- 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 on 12 Sept
£23
Average ticket price on 12 Sept
£38
Fastest journey on 12 Sept
5 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 12 Sept
5 h 43 m
Buses on 12 Sept
12
Distance
288 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Stuttgart to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Stuttgart to Cologne will cost around £38 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £23.
On Sat 12 Sept, we found 12 buses from Stuttgart to Cologne, including 8 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 288 km distance in an average of 5 h 43 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 25 m .
The slowest buses will take 5 h 55 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.
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Stuttgart to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £25 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 9m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £25, while a flight costs an average of £311.
Distance: 288 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£25 Average Price Cheapest | £50 Average Price | £311 Average Price | £48 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 27m Average total duration 4h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 9m Average total duration Fastest 2h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration 1h 53m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.9 - 1.7kg 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 Stuttgart to Cologne:
A coach is £26 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Stuttgart to Cologne costing on average £50.
A coach is £286 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Stuttgart to Cologne costing on average £311.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 39m.
Coach takes on average 4h 57m.
Tickets start at around £25 compared to roughly £48 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £23. The journey takes 4h 57m versus 4h 3m 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.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, BlaBlaCar.
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 Stuttgart to Cologne coaches for today, Friday 11 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 22:30 Stuttgart, Flughafen/Messe | 6h10 | 4:40 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 22:50 Stuttgart, Vaihingen Bahnhof | 5h50 | 4:40 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 0 changesdirect | |
30493 · 50428 | 23:20 Stuttgart, Airport/ Busterminal SAB | 18h30 | 17:50 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 change | |
| Saturday 12 September | |||||
FlixBus | 0:35 Stuttgart, Flughafen/Messe | 5h25 | 6:00 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 6:15 Stuttgart | 6h45 | 13:00 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 change | |
FlixBus | 7:20 Stuttgart, Flughafen/Messe | 5h40 | 13:00 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 8:14 Stuttgart | 7h21 | 15:35 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 change | |
FlixBus | 9:40 Stuttgart, Flughafen/Messe | 5h55 | 15:35 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 11:00 Stuttgart, Flughafen/Messe | 5h45 | 16:45 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 0 changesdirect | |
30489 · 50448 | 11:50 Stuttgart, Airport/ Busterminal SAB | 18h35 | 6:25 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1 change | |
FlixBus | 12:45 Stuttgart, Flughafen/Messe | 6h55 | 19:40 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 15:30 Stuttgart, Flughafen/Messe | 6h40 | 22:10 Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 0 changesdirect | |
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 Stuttgart to Cologne run on average 13 times per day, taking around 4h 57m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.
There are 9 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:35, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 288 km distance in 4h 31m.
Distance 288 km |
Average bus duration 4h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Buses per day 13 |
Direct buses 9 |
Fastest bus 4h 31m |
First bus 0:35 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 77 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 Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart to Cologne buses use the Stuttgart, Flughafen/Messe to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) station pair, with some services arriving at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2). Use this guide to compare Stuttgart and Cologne bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Stuttgart, Flughafen/Messe is 1 km from Stuttgart city centre. Public transport options include:
Stuttgart, Flughafen/Messe has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: McDonald's (in the station), Local Bakery (in the station)
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Stuttgart, Flughafen/Messe.
Available at Stuttgart, Flughafen/Messe: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stuttgart, Flughafen/Messe: Elevators, ramps.
Stuttgart, Flughafen/Messe (SAB Busterminal) is 10 km from Stuttgart city centre. Public transport options include:
Stuttgart, Flughafen/Messe (SAB Busterminal) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Express (in the station), Burger King (in the station), Swabian Delights (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the terminal for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Stuttgart, Flughafen/Messe (SAB Busterminal).
Available at Stuttgart, Flughafen/Messe (SAB Busterminal): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stuttgart, Flughafen/Messe (SAB Busterminal): Elevators, ramps.
Stuttgart, Vaihingen Bahnhof is 7 km from Stuttgart city centre. Public transport options include:
Stuttgart, Vaihingen Bahnhof has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Stuttgart, Vaihingen Bahnhof. ATMs are available at Stuttgart, Vaihingen Bahnhof.
Ticket office support is available at Stuttgart, Vaihingen Bahnhof.
Available at Stuttgart, Vaihingen Bahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stuttgart, Vaihingen Bahnhof: Ramps available for wheelchairs.
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.
Köln, ZOB is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln, ZOB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria im ZOB (in the station), McDonald's (0.2 km), Vapiano (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Köln, ZOB.
Available at Köln, ZOB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, ZOB: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need