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Manchester, Greater Manchester to Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia from $33: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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from
Manchester, United Kingdom
to
Cologne, Germany

How to Get from Manchester 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.

$33 - PlaneBest price
692.8 kmDistance
4h Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Manchester 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
4h  43m
Estimated price
$80-339
Recommended
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  19m
Estimated price
$33-208
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 692.8 km
Duration: 4h

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Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
18h  33m
Estimated price
$78-138
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
21h  54m
Estimated price
$101-240
Company
various
Drive
Plane
Train
Average Duration
4h 
Estimated price
$102-351
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
6h  33m
Estimated price
$116-356
Company
various
Drive
Drive
Average Duration
9h  6m
Estimated price
$198-294
Company
various
Drive
Drive
Average Duration
10h  17m
Estimated price
$198-294
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
7h  42m
Estimated price
$249-701
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Traveling From Manchester to Cologne

The journey from Manchester to Cologne offers a fascinating contrast between Manchester's vibrant industrial spirit and Cologne's rich historical charm.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cologne

Cologne boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering a distinct vibe for visitors.

Old Town (Altstadt)
• Home to iconic Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO site.
• Charming narrow streets filled with cafes and shops.
Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel)
• Trendy cafes, boutiques, and vibrant nightlife.
• Known for its artistic atmosphere and street art.
Ehrenfeld
• A cultural hub with a mix of music and art.
• Popular for its eclectic dining options and breweries.

Best Times To Visit Cologne's Attractions

Timing your visits to Cologne's attractions can significantly enhance your experience.

Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.
Rheinauhafen District
Late afternoons on weekdays offer a quieter atmosphere for exploration.
Museum Ludwig
Weekdays, especially mid-morning, provide a more relaxed visit experience.

Cologne Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cologne experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and warm summers, making spring and early fall the most pleasant times to visit. Weather can influence your travel plans, so be prepared for rain and fluctuating temperatures throughout the year.

Dining Recommendation in Cologne

Try the traditional dish of Himmel un Ääd, which features black pudding and applesauce, at either Döner Haus or Restaurant Krawatte, both celebrated for their authentic flavors. The dining experience in Cologne invites you to explore a cozy atmosphere paired with regionally sourced ingredients, offering a delightful contrast to Manchester's bustling dining scene.

Manchester - Cologne operators

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

Bus
Contact phone
0221 13 999 444
Website
https://uk.megabus.com

Bus from Shudehill Interchange to Victoria Coach Station

Average Duration
5h 10m
Estimated price
$20-29
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://flixbus.de

Bus from Shudehill Interchange to London Victoria Coach Station Arrivals

Average Duration
5h 30m
Estimated price
$28-40

Bus from London Victoria to Cologne Airport CGN

Average Duration
12h
Estimated price
$50-75

Bus from Sheffield to Amsterdam Sloterdijk

Average Duration
15h 45m
Estimated price
$70-110

Bus from Amsterdam Sloterdijk to Düsseldorf central bus station

Average Duration
2h 45m
Estimated price
$21-30
Train
Contact phone
00 44 345 528 0253
Website
https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/

Train from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston

Average Duration
2h 6m
Estimated price
$85-220
Contact phone
+44 343 218 6186
Website
https://www.eurostar.com/rw-en

Train from London St Pancras Intl to Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi

Average Duration
2h 4m
Estimated price
$120-350
Contact phone
+49 0180 6 99 66 33
Website
https://www.bahn.com/en

Train from D-Flughafen Bf to Köln Hbf

Average Duration
32m
Estimated price
$26-30

Train from Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Fernbf to Koeln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12

Average Duration
2h 11m
Estimated price
$46-52

Train from Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi to Köln Hbf

Average Duration
1h 52m
Estimated price
$48-54
Plane
Website
http://britishairways.com

Plane from Manchester to Dusseldorf

Average Duration
3h 30m
Estimated price
$60-280

Plane from Manchester to Cologne Bonn

Average Duration
3h 45m
Estimated price
$70-310

Plane from Manchester to Frankfurt

Average Duration
3h 57m
Estimated price
$65-280
Website
https://www.eurowings.com

Plane from Manchester to Dusseldorf

Average Duration
1h 25m
Estimated price
$65-250
Website
https://www.lufthansa.com

Plane from Manchester to Dusseldorf

Average Duration
3h 25m
Estimated price
$130-480

Plane from Manchester to Frankfurt

Average Duration
1h 40m
Estimated price
$120-450
Website
https://www.ryanair.com

Plane from Manchester to Cologne Bonn

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$24-160
Drive
Website
https://www.eurotunnel.com/uk/

Drive from Folkestone to Calais-Fréthun

Average Duration
35m
Estimated price
0-0
Contact phone
01304 448866
Website
https://poferries.com

Drive from Port of Dover to Calais

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$55-75
Contact phone
+353 818 300 400
Website
https://www.irishferries.com/uk-en/Travel-to-Ireland

Drive from Port of Dover to Calais

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$35-50

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

Traveling between Manchester 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.

🚆 If you're planning a trip from Manchester to Cologne by train, be prepared for a journey with multiple transfers. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 7 hours and 42 minutes. 🛤️ There are several route options available for this journey, each with its own unique transfers and durations. From Manchester Piccadilly to London St Pancras Intl to Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi, you'll experience a mix of train services such as Avanti West Coast and Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express. 🌍 The distance covered between Manchester and Cologne is around 903 km, with prices varying between £197 to £554.
Departure Point
Manchester Piccadilly station
Arrival Point
Koeln Hbf station
🛫 Flying from Manchester Airport to Dusseldorf Airport takes just 1 hour and 25 minutes on a direct flight offered by airlines like Eurowings, Lufthansa, KLM, and British Airways. 🌍 After landing in Dusseldorf, it will take approximately 4 hours and 19 minutes to reach Cologne from Manchester by plane. 💸 The prices for a flight between Cologne and Manchester can range from £26 to £164, offering travelers a range of options to suit their budget and preferences.
Departure Point
Manchester Airport
Arrival Point
Dusseldorf Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Consider booking your flight with Eurowings, as they often have the best prices and direct routes from Manchester to Düsseldorf, making the journey smoother.
• Upon arrival at Düsseldorf Airport, take the S-Bahn S11 train to Cologne; it takes about 40 minutes and costs around €10, which is more economical than taxis.
• Expect to pay approximately €50-€70 for a taxi from Düsseldorf Airport to the Cologne city center, but it may take longer during peak traffic times; using local taxi services like Taxi Düsseldorf can provide more accurate pricing.
🚌 Embark on a scenic journey from Manchester to Cologne by bus, spanning approximately 18 hours and 33 minutes. 💰 Prices for a bus ticket between Cologne and Manchester range from £62 to £109, offering budget-friendly options for travellers seeking an affordable mode of transportation.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Manchester to Cologne.

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The distance between Manchester and Cologne is approximately 690.4 km. The typical travel times by various modes of transportation are as follows: by train, it takes around 7 hours and 50 minutes. By flying from Manchester to Dusseldorf and then taking a train, it takes about 4 hours and 40 minutes. By direct flight, it takes approximately 4 hours and 11 minutes. Lastly, traveling by bus takes around 18 hours.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Manchester to Cologne is by bus, which costs between £59-£111 and takes approximately 18 hours. Although this option is the cheapest, it is not the most time-efficient. The fastest way to travel between the two cities is by flying, which takes around 4 hours and 11 minutes and costs between £32-£238.
When traveling from Manchester to Cologne the prices can vary depending on the mode of transportation. For the train, prices range from £178 to £538. Alternatively, taking a bus from Cologne to Manchester can cost between £63 to £108.
The most convenient way to travel from Manchester to Cologne without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 7 hours and 50 minutes and the tickets range from £174 to £555. Another option is to fly, which takes around 4 hours and 11 minutes and costs between £32 and £238. If time is not a constraint, you can also choose to take the bus, which takes 18 hours and costs between £59 and £111.
No, there is no direct train link between Manchester and Cologne. However, there are indirect train services available. These services depart from Manchester Piccadilly and transfer at London St Pancras Intl and Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi before reaching Koeln Hbf in approximately 7 hours and 50 minutes.
The flight between Manchester and Cologne typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary between £35 and £238 depending on factors such as the airline, the time of booking, and the availability of deals or discounts.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Cologne with over 1145 hotels to choose from. Prices start at £36, offering options for various budgets.

Trips from Manchester