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Journey Information
There is one daily coach from Lille to Cologne. Traveling by coach from Lille to Cologne usually takes around 5 hours and 55 minutes, but some coaches might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled depending on traffic conditions.
| Distance | 172 mi (277 km) |
| Shortest duration | 5h 55m |
| Cheapest price | €16.37 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus |
| Coach lines | 1 |
What coach companies travel from Lille to Cologne?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Lille 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.
| Coach | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 1 | 5h 55m | €16.37 |
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 Lille to Cologne, and usually makes the trip in about 5 hours and 55 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 coach takes an average of 5 hours and 55 minutes to cover the 172 miles from Lille 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 coach may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
There is usually only one coach per day from Lille to Cologne. It leaves the station in Lille at 08:00 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 coach per day from Lille to Cologne. Fortunately, this happens to be a direct coach, meaning that you do not have to get on a different coach at any point during your trip.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Lille to Cologne; ticket prices start at €80.22.
City Information
Lille
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Once an important trade centre in historic French Flanders, Lille is now the capital of the Hauts-de-France region close to the Belgian border. With strong Flemish influences and an ever-lively downtown, Lille makes an incredible Northern France destination.
It's hard to decide where to go first in this city full of architecturally-beautiful historical buildings. The Vieux-Lille is possibly one of the most striking areas, filled with many ornate buildings. This old-town area of Lille demonstrates the true Flemish soul of the city. Visit the Place du General-de-Gaulle or the Vieille Bourse (a stock exchange from the 1600s!) for a taste of the city's history, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets to discover many local cafes.
During your visit to Lille, you must sample the foods and drinks that the region is famous for. Northern France hosts an amazing beer scene, with many craft bars offering a truly French-Flemish experience. Plus, Lille's proximity to Belgium means you are never too far away from waffles. Belgian-style waffles have delighted the people of Lille for over 250 years, and you will be able to see why as soon as you taste one.
Travel to Lille is exceptionally convenient. Arrive via Eurostar from London or via TGV from Paris and other major cities. Lille also has a small airport, offering direct flights from nearby countries. The cheapest mode of transport is often traveling by coach. Carriers including FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, and Sindbad run coach routes from Lille to destinations throughout Western 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 coach 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 coach leave from in Lille?
Image credit: Fred Romero
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Gare de Lille Europe
Gare de Lille Europe (Lille-Europe Station) is a large transportation interchange on the northeastern edge of Lille's centre. It consists of a railway station, coach station, metro stop, and tram stop along and below the Boulevard de Turin. International Eurostar and long-distance TGV services stop through this station, connecting to destinations in the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands. It is within walking distance to Lille-Flandres, where trains to Paris depart. There are multiple waiting areas, kiosks, toilets, and more at this large station.
All coach stations in Lille:
Gare de Lille Europe
Where does the coach 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, iso 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.
Coach stations in Cologne:
Leverkusen
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Need a return trip from Cologne to Lille?
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