary, consider adding extra time.
In Cologne, you can explore the Cologne Chocolate Museum to learn about chocolate history and production, enjoy a scenic Rhine River Cruise, and visit the Botanical Gardens Flora for stunning floral displays. Discover trendy boutiques and vibrant street art in the Belgian Quarter, or attend a concert at the renowned Cologne Philharmonic Hall. Don't miss the iconic Cologne Cathedral, the modern art collection at Museum Ludwig, and the love lock-adorned Hohenzollern Bridge. Wander through the charming Old Town (Altstadt) and visit the diverse Cologne Zoo.
Three days are generally recommended to explore Cologne's main attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, Old Town, and museums.

Travelling from Madrid to Cologne: related information

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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