- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts
Hungary’s leading fine arts museum, known for European paintings, Egyptian antiquities and strong temporary exhibitions on Heroes’ Square.
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£55
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£66
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
17 h 15 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
17 h 28 m
Buses on 18 Sept
32
Distance
956 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cologne to Budapest is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Budapest will cost around £66 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £55.
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 32 buses from Cologne to Budapest, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 956 km distance in an average of 17 h 28 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 17 h 15 m .
The slowest buses will take 17 h 35 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.
(Amsterdam -> Prague) · (Prague -> Budapest)
(Amsterdam -> Prague) · (Prague -> Budapest)
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Budapest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £67 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 57m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.3 - 0.9kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £67, while a flight costs an average of £223.
Distance: 956 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£67 Average Price Cheapest | £104 Average Price | £223 Average Price | £28 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 55m Average total duration 16h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 20m Average total duration 12h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 1h 57m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 11h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.0 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.9 - 5.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Budapest:
A coach is £37 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Budapest costing on average £104.
A coach is £156 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Budapest costing on average £223.
Other travel options to Budapest take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 50m.
Coach takes on average 16h 25m.
Tickets start at around £67 compared to roughly £28 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-38.80. The journey takes 16h 25m versus 11h 43m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Budapest coaches for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:45 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 20h45 | 7:30 Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:05 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 20h35 | 8:40 Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Kerepesi út) | 2 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:05 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 18h20 | 6:25 Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:05 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 18h05 | 6:10 Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 change | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 12:14 Cologne Hbf | 17h56 | 6:10 Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 change | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 12:14 Cologne Hbf | 18h11 | 6:25 Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 change | |
FlixBus | 15:50 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 17h35 | 9:25 Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 15:50 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 19h25 | 11:15 Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 15:50 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 18h25 | 10:15 Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 change | |
FlixBus | 15:50 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 17h15 | 9:05 Budapest, Krisztina körút / Kosciuszkó Tádé utca | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 15:50 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 21h05 | 12:55 Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Kerepesi út) | 1 change | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 16:14 Cologne Hbf | 19h01 | 11:15 Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 2 changes | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 16:14 Cologne Hbf | 20h41 | 12:55 Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Kerepesi út) | 2 changes | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 16:14 Cologne Hbf | 18h36 | 10:50 Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 change | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 16:14 Cologne Hbf | 18h56 | 11:10 Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 19:35 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 17h50 | 13:25 Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 19:35 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 20h00 | 15:35 Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 19:35 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 17h35 | 13:10 Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 change | |
(Amsterdam -> Prague) · (Prague -> Budapest) | 19:40 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 20h35 | 16:15 Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 change | |
(Amsterdam -> Prague) · (Prague -> Budapest) | 19:40 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 20h55 | 16:35 Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 21:00 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 21h45 | 18:45 Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 23:35 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 18h35 | 18:10 Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 23:35 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 18h15 | 17:50 Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 23:35 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 21h20 | 20:55 Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 change | |
| Friday 18 September | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:20 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 18h35 | 20:55 Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:20 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 19h25 | 21:45 Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:10 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 19h35 | 22:45 Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:10 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 20h40 | 23:50 Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 change | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:14 Cologne Hbf | 24h51 | 9:05 Budapest, Krisztina körút / Kosciuszkó Tádé utca | 2 changes | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:14 Cologne Hbf | 24h26 | 8:40 Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Kerepesi út) | 2 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, 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.
Buses from Cologne to Budapest run on average 23 times per day, taking around 16h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £44 but you can travel from only £39 by train.
There are 2 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:45, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 956 km distance in 15h 20m.
Distance 956 km |
Average bus duration 16h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price £44 |
Buses per day 23 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 15h 20m |
First bus 0:45 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Budapest — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Budapest trip today.
Hungary’s leading fine arts museum, known for European paintings, Egyptian antiquities and strong temporary exhibitions on Heroes’ Square.
Museum inside Buda Castle covering Budapest’s past from medieval remains to modern urban history, with notable views from the building.
Major collection of Hungarian art from medieval works to the 20th century, set in palace wings with a calm atmosphere and city views.
Long avenue linking the centre with City Park. Grand facades, embassies and historic mansions make it one of Budapest’s classic walks.
Popular lookout terrace in the Castle District with neo-Romanesque towers and memorable panoramas over the Danube and Pest skyline.
Leafy island park in the Danube with running paths, gardens, fountains and ruins. A relaxing break from the busy centre.
Rich beef soup with paprika, onion and vegetables. It is Hungary’s signature comfort dish and a classic on Budapest menus.
Slow-cooked beef stew heavy with sweet paprika and onions, traditionally served with nokedli. A cornerstone of Hungarian home cooking.
Deep-fried flatbread, often topped with garlic, sour cream and cheese. It is one of Budapest’s most familiar street foods.
Long-running Jewish-Hungarian restaurant serving hearty local dishes in a warm, nostalgic dining room.
Traditional restaurant near the Great Market Hall specialising in paprika-rich Hungarian classics in a cosy, old-style setting.
Elegant riverside restaurant serving classic Hungarian dishes with polished service and grand Danube views.
Budget to moderate for Europe. Public transport is cheap, meals are reasonable, and hotels often cost less than in Vienna or Prague, though central stays and nightlife can add up.
Service may be included, so check the bill first. If not, tip around 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxi fares are usually rounded up slightly; cafés often get small change.
Official public transport app
Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar -> Deák Ferenc tér, Budapest
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Budapest 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 Budapest, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Budapest buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar station pair, with some services arriving at Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Budapest bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar is 5 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Népliget (in the station), Gulyás Tér (0.5 km), Pesti Burger (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar.
Available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar: Elevators, ramps.
Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás is 4 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Kelenföld (in the station), Bistro Budapest (0.5 km), Café Central (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás.
Available at Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need