- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Important collection of modern and contemporary art near the cathedral, including Pop Art and post-war works. A staple for art-focused visitors.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Basel to Cologne
Showing times and prices for 11 Aug
Cheapest price
£33
Average price
£47
Fastest journey
7 h 20 m
Average duration
8 h 2 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
378 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Basel to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Cologne will cost around £47 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £33.
Fast coaches
Of the 8 buses that leave Basel for Cologne every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 378 km distance in an average of 8 h 2 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 20 m .
The slowest buses will take 8 h 55 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.
FlixBus22:408h05Basel, Bahnhof6:45Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)£331One-way0 changes- FlixBus1:057h20Basel, Bahnhof8:25Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)£391One-way0 changes
- FlixBus · FlixBus18:408h55Basel, Bahnhof3:35Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)£401One-way1 change
- FlixBus+
FlixTrain8:447h36Basel Bad Bhf16:20Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)£421One-way1 change - FlixBus · FlixBus4:5010h15Basel, Bahnhof15:05Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)£431One-way1 change
- FlixBus1:057h20Basel, Bahnhof8:25Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)£391One-way0 changes
- FlixBus+FlixTrain8:447h36Basel Bad Bhf16:20Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)£421One-way1 change
- FlixBus22:408h05Basel, Bahnhof6:45Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)£331One-way0 changes
- FlixBus8:058h15Basel, Bahnhof16:20Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)£641One-way0 changes
- FlixBus · FlixBus18:408h55Basel, Bahnhof3:35Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)£401One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Basel to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basel to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £22, and a flight costs an average of £327.
Distance: 378 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£35 Average Price Cheapest | £117 Average Price | £504 Average Price |
7h 10m Average total duration 6h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 40m Average total duration Fastest 5h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 14m Average total duration 8h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Basel to Cologne bus times
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Cologne coaches for today, Monday 10 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 17:40 Basel, Bahnhof | 9h15 | 2:55 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 18:40 Basel, Bahnhof | 8h55 | 3:35 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 change | |
| FlixBus | 22:40 Basel, Bahnhof | 8h05 | 6:45 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Tuesday 11 August | |||||
| FlixBus | 1:05 Basel, Bahnhof | 7h20 | 8:25 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 0 changesdirect | |
 4739 · 52119 | 1:05 Basel, Meret Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB) | 13h20 | 14:25 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:50 Basel, Bahnhof | 10h15 | 15:05 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 change | |
| FlixBus | 8:05 Basel, Bahnhof | 8h15 | 16:20 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus+FlixTrain | 8:44 Basel Bad Bhf | 7h36 | 16:20 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Basel to Cologne by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train 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 Basel to Cologne coaches with Omio?
FlixBus operates all coaches services from Basel to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Basel to Cologne.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Basel to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Basel to Cologne.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Basel to Cologne
Switzerland
Germany
Buses from Basel to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £22 if you book in advance.
There are 3 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 378 km distance in 7h 20m.
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
Distance 378 km |
Average bus duration 6h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price £22 |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 7h 20m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 35 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
Bus providers: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar from Basel to CologneYou can travel by bus between Basel to Cologne with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar for as low as £22. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 20m
Cheapest Price
£22
FlixBus frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
BlaBlaCar
About
BlaBlaCar is a French online marketplace for carpooling, connecting drivers with empty seats and passengers traveling to the same destination to share costs. Founded in 2006, it operates in Europe and Latin America, boasting 26 million active members. The platform also includes BlaBlaCar Bus, an intercity bus service. BlaBlaCar's name comes from its rating system for drivers' chattiness: \Bla\" for quiet, \"BlaBla\" for talkative, and \"BlaBlaBla\" for very chatty. The company aims to be the leading marketplace for shared travel, offering affordable and sustainable solutions by combining carpooling with bus journeys."
Luggage & cancellation policy
BlaBlaCar frequency
3 a day
Complete guide to Cologne
Things to do in Cologne
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
- Must visit
Römisch-Germanisches Museum
Archaeological museum built around Roman remains, especially the Dionysus mosaic. Excellent for understanding Cologne’s Roman origins.
- Recommended
Museum Schnütgen
Major art museum with medieval painting, sculpture and applied arts. A strong choice for seeing Cologne’s artistic heritage in one place.
- Must visit
Altstadt
Historic old town lanes and squares by the Rhine, packed with colourful houses, churches and viewpoints. Ideal for a classic Cologne stroll.
- Recommended
Rheinpromenade
Long Rhine promenade with bridge, cathedral and river views. Popular for walking, photography and watching boats pass through the city centre.
- Recommended
Alter Markt
Lively square in the old town framed by historic buildings and museums. A useful base for sightseeing and one of Cologne’s best-known public spaces.
Halver Hahn
Rye bread with butter, cheese, ham or sausage, traditionally served in Cologne breweries as a simple local snack with Kölsch.
Himmel un Ääd
Hearty dish of black pudding with fried onions and mashed potatoes, a Rhineland classic closely associated with Cologne home cooking.
Rheinischer Sauerbraten
Slow-cooked horsemeat in a sweet-sour raisin sauce, a historic Rhineland speciality still served in a few traditional Cologne restaurants.
Brauhaus Päffgen
Classic Brauhaus serving Päffgen Kölsch and Rhineland favourites in a bustling, wood-panelled setting popular with locals.
Brauerei zur Malzmühle
Traditional brewery venue by Heumarkt with house Kölsch and dependable regional cooking in a spacious historic hall.
Lommerzheim
Long-established restaurant for refined German and Rhineland cooking, with a more formal atmosphere than a typical Brauhaus.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak periods, but dining and public transport are broadly manageable for most city-break budgets.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.80-4.50 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is often included, but it is usual to round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants. Round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés if service was good.
KVB-App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €3.60
- Day pass
- €9.70
To the city centre
Köln ZOB -> Köln Hbf, Cologne
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- For Cologne city journeys, use fare level 1b; the official KVB-App sells VRS tickets and journey planning.
- Ticket machines and the official app support cashless purchase. Check your ticket before boarding and keep it valid for inspection.
FAQs: Basel to Cologne coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Cologne by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Basel to Cologne can start from as little as £22 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Basel to Cologne is £35; 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 coach from Basel to Cologne is 7h 20m to travel the 378 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Basel to Cologne leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Basel to Cologne leaves at 23:55.
Yes, there are 3 direct coaches a day from Basel to Cologne with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Basel to Cologne, you can count on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar for the best way to get you to Cologne. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Basel and Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Basel , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Basel, Bahnhof, Basel, Meret Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB), Basel, Bahnhof SBB, Saint-Louis, EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, Lörrach, Hauptbahnhof, Mulhouse, Gare Routière . When arriving in Cologne , you can end your route in coach stations like Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen), Leverkusen, Bf Mitte, Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2).Passengers board the coach most frequently from Basel, Meret Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB), which is located around 1 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen), located 13 away from the city centre.
A trip to Cologne from Basel is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Basel to Cologne is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Basel and Cologne including taking a coach, train and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Basel to Cologne:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Basel to Cologne for coach company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Basel to Cologne depends on the coach companies:
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Basel to Cologne.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Basel to Cologne:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Basel to Cologne:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Basel to Cologne. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Basel to Cologne with the following coach company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Basel to Cologne with the following coach company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Basel to Cologne with the following coach company: FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Basel and Cologne
Most Basel to Cologne buses use the Basel, Bahnhof to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) station pair, with some services arriving at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2). Use this guide to compare Basel and Cologne bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Basel
Arrival bus stations in Cologne
Which Basel station do buses to Cologne leave from?
Buses from Basel to Cologne leave from Basel, Bahnhof. The station is 2 km from Basel city centre at Basel, Centralbahnstrasse 10, 4051 Basel, Switzerland.
Basel, BahnhofBasel, Centralbahnstrasse 10, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
City-centre transport
Getting to Basel, Bahnhof from Basel city centre
Basel, Bahnhof is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainTer · 5m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Bus50 · 4m · £2 · every ~15 min
Tram11 · 5m · £2
1, 3, 2 · 7m · £2 · every ~25 min
Basel, Bahnhof bus station facilities and services
Basel, Bahnhof has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Food outlets available inside the station.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Basel, Bahnhof. ATMs are aTMs available in the station concourse.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Basel, Bahnhof.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Basel, Bahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel, Bahnhof: Station is accessible to those with reduced mobility.
Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB)Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse, 4053 Basel, Switzerland
City-centre transport
Getting to Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB) from Basel city centre
Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB) is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainTer · 5m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Bus50 · 5m · £2 · every ~15 min
Tram11 · 7m · £2
1, 3, 2 · 9m · £2 · every ~25 min
Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB) bus station facilities and services
Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafeteria Swiss (in the station), Italian Bistro (in the station), Café Express (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and throughout the station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB): Elevators, ramps.
Which Cologne station do buses from Basel arrive at?
Buses from Basel to Cologne most often arrive at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen). Some services arrive at Leverkusen, Bf Mitte, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Cologne arrival station.
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)Kennedystrasse, Koln, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) from Cologne city centre
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRe · 8m · £4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 12m · £4
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) bus station facilities and services
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility and WC.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Parking, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Elevators, ramps.
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)Kennedystrasse, 51147 Koln, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) from Cologne city centre
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRe · 16m · £4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 20m · £4
Re · 21m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 27m · £4
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) bus station facilities and services
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance and baggage claim area.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Elevators, ramps.
Most popular bus connections from Basel
More options for your journey from Basel to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cologne and Basel
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