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Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Cologne to Munich. Traveling by bus from Cologne to Munich usually takes around 10 hours and 15 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus bus can make the trip in 7 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 284 mi (456 km) |
| Shortest duration | 7h 30m |
| Cheapest price | £22.42 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus |
| Bus lines | 1 |
What bus companies travel from Cologne to Munich?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Cologne to Munich. 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 | 10h 15m | £38.15 |
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 Cologne to Munich, and usually makes the trip in about 10 hours and 15 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 10 hours and 15 minutes to cover the 284 miles from Cologne to Munich. However, the fastest bus only takes 7 hours and 30 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.
Because many passengers travel from Cologne to Munich at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 10:00am and the last bus leaves at 5:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Cologne to Munich, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Cologne to Munich. 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 Cologne to Munich; ticket prices start at £70.59.
City Information
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.
Munich
Boasting a quaint beauty that has withstood the test of time, Munich is a vibrant city where the old meets the new. One of the most noticeable events in the city is Oktoberfest. The festival is the largest beer festival in the world, and it is here that you can enjoy a huge variety of beers, as well as local specialties and themed entertainment. For those who want to learn more about the city’s architectural history, consider visiting the Church of Our Lady, which features two unique dome-topped towers, forming an eye-catching part of Munich’s skyline. If you simply wish to enjoy a stroll around town, the English Garden, with its signature Chinesischen Turm, will offer the reprieve you need.
Among the local favorites in the city are Spatenhaus and Haxnbauer, both of which serve authentic hearty Munich dishes. For a more affordable dinner, you could check out the beer gardens such as Seehaus Biergarten or Augustinerkeller.
München Hauptbahnhof, located at the center of Munich, is the principal train station in the city serving all Deutsche Bahn trains that pass through town. Munich’s Central Bus Station is located in the heart of the city, making it easy to catch a bus by FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus or Sindbad. The main airport is the Franz Josef Strauss International Airport, which lies 19 miles northeast of the city center.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Cologne?
Image credit: philipweaver
Link to image attributionMain departure 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.
All bus stations in Cologne:
Leverkusen
Where does the bus arrive in Munich?
Image credit: Unsplash
Main arrival station: Central Bus Station
Munich's Central Bus Station (or ZOB) is very close to the city's train station and within a short walk of Old Town. As the center of Munich's intercity bus travel services, this station welcomes bus lines like FlixBus and RegioJet. The station is expansive, with multiple stories of offices that overlook the train tracks outside. Passengers will find many fast-food options, as well as convenience stores, ATMs, and public restrooms inside the station.
All bus stations in Munich:
Central Bus Station
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Need a return trip from Munich to Cologne?
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