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Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Erfurt to Cologne. Traveling by bus from Erfurt to Cologne usually takes around 6 hours and 35 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus bus can make the trip in 5 hours and 15 minutes.
| Distance | 177 mi (285 km) |
| Shortest duration | 5h 15m |
| Cheapest price | €37.46 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus |
| Bus lines | 1 |
What bus companies travel from Erfurt to Cologne?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Erfurt to Cologne. FlixBus is the one bus line that serves this route. Although it's the sole option, there are a couple of different scheduled times to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 2 | 6h 36m | €37.97 |
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 2 trips from Erfurt to Cologne, and usually makes the trip in about 6 hours and 36 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 6 hours and 35 minutes to cover the 285 kilometers from Erfurt to Cologne. However, the fastest bus only takes 5 hours and 15 minutes. 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.
The first bus leaves at 02:00 and the last bus leaves at 14:00. To see the times for all buses from Erfurt to Cologne, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Erfurt to Cologne. One bus is a direct connection, meaning that you can stay on the same vehicle for the entire trip, without having to transfer onto a connecting bus at any point.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Erfurt to Cologne; ticket prices start at €30.45.
City Information
Erfurt
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Pixabay
Erfurt is the capital and largest city in the German state of Thuringia. Most of the city was built and designed in the Middle Ages, so prepare to be charmed by narrow pedestrian streets, quaint bridges, and gorgeous green spaces like the Egapark. As you stroll around the city center, keep your eyes peeled for as many as 25 churches of different architectural styles. A unique sight in Erfurt is the Krämerbrücke, or merchants' bridge, arguably the most popular attraction in the city. This 15th-century arched bridge has houses built on either side, in a design that was common in medieval Europe.
Fitting for a large city, Erfurt does not disappoint when it comes to dining options. The most popular local restaurants you should consider visiting are EAT Erfurt and Gasthaus Feuerkugel. Or simply stop at any of the many stalls offering Thüringer Bratwurst, a regional delicacy!
Although there is a small airport for Erfurt, the route options are very limited. Most air passengers will travel through the Frankfurt airport and connect to Erfurt via bus or train. Erfurt's train station is actually one of the central hubs of Germany's Deutsche Bahn rail system. Much of the train service to and from Erfurt is on high-speed trains, so journeys to Munich, Berlin, and Nuremberg take hardly any time. FlixBus connects Erfurt to many additional destinations via affordable bus trips.
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 Erfurt?
Main departure station: Central Station
Most buses depart from the main station in Erfurt.
All bus stations in Erfurt:
Central Station
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
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Cologne to Erfurt?
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