- 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.
Cheapest price
£209
Average price
£229
Fastest journey
1 d 1 h
Average duration
1 d 4 h 31 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
1430 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Madrid to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Cologne will cost around £229 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £209.
To travel from Madrid to Cologne you need to make at least one change.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £60. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 33m. 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 £60, and a flight costs an average of £237.
Distance: 1430 km
| Coach | Most popular Flight | Train |
|---|---|---|
£102 Average Price Cheapest | £411 Average Price | £405 Average Price |
24h 53m Average total duration 24h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 33m Average total duration Fastest 3h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 24h 0m Average total duration 23h 30m 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 Madrid to Cologne 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 | 22:35 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 29h20 | 3:55 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 22:55 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 29h00 | 3:55 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 23:35 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 32h35 | 8:10 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 23:59 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 32h11 | 8:10 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 23:59 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 37h57 | 13:56 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 16:40 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 29h08 | 21:48 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 16:40 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 25h00 | 17:40 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 20:50 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 30h05 | 2:55 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 2 changes | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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 Madrid to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 24h 23m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £60 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 25h 0m.
Distance 1430 km |
Average bus duration 24h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price £60 |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 25h 0m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
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 Madrid 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 Madrid to Cologne buses use the Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) station pair, with some services arriving at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2). Use this guide to compare Madrid and Cologne bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
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.
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