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Journey Information
There is one daily bus from Mainz to Cologne. Traveling by bus from Mainz to Cologne usually takes around 8 hours and 5 minutes, but some buses might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled depending on traffic conditions.
| Distance | 86 mi (139 km) |
| Shortest duration | 8h 5m |
| Cheapest price | $36.61 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus |
| Bus lines | 1 |
What bus companies travel from Mainz to Cologne?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Mainz to Cologne. FlixBus is the only company that has bus schedules available to search and book at the moment. It only makes the trip once a day on most days.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 1 | 8h 6m | $51.65 |
First launched in Germany in 2013, FlixBus has become one of the largest intercity bus companies in Europe. Its fleet travels through nearly every country in Europe, including the U.K. FlixBus operates an average of 1 trips from Mainz to Cologne, and usually makes the trip in about 8 hours and 6 minutes. On your trip, you'll enjoy Wi-Fi and live GPS, as well as restrooms, air conditioning, and power outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 8 hours and 5 minutes to cover the 139 kilometers from Mainz to Cologne. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
"Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Mainz to Cologne for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go."
There is usually only one bus per day from Mainz to Cologne. It leaves the station in Mainz at 10:00pm each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.
There is usually only one bus per day from Mainz to Cologne. However, it is not a direct bus, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to change buses during the trip.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Mainz to Cologne; ticket prices start at $21.52.
City Information
Mainz
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
Mainz is the state of Rhineland-Palatinate’s capital city and is located along the Rhine River, close to Frankfurt. The city is a cultural center and a transportation hub in the region, known for its delightful wine and historic buildings. The most iconic building in the city is the Mainz Cathedral, a grand Romanesque cathedral over 1,000 years old. The cathedral dominates the historic market square, surrounded by other charming buildings like the iconic half-timbered houses of the area.
Also off the historic market square, you'll find the Gutenberg Museum, dedicated to the history of printing and home to two of Johannes Gutenberg's Bibles. Mainz includes several other noteworthy museums to round out your visit: the Museum of Ancient Seafaring with a focus on Roman ships, Kunsthalle de Mayence, a museum of art, and Landesmuseum Mainz, which focuses on local history.
The Frankfurt Airport is the airport closest to Mainz, and it's easy to take a train to Frankfurt before catching a flight. Of course, trains also connect to other German cities like Stuttgart, Munich, and Hamburg. Mainz is also accessible via intercity bus routes that cover most of Europe.
Cologne
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
There's no shortage of sights, culture, history, and adventure in Cologne, an alluring city on the Rhine. One of the most famous landmarks of the city is the Cologne Cathedral. This Gothic building and UNESCO World Heritage site remains the most iconic structure in the city. In fact, the Cologne Cathedral is the most visited landmark in Germany. Next door, the Museum Ludwig contrasts the cathedral's sense of history with an impressive collection of modern art, including works by Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.
Cologne's breadth of museums also caters to a younger crowd. Families with children should head to the Cologne Chocolate Museum along the river or the Cologne Zoological Garden for memorable, kid-friendly experiences.
Foodies, rejoice! Cologne is home to mouthwatering German delicacies and upscale restaurants. Start your day with breakfast at Café Sehnsucht. For lunch, visit Herings Im Martinswinkel, and for dinner, head over to Bei Oma Kleinmann to feel like you're visiting your long-lost German grandmother.
Trains like Deutsche Bahn, DB Intercity, and FlixTrain connect Cologne to other major European cities, including Munich, Paris, and Vienna. You can also catch a bus from Cologne on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Sindbad, Union Ivkoni, or Columbuzz. Plus, the Cologne Bonn Airport is a large, well-outfitted airport with daily international flights for travelers coming from afar.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Mainz?
Main departure station: Mainz Central Train Station - Exit West
Most buses depart from the main station in Mainz.
All bus stations in Mainz:
Mainz Central Train Station - Exit West
Where does the bus arrive in Cologne?
Image credit: philipweaver
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Leverkusen
Leverkusen Mitte is a railway station with regional services, to cities across Germany. The station also receives buses, which service the local area. Leverkusen Mitte is in the center of Leverkusen, so you can easily find cafes, shops, restaurants, and supermarkets to stock up before your trip. There's also plenty of space for parking cars and a bike locker area. Leverkusen is on the outskirts of Cologne, so after catching a train to the city, you can get connections to cities across Germany and the Netherlands.
Bus stations in Cologne:
Leverkusen
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Need a return trip from Cologne to Mainz?
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