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Cheap bus tickets from Amsterdam to Cologne
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Bus from Amsterdam to Cologne: Journey Information
There are 14 intercity buses per day from Amsterdam to Cologne. Travelling by bus from Amsterdam to Cologne usually takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus bus can make the trip in 3 hours and 40 minutes.
- Distance
- 133 mi (214 km)
- Shortest duration
- 3h 40m
- Cheapest price
- $24.46
- Trips per day
- 14
- Most frequent service
- FlixBus
- Bus lines
- 3
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Amsterdam to Cologne Bus Schedule
There are several bus options that can take you from Amsterdam to Cologne:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Amsterdam to Cologne?
Bus tickets for a trip from Amsterdam to Cologne cost about $25 when you book at the cheapest time, 29 days ahead. This is an excellent value for the trip. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average bus ticket prices from Amsterdam to Cologne by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Amsterdam to Cologne in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $24 to $39. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on December 9, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Cologne this week, bus tickets are available starting at $28.
Average bus ticket prices from Amsterdam to Cologne by month
Taking the bus from Amsterdam to Cologne is usually cheapest in March, when the average ticket price is only $39. If you're planning to take the bus from Amsterdam to Cologne during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $59. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 29 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $28.17 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Amsterdam to Cologne?
There are 3 bus lines from Amsterdam to Cologne available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 13 daily trips, FlixBus usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 13 | 4h 25m | $45.66 |
| RegioJet | 1 | 5h 40m | $31.32 |
| Union Ivkoni | 1 | 7h 15m | $39.51 |
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 13 trips from Amsterdam to Cologne, and usually makes the trip in about 4 hours and 25 minutes. On your trip, you'll enjoy Wi-Fi and live GPS, as well as washrooms, air conditioning, and power outlets.
Book RegioJet from Amsterdam to Cologne from $24.99. Typically there is one RegioJet schedule per day from Amsterdam to Cologne and you can expect on average to pay $31.32 for a RegioJet ticket to Cologne. In Amsterdam, RegioJet departs to Cologne from PiarcoPlein 1. In Cologne, RegioJet arrives at Bonn Airport Bus Terminal.
An average trip on RegioJet from Amsterdam to Cologne takes 5 hours and 40 minutes.
On weekends, RegioJet offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay $24.99 for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway trip to Cologne.
Union Ivkoni was founded in Bulgaria in 1992 and quickly expanded its operations throughout Europe. Popular routes include both shorter travels within one country and long-haul international trips. Their reliable buses offer amenities to make your trip comfortable, including air conditioning, extra legroom, and power outlets. Union Ivkoni usually operates 1 trip per day on the route from Amsterdam to Cologne, and the trip usually takes 7 hours and 15 minutes to complete.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by bus from Amsterdam to Cologne
The distance between Amsterdam and Cologne is between 268 and 272 kilometres (between 166 and 169 miles), depending on which route you go. All routes travel southeast from The Netherlands into Germany, with long stretches on motorways A2, A3 or A73.
Taking a bus from Amsterdam to Cologne can be as fast as 2 hours and 55 minutes, but most bus trips take at least 4 hours with traffic. FlixBus is the fastest, with an average travel time of 4 hours and 19 minutes. Ouibus is a bit longer, with an average travel time of 4 hours and 40 minutes. RegioJet Bus tends to take a little longer, with an average travel time of 6 hours and 30 minutes. Union Ivkoni is the slowest of the bunch, with an average travel time of 7 hours and 29 minutes.
Out of the 16 buses that take this route each day, the earliest bus departs Amsterdam for Cologne at 7:00 a.m. This first trip of the day is operated by Ouibus, and takes an average of 5 hours as it runs through morning traffic.
There are buses that can take you directly from Amsterdam to Cologne. At this time, there are a number of bus trips where you can expect to spend part of the journey on a different vehicle, such as a shuttle or a train. Both types of tickets can be found when you search on Wanderu; the type of trip is indicated in the trip details.
There are 14 scheduled buses that travel from Amsterdam to Cologne every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 11 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.
Trips per day
14
Direct trips
11
The bus takes an average of 4 hours and 30 minutes to cover the 214 kilometres from Amsterdam to Cologne. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 hours and 40 minutes. In other words, you'll have plenty of time to rest and relax on the road. 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.
Distance (mi)
133
Distance (km)
214
The first bus leaves at 12:45 a.m. and the last bus leaves at 10:30 p.m. To see the times for all buses from Amsterdam to Cologne, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
12:45am
Latest bus
10:30pm
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Cologne at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, 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.
Most crowded
Sunday
Least crowded
Tuesday
City Information
Amsterdam
The Dutch capital of Amsterdam is one of Europe's most eclectic cities with so much to explore. As a hub of culture, history, and architecture, as well as sex, drugs, and all things rock and roll, no amount of time in this vibrant city will ever be enough. Of course, this makes it one of the best cities to visit after graduation.
To learn about one of the most significant parts of modern history, visit the Anne Frank House, a humbling testament to this remarkable girl's unwavering optimism and resilience during the horrors of World War II. The Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum are also well worth a visit to discover artworks by Dutch masters.
For a look into contemporary life in Amsterdam, visit De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets), a micro-neighborhood brimming with independent shops, artisan food eateries, and cozy cafes where you can experience an authentic Dutch Coffeeshop. Taking an iconic canal tour is another must, allowing you to experience the city while relaxing on the water. Since Amsterdam is known for its cycling culture, bring your bike or rent one during your stay to get around the city as the locals do.
Travel to Amsterdam is easy, with its connections to the rest of Europe via a vast network of motorways, utilized by FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus services. Amsterdam’s many connections are why it’s the starting point for our budget tour of the Netherlands. Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is also a major international travel hub, and the Central Station is one of the largest rail terminals in Europe.
Cologne
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 travellers coming from afar.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Amsterdam?
Main departure station: PiarcoPlein 1
The Piarcoplein bus station in Amsterdam is in the west of the city, near Sloterdijk, just off A10 and next to local transit lines. It's most frequently used by FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus, which then continue on routes to cities like Antwerp. You can also find more connections, by train or bus, at Amsterdam Centraal with a quick trip on a local trolley. While Piarcoplein doesn't offer many amenities, there is a Starbucks, Holiday Inn, and various restaurants within easy walking distance. There's also a good amount of parking at the station if you have your own vehicle.
All bus stations in Amsterdam:
- PiarcoPlein 1
- Hoogoorddreef 54
- Amsterdam De Ruijterkade
Where does the bus arrive in Cologne?
Main arrival station: Cologne / Bonn Airport Terminal 2
Buses arrive in Cologne at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are travelling with.
All bus stations in Cologne:
- Cologne / Bonn Airport Terminal 2
- Cologne Central Station
- Bonn Airport Bus Terminal
Need a return trip from Cologne to Amsterdam?
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