How to travel from Cologne to Bielefeld, Germany

The distance between Cologne and Bielefeld is around 191km (118 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 1h 45m.

3 routes found

We've found 3 different ways to get from Cologne to Bielefeld by train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out BielefeldCologne if you're planning a return trip.

💰 Cheapest
1
train
+

Train

Take the train to Bielefeld Hbf.

  • Duration2hrs
  • Departsevery 30 mins
  • Typical cost
    €55($55)
Operated byDeutsche Bahn+ 2 others
2
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Bielefeld Joseph-Massolle-Strasse.

  • Duration4hrs
  • Departs6 times a week
  • Typical cost
    €70($70)
Operated by

East West Eurolines

🚀 Fastest
3
car
+

Drive

Drive to Bielefeld.

  • Duration1h 45m
  • Distance191km (118 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Cologne and Bielefeld

There are several options for getting from Cologne to Bielefeld by train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around €55 ($55) and will take around 2hrs. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 1h 45m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately €25 ($25).

The distance between Cologne and Bielefeld is around 191km (118 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 162km (101 miles)

It takes around 2hrs to get from Cologne and Bielefeld by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 1h 45m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Cologne to Bielefeld is to drive which takes around 1h 45m and will set you back approx €25 ($25).

The cheapest way to travel between Cologne and Bielefeld, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around €55 ($55) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Cologne and Bielefeld. It typically takes around 2hrs and departs every 30 mins.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Cologne and Bielefeld with no changeovers required. The train runs every 30 mins and takes 2hrs.

Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity, National Express and FlixTrain run train services between Cologne and Bielefeld. Trains depart every 30 mins and will take around 2hrs, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Cologne and Bielefeld. It typically takes around 4hrs and departs 6 times a week.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Cologne and Bielefeld with no changeovers required. The bus runs 6 times a week and takes 4hrs.

East West Eurolines run regular bus services between Cologne and Bielefeld. Buses run 6 times a week and take around 4hrs on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Cologne to Bielefeld. We recommend that you take the train to Bielefeld Hbf. instead which will take 2hrs.

The closest major airport to Bielefeld is Paderborn Lippstadt Airport (PAD) (PAD) which is approximately 46km (28 miles) from Bielefeld. Münster Osnabrück International Airport (FMO) (FMO) and Dortmund Airport (DTM) (DTM) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Cologne and Bielefeld. The distance is around 191km (118 miles) by road and it will take around 1h 45m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Cologne to Bielefeld is to take the train which takes, on average, 2hrs and will usually cost around €55 ($55).

How do I get from Cologne to Bielefeld

Compare travel optionsbetween Cologne and Bielefeld

Transport options from Cologne to Bielefeld
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train
2hrs
€55($55)
every 30 mins192km (120 miles)
Bus
4hrs
€70($70)
6 times a week258km (161 miles)
Drive
1h 45m
€25($25)
on demand191km (118 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Cologne and Bielefeld

Bus companies

Airports near Bielefeld

The following major airports near Bielefeld offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Germany and internationally.

PAD
Paderborn Lippstadt Airport (PAD)
International Airport
Distance
46km (28 miles) from Bielefeld
FMO
Münster Osnabrück International Airport (FMO)
International Airport
Distance
58km (36 miles) from Bielefeld
DTM
Dortmund Airport (DTM)
International Airport
Distance
84km (52 miles) from Bielefeld