- Must visit
Museo Guggenheim Bilbao
Globally known museum for contemporary art in a landmark riverside building. Go for the architecture, sculpture terraces and strong temporary shows.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cologne to Bilbao
Showing times and prices for 03 Aug
Cheapest price
£89
Average price
£115
Fastest journey
22 h 15 m
Average duration
22 h 32 m
Buses per day
10
Distance
1132 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cologne to Bilbao is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Bilbao will cost around £115 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £89.
Fast coaches
To travel from Cologne to Bilbao you need to make at least 2 changes.
FlixTrain+
FlixBus · FlixBus16:1426h56Cologne Hbf19:10Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea£891One-way2 changes- FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus20:5522h15Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)19:10Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea£891One-way2 changes
50429 · 9592911:5524h35Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)12:30Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses£941One-way1 change- FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus14:4524h20Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)15:05Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea£1051One-way2 changes
- FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus12:2022h30Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)10:50Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea£1061One-way2 changes
- FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus20:5522h15Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)19:10Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea£891One-way2 changes
- FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus12:2022h30Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)10:50Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea£1061One-way2 changes
- FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus7:5022h35Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)6:25Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea£1521One-way2 changes
- FlixTrain+FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus12:1422h36Cologne Hbf10:50Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea£1071One-way3 changes
- FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus9:1522h45Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)8:00Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea£1331One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and flight for Cologne to Bilbao
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Bilbao among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £28. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 20m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £28, and a flight costs an average of £108.
Distance: 1132 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|
£64 Average Price Cheapest | £344 Average Price |
21h 43m Average total duration 21h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 20m Average total duration Fastest 3h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cologne to Bilbao bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Bilbao coaches for today, Sunday 2 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 · FlixBus | 23:55 Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 26h15 | 2:10 Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 2 changes | |
| Monday 3 August | |||||
| FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:05 Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 23h05 | 2:10 Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 2 changes | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:50 Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 22h35 | 6:25 Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 2 changes | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:15 Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 22h45 | 8:00 Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 2 changes | |
| 50429 · 95929 | 11:55 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 24h35 | 12:30 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1 change | |
| FlixTrain+FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:14 Cologne Hbf | 22h36 | 10:50 Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 3 changes | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:20 Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 22h30 | 10:50 Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 2 changes | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 14:45 Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 24h20 | 15:05 Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 2 changes | |
| FlixTrain+FlixBus · FlixBus | 16:14 Cologne Hbf | 26h56 | 19:10 Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 2 changes | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 20:55 Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 22h15 | 19:10 Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 2 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Bilbao by coach or flight
Compare coach 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 Cologne to Bilbao coaches with Omio?
FlixBus as well as BlaBlaCar Bus offer coaches services from Cologne to Bilbao.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Bilbao.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of BlaBlaCar Bus to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Bilbao.
- 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 and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Bilbao.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trainline or Checkmybus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of BlaBlaCar Bus to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Bilbao.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Bilbao.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cologne to Bilbao
Germany
Spain
Buses from Cologne to Bilbao run on average 6 times per day, taking around 21h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £28 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 1132 km distance in 21h 35m.
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 1132 km |
Average bus duration 21h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price £28 |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 21h 35m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 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 Bus from Cologne to BilbaoYou can travel by bus between Cologne to Bilbao with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus for as low as £28. 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
21h 35m
Cheapest Price
£28
FlixBus frequency
7 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 Bus
About
BlaBlaCar Bus (formerly known as Ouibus or iDBUS) is a long-distance coach company operating in 10 European countries and connecting over 300 destinations. A subsidiary of the French carpooling company BlaBlaCar, it offers comfortable travel with standard amenities such as air conditioning, toilets, USB and power outlets for charging devices, extra legroom, and adjustable seats. Free Wi-Fi is available on select routes. BlaBlaCar Bus offers only a Standard ticket type, which allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and up to two checked bags per person.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
22h 5m
Cheapest Price
£49
BlaBlaCar Bus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating options.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; additional fees may apply.
Complete guide to Bilbao
Things to do in Bilbao
Discover the best of Bilbao — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bilbao trip today.
- Must visit
Bilboko Arte Ederren Museoa
Fine arts museum with collections from medieval works to modern painting and sculpture. A strong choice for a broader art visit beyond the Guggenheim.
- Recommended
Euskal Museoa
Museum on Basque archaeology, ethnography and maritime life in the old quarter. A clear introduction to regional history and identity.
- Must visit
Casco Viejo
Bilbao’s old town of narrow lanes, churches, shops and lively squares. Ideal for walking, local atmosphere and understanding the city’s historic core.
- Must visit
Mirador de Artxanda
Hilltop viewpoint above the city reached by the Artxanda funicular. Worth it for broad views over Bilbao and the surrounding green hills.
- Recommended
Plaza Nueva
Elegant central square with arcades, cafés around the edges and frequent city events. A convenient stop between the old and newer parts of Bilbao.
- Gluten-free
Bacalao al pil-pil
Salt cod cooked slowly with olive oil, garlic and chilli until it forms a silky sauce. A Basque classic closely linked with Bilbao’s taverns and home cooking.
- Gluten-free
Bacalao a la vizcaína
Salt cod baked or simmered in a red pepper and tomato sauce, often with onion. A traditional Biscayan dish emblematic of local Basque cooking.
- Gluten-free
Angulas a la bilbaína
Baby eels sautéed with olive oil, garlic and chilli, usually served very hot in a clay dish. A classic celebratory pintxo in Bilbao.
Gure Toki
Bustling pintxos bar in Casco Viejo with a wide counter selection and a lively, informal atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Sorginzulo
Well-known tavern for inventive and traditional pintxos near Plaza Nueva, with a busy bar scene and strong local following.
Victor Montes
Historic Old Town restaurant known for classic Basque dishes and seafood in a traditional, polished setting.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Spain: pintxos and transit are reasonable, but central hotels and dining cost more than in many inland Spanish cities.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for fast food or simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; round up in taxis; small change in cafés is enough.
Barik Mobile
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.70
- Day pass
- €10.00
To the city centre
Bilbao Intermodal -> Plaza Moyúa, Bilbao
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Bilbao Intermodal connects directly with San Mamés Metro, RENFE Cercanías and nearby tram and bus stops, so it is usually the easiest onward transfer point.
- Barik Mobile lets you carry and top up a Barik card on your phone. Check operator rules before relying on bank card payment onboard.
FAQs: Cologne to Bilbao coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Bilbao 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 Bilbao, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Cologne to Bilbao can start from as little as £28 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cologne to Bilbao is £64; 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 Cologne to Bilbao is 21h 35m to travel the 1132 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 Cologne to Bilbao leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cologne to Bilbao leaves at 23:55.
There are 6 coaches a day from Cologne to Bilbao which require at least one change with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cologne to Bilbao, you can count on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus for the best way to get you to Bilbao. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cologne and Bilbao and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Bilbao from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 21h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cologne to Bilbao is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne and Bilbao including taking a coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cologne to Bilbao:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating options.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cologne to Bilbao for coach company FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cologne to Bilbao depends on the coach companies:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
- 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, BlaBlaCar Bus.
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 Cologne to Bilbao.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cologne to Bilbao:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
- 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 Cologne to Bilbao:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Cologne to Bilbao. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cologne to Bilbao with the following coach company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cologne to Bilbao with the following coach company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cologne to Bilbao with the following coach company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Bilbao
Most Cologne to Bilbao buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea station pair, with some services arriving at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Bilbao bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Cologne
Arrival bus stations in Bilbao
Which Cologne station do buses to Bilbao leave from?
Buses from Cologne to Bilbao leave from Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen). The station is 13 km from Cologne city centre at Kennedystrasse, Koln, Germany.
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.
Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea
City-centre transport
Getting to Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea from Bilbao city centre
TrainC1, C2 · 6m · £0.90 · every ~10 min
Bus28 · 15m · £2 · every ~11 min
TramTr · 11m · £2 · every ~16 min
SubwayLínea De Metro Bilbao · 7m · £2 · every ~33 min
Bilbao, Estación de AutobusesGurtubay Kalea, 1, 48013 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
City-centre transport
Getting to Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses from Bilbao city centre
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses is 1 km from Bilbao city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus01, 10 · 3m · every ~13 min
A3223 · 7m · £2
TramTr · 3m · £2 · every ~16 min
SubwayLínea De Metro Bilbao · 2m · £2 · every ~33 min
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses bus station facilities and services
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café de la Estación (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Most popular bus connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Bilbao
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bilbao and Cologne
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