- Must visit
Museo Nacional del Prado
Spain’s premier art museum houses Velázquez, Goya and El Greco masterpieces, making it essential for understanding European painting.
Cheapest price
£127
Average price
£142
Fastest journey
1 d 20 m
Average duration
1 d 2 h 37 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
1430 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cologne to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Madrid will cost around £142 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £127.
To travel from Cologne to Madrid you need to make at least one change.
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
50429 · 3163
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
50429 · 3163
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £63. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 35m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the coach is your best bet as it emits only 1.4 - 3.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £63, and a train costs an average of £365.
Distance: 1430 km
| Coach | Most popular Flight | Train |
|---|---|---|
£108 Average Price Cheapest | £316 Average Price | £365 Average Price |
25h 9m Average total duration 24h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 35m Average total duration Fastest 3h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 25h 42m Average total duration 25h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
1.4 - 3.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 4.3 - 8.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Madrid coaches for today, Saturday 22 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:50 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 24h20 | 8:10 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:50 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 25h05 | 8:55 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:50 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 26h25 | 10:15 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 2 changes | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:38 Cologne Hbf | 28h42 | 13:20 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 3 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:15 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 28h05 | 13:20 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 2 changes | |
50429 · 3163 | 11:55 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 27h15 | 15:10 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 23:50 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 32h05 | 7:55 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 2 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 23:50 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 31h35 | 7:25 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 2 changes | |
| Sunday 23 August | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:05 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 28h50 | 7:55 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 2 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:05 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 28h20 | 7:25 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 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 Madrid run on average 7 times per day, taking around 24h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £63 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 1430 km distance in 24h 20m.
Distance 1430 km |
Average bus duration 24h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price £63 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 24h 20m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
Spain’s premier art museum houses Velázquez, Goya and El Greco masterpieces, making it essential for understanding European painting.
Madrid’s leading modern art museum is famed for Picasso’s Guernica and strong collections of Dalí, Miró and 20th-century works.
This refined museum features major works by Titian, Rubens and Caravaggio in a manageable collection inside a grand palace.
Madrid’s most famous park offers lakes, gardens, sculptures and broad promenades, perfect for walking, rowing and people-watching.
This grand boulevard links major museums and historic fountains, making it one of the city’s most elegant and culture-rich walks.
A busy central avenue known for theatres, shops and illuminated façades, ideal for architecture, nightlife and classic city views.
A hearty chickpea stew with meats, vegetables and soup, long associated with Madrid taverns and traditional lunchtime dining.
Deep-fried squid rings served in a crusty bread roll, a classic fast bite around Plaza Mayor and one of Madrid’s best-known snacks.
Madrid-style tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla, rich and slow-cooked, traditionally eaten in colder months.
Traditional bar celebrated for excellent tortilla española and honest Madrid-style tapas in a lively, no-frills atmosphere.
Historic tavern famed for roast suckling pig and classic Castilian dishes in an old-fashioned, atmospheric setting near Plaza Mayor.
Iconic churrería serving Madrid’s classic chocolate con churros around the clock in a bustling, traditional setting.
Moderate for Western Europe. Rooms, meals and Metro fares are usually cheaper than Paris or London, but central hotels and popular dining areas raise costs.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, leaving small change is enough.
Official public transport app
Estación Sur de Autobuses -> Puerta del Sol, Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Madrid 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 Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Madrid buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses station pair, with some services arriving at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid). Use this guide to compare Cologne and Madrid 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.
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses is 3 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km), La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses.
Available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Rodilla, Mahoudrid
ATMs are aTMs located throughout T4, major cards accepted .
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid).
Available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): Step-free access, elevators, accessible toilets.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need