- 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.
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 £32 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £29.
On Tue 10 Nov, we found 4 buses from Basel to Cologne, including 1 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 378 km distance in an average of 9 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 20 m .
The slowest buses will take 10 h 15 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.
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Buses from Basel to Cologne run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 17m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £18 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 5m.
Distance 378 km |
Average bus duration 8h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 7h 5m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Basel to Cologne.
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Cologne coaches for today, Monday 9 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| 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 10 November | |||||
FlixBus | 1:05 Basel, Bahnhof | 7h20 | 8:25 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:50 Basel, Bahnhof | 10h15 | 15:05 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Important collection of modern and contemporary art near the cathedral, including Pop Art and post-war works. A staple for art-focused visitors.
Archaeological museum built around Roman remains, especially the Dionysus mosaic. Excellent for understanding Cologne’s Roman origins.
Major art museum with medieval painting, sculpture and applied arts. A strong choice for seeing Cologne’s artistic heritage in one place.
Historic old town lanes and squares by the Rhine, packed with colourful houses, churches and viewpoints. Ideal for a classic Cologne stroll.
Long Rhine promenade with bridge, cathedral and river views. Popular for walking, photography and watching boats pass through the city centre.
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.
Rye bread with butter, cheese, ham or sausage, traditionally served in Cologne breweries as a simple local snack with Kölsch.
Hearty dish of black pudding with fried onions and mashed potatoes, a Rhineland classic closely associated with Cologne home cooking.
Slow-cooked horsemeat in a sweet-sour raisin sauce, a historic Rhineland speciality still served in a few traditional Cologne restaurants.
Classic Brauhaus serving Päffgen Kölsch and Rhineland favourites in a bustling, wood-panelled setting popular with locals.
Traditional brewery venue by Heumarkt with house Kölsch and dependable regional cooking in a spacious historic hall.
Long-established restaurant for refined German and Rhineland cooking, with a more formal atmosphere than a typical Brauhaus.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak periods, but dining and public transport are broadly manageable for most city-break budgets.
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.
Official public transport app
Köln ZOB -> Köln Hbf, Cologne
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.

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.
Basel, Bahnhof is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel, Bahnhof has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food outlets available inside the station.
Wi-Fi is available at Basel, Bahnhof. ATMs are aTMs available in the station concourse.
Ticket office support is available at Basel, Bahnhof.
Available at Basel, Bahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel, Bahnhof: Station is accessible to those with reduced mobility.
Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB) is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Swiss (in the station), Italian Bistro (in the station), Café Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and throughout the station.
Ticket office support is available at Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB).
Available at Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Meret-Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB): Elevators, ramps.
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility and WC.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Elevators, ramps.
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance and baggage claim area.
Ticket office support is available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2).
Available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Elevators, ramps.
Check bus stations information for Basel and Cologne, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need