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Madrid, Community of Madrid to Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia from $55: 11 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Madrid, Spain
to
Cologne, Germany

How to Get from Madrid to Cologne: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$55 - PlaneBest price
1438 kmDistance
5h 54m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Madrid to Cologne with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
5h  54m
Estimated price
$82-275
Recommended
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
7h  25m
Estimated price
$55-274
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 1438 km
Duration: 5h 54m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
6h  52m
Estimated price
$73-820
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
7h  40m
Estimated price
$97-265
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
7h  37m
Estimated price
$123-299
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
6h  35m
Estimated price
$821-275
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
14h  47m
Estimated price
$822-558
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
19h  42m
Estimated price
$823-824
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
25h  22m
Estimated price
$825-826
Company
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
33h  35m
Estimated price
$827-828
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
16h  13m
Estimated price
$829-2750

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $73 $66 $70 $69 $74 $80 $78
Fly $238 $216 $214 $205 $232 $226 $273
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Madrid to Cologne

Traveling from Madrid to Cologne offers you a fascinating blend of Spain's vibrant culture and Germany's rich history, showcasing lively tapas bars and cutting-edge architecture versus charming cobblestone streets and stunning Gothic cathedrals.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cologne

Cologne features diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character.

Old Town (Altstadt)
• Home to Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Lively atmosphere with numerous cafes and shops.
Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel)
• Trendy area known for boutiques and street art.
• Vibrant nightlife scene with popular bars and restaurants.
Südstadt
• Charming residential area with picturesque streets.
• Popular for its local markets and cultural events.

Best Times To Visit Cologne's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your experience in Cologne's attractions.

Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
Ludwig Museum
Weekdays offer a quieter atmosphere for exploring contemporary art.
Rheinauhafen District
Stroll in the evening for stunning sunset views and fewer tourists.

Cologne Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cologne experiences a temperate oceanic climate with mild winters and warm summers, making spring and early fall the best times to enjoy your visit. Being prepared for occasional rain year-round will enhance your travel experience as you explore the city’s attractions.

Dining in Cologne: A Culinary Contrast

Try a traditional dish called Himmel un Ääd, which features black pudding served with mashed potatoes and applesauce, offering a heartier, rustic experience compared to Madrid's vibrant tapas scene. The cozy brewery restaurants in Cologne create a unique atmosphere where local flavors take center stage, allowing you to savor authentic German ingredients in a lively setting.

Madrid - Cologne operators

Explore transport companies operating between Madrid and Cologne, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane Show flights
Website
iberia.com

Plane from Madrid to Dusseldorf

Average Duration
2h 34m
Estimated price
2757-2758

Plane from Madrid to Frankfurt

Average Duration
2h 48m
Estimated price
2759-27510

Plane from Madrid to Brussels

Average Duration
2h 23m
Estimated price
550-551
Website
lufthansa.com

Plane from Madrid to Cologne Bonn via Munich

Average Duration
5h 5m
Estimated price
552-2754

Plane from Madrid to Frankfurt

Average Duration
2h 35m
Estimated price
553-2758
Website
ryanair.com

Plane from Madrid to Cologne Bonn via Barcelona

Average Duration
5h 10m
Estimated price
554-555

Plane from Madrid to Brussels

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
556-557

Plane from Madrid to Luxembourg

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
554-558

Plane from Madrid to Eindhoven

Average Duration
2h 35m
Estimated price
2751-559
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+34 91 232 03 20
Website
renfe.com

Train from Estación de tren de Atocha to Barcelona-Sants

Average Duration
2h 30m
Estimated price
554-550
Contact phone
0221 13 999 444
Website
nationalexpress.de

Train from Duesseldorf Flughafen to Koeln Hbf

Average Duration
39m
Estimated price
2746-2747
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+33 1 71 53 01 80
Website
blablacar.fr

Bus from Estación Sur de Autobuses to Paris City Centre - Bercy Seine

Average Duration
16h 40m
Estimated price
550-2755
Contact phone
+34 910 207 007
Website
alsa.es

Bus from Estación Sur de Autobuses to Paris City Centre - Bercy Seine

Average Duration
16h
Estimated price
27460-552
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
flixbus.de

Bus from Estación Sur de Autobuses to Paris City Centre - Bercy Seine

Average Duration
16h 20m
Estimated price
2759-553
Contact phone
+34 988 590 210
Website
iberocoach.com

Bus from Burgos to Luxembourg

Average Duration
25h 25m
Estimated price
550-552

Madrid to Cologne: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Madrid and Cologne offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Madrid to Cologne, covering a distance of 1092 miles. The journey offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and charming towns along the way. 💰 Budget-friendly travelers can expect to spend between €286 and €433 for the entire trip from Madrid to Cologne by car. Plan your expenses wisely to enjoy the journey without any financial worries. 🏰 Arrive in Cologne after approximately 16 hours and 13 minutes of driving. Explore the city's stunning architecture, cultural attractions, and delicious cuisine to make your road trip truly unforgettable.
Average price
€286 - €433
🚆 The train journey from Madrid to Cologne involves multiple transfers and takes approximately 14 hours and 47 minutes. There is no direct train service between these two cities, so passengers will need to change trains at various stations along the way. 🚆 The prices for train tickets between Madrid and Cologne can range from €277 to €570, depending on factors such as class of service and availability. Despite the multiple transfers involved, the scenic route offers a unique opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes of Spain and France on the way to Germany.
Departure Point
Estación de tren de Atocha station
Arrival Point
Köln Hbf station
🛫 Flying from Madrid to Cologne entails a quick 2-hour 30-minute direct flight from Madrid Airport to Dusseldorf Airport. Airlines like Air France, Iberia, and KLM provide this route for travelers. 🌍 From Dusseldorf Airport, the journey continues as it takes approximately 7 hours and 25 minutes to reach Cologne from Madrid via plane. Prepare for a comfortable flight experience with various airlines offering this route. 💸 Prices for flights between Madrid and Cologne typically range between €56 to €283.
Departure Point
Madrid Airport
Arrival Point
Dusseldorf Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• If you're flying from Madrid to Cologne, be sure to check which airline offers the best direct flights to Dusseldorf Airport, as that's your most convenient gateway; Iberia operates frequent flights that take approximately 2h 30m.
• Upon arrival at Dusseldorf Airport, follow the signs for the SkyTrain service, which offers a quick and direct link to the railway station; from there, you can take an efficient train to Cologne that takes about 30 minutes.
• Expect taxi fares from Dusseldorf Airport to Cologne city center to be around €60-€70, but check for ride-sharing options as they might provide a more economical choice; alternatively, consider using public transport from the airport to minimize costs.
🚌 Traveling from Madrid to Cologne by bus involves a journey with multiple transfers, taking approximately 25 hours and 22 minutes. 💰 Depending on the operator and booking time, the prices for a bus ticket between Madrid and Cologne typically range from €112 to €201.
Departure Point
Estación Sur de Autobuses station
Arrival Point
Leverkusen station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Madrid to Cologne.

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The distance between Madrid and Cologne is approximately 893 miles by air. The typical travel time by plane is around 7 hours and 31 minutes. By train, it takes about 14 hours and 50 minutes, and by car, it takes around 16 hours and 13 minutes. Alternatively, taking a bus from Madrid to Cologne would require approximately 25 hours and 57 minutes of travel time.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation options for traveling from Madrid to Cologne are flying and taking a train. Flying from Madrid to Cologne takes approximately 7 hours and 31 minutes and can cost between €54 and €281. However, if you are looking for a quicker option, you can choose to fly and then take a train, which takes just 5 hours and 50 minutes and can cost between €82 and €281. These options offer a balance of affordability and convenience for your journey.
The prices for a train ticket from Madrid to Cologne can range from €231 to €548. Alternatively, the prices for a bus ticket from Cologne to Madrid can range from €131 to €183. These prices may vary depending on factors such as the date and time of travel, as well as any discounts or promotions that may be available. It is recommended to check with the respective transportation providers for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
To get from Madrid to Cologne without using public transportation, you can opt to drive. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 1092 miles and it takes around 16 hours and 13 minutes to reach Cologne by car. It's important to note that the prices for a car journey can vary between €281 and €426.
To travel from Madrid to Cologne without a car, the best option is to take a train. The train journey takes approximately 14 hours and 50 minutes and costs between €226 and €589. Another viable option is to fly, which takes around 7 hours and 31 minutes and costs between €54 and €281. If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, you can take a bus via Paris, which takes approximately 25 hours and 57 minutes and costs between €127 and €190.
There is no direct link between Madrid and Cologne by train. However, there are train services that involve transfers in Barcelona, Lyon, and Paris, with a total journey time of approximately 14 hours and 50 minutes. Alternatively, there is a direct bus service that takes approximately 2 days and 7 hours. These buses depart from Madrid and arrive at Cologne-Main Station.
The flight between Madrid and Cologne typically takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. The prices for this flight can vary, ranging from €55 to €281. It would be best to check with different airlines or travel agencies for the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Cologne. With over 1145 hotels to choose from, you will have a wide variety of choices to fit your budget and preferences. Prices for hotels start at €41. Whether you are looking for luxury hotels, budget-friendly options, or something in between, you will have no trouble finding a place to stay in Cologne.