Exploring Germany: Bremen To Cologne Itinerary

If you're looking to travel from Bremen to Cologne, there are a few ways to get there. The distance between the two cities is around 166 miles or 268 kilometres, and the best price for a flight is £250. However, there are no direct flights between the two cities. If you're looking to go by car, the driving distance is around 197 miles or 317 kilometres, and the travel time is approximately 3 hours and 9 minutes.

There are also several options for public transportation between Bremen and Cologne. You can take a train, tram, subway, bus, or suburban railway. When arriving by plane, you can take the S-Bahn (suburban railway) to the city centre, and from there, you can change to the city tram and subway lines. Cologne also offers bicycle sharing systems, car sharing services, and walking tours for those who want to explore the city up close.

Getting from Bremen to Cologne by train

There are a number of options for travelling from Bremen to Cologne by train. The fastest route is a direct train from Bremen Hbf to Köln Hbf, which takes around 3 hours. This route is operated by Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express and Flixtrain and tickets cost between $20 and $70. There is also a night train which takes around 4 hours.

Alternative Routes

If you don't mind changing, there are a few alternative routes you could take:

• Take the train from Bremen Hbf to Hamburg Hbf, fly from Hamburg to Cologne Bonn, and then take the train from Koln/Bonn Flughafen to Koln Hbf.
• Take the train from Bremen Hbf to Hamburg Hbf, fly from Hamburg to Dusseldorf, and then take the train from Dusseldorf Flughafen to Koln Hbf.
• Fly from Bremen to Frankfurt, and then take the train from Frankfurt to Koln Hbf.
• Take the train from Bremen Hauptbahnhof to Hamm, and then take the train from Hamm(Westf)Hbf to Koeln Messe/Deutz.

Ticket Prices

Ticket prices vary depending on the route and the operator. The cheapest tickets are around $14, but prices can go up to $70. It is recommended to book your tickets in advance to secure the best prices.

When to Travel

There are frequent services on this route, with around 30 trains per day. On weekdays, the first train from Bremen is at around 5:40 am and the last train is just before midnight. At the weekend, trains leave Bremen at around 5:07 am, with the final departure at 11:11 pm.

Getting from Bremen to Cologne by bus

There is no direct bus from Bremen to Cologne, but there are services that include transfers. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 6 hours and 48 minutes. The bus service is operated by FlixBus and departs from Bremen Fernbusterminal station, arriving at Leverkusen station. The average price of a bus ticket is $26, but prices can range from $17 to $118. The earliest bus departs at 3:40 a.m., and the latest bus departs at 11:35 p.m.

FlixBus buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi, bathrooms, and power outlets. You can also pay extra for seat selection and extra legroom, or buy snacks and drinks directly from the driver. Additionally, FlixBus is a sustainable travel option, as it has a proven excellent carbon footprint per passenger-kilometre.

Other options for travelling between Bremen and Cologne include train, night train, ridesharing, car, or plane. The best option without a car is the train, which takes 3 hours and 4 minutes and costs $25-$70. The cheapest option is ridesharing, which costs $14-$35 and takes 3 hours and 22 minutes.

Getting from Bremen to Cologne by car

Driving from Bremen to Cologne is the fastest way to travel between the two cities. The route is around 194 to 196 miles and takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Directions

To drive from Bremen to Cologne, get on the B6 in Bremen from Friedrich-Rauers-Str. and Am Wall. Follow the B6 to Hansestraße/B75 in Bremen. Take the B75 exit from B6. Continue on B75. Take Hansestraße, Langemarckstraße and Kulenkampffallee to Kulenkampffallee/B6/B75 in Bremen. Continue on B6. Follow B6 and A1 to L180 in Windeler. Take the L180 exit from A1. Continue on L180. Take L512 and B55 to B51 in Brüggenerhütte. Take the B51 exit from B55. Continue on B51. Take L361 to A57 in Neuss. Take the A57 exit from L361. Continue on A57. Take L1114 and Innere Kanalstraße to your destination in Cologne.

Costs

The road trip from Bremen to Cologne will cost you approximately $50 to $75 in fuel and tolls.

Alternatives

If you are not set on travelling by car, there are nine other ways to get from Bremen to Cologne: by train, bus, night train, rideshare or plane. The cheapest way to travel between the two cities is by rideshare, which costs $14 to $25. The train is the best non-car option, taking 3 hours and 4 minutes and costing $25 to $70.

Things to do in Cologne

Cologne, or Köln in German, is a city of contrasts. The city blends Medieval structures, post-war reconstructions, and modern architecture. Most of its sights are within walking distance of the Viking ship dock, including the:

• Cathedral of St. Peter – One of the tallest churches in the world, the cathedral's spires dominate Cologne's skyline. Its Gothic style features flying buttresses, ribbed ceilings, stained glass, and a forest of small spires on the exterior. Inside, you'll find detailed mosaic floors, ironwork, and the Shrine of the Three Kings, which holds a sarcophagus said to contain the bones of the Three Wise Men.
• Great St. Martin Church – One of 12 historic Romanesque churches in Cologne, St. Martin's has a tall central spire and smaller ones at each corner. Nearly destroyed during World War II, it reopened in the 1980s. Its simple interior, with remnants of paintings and mosaic floor tiles, stands in the old part of the city, surrounded by colourful houses and small streets.
• Hohenzollern Bridge – This bridge serves as a pedestrian and railway bridge, connecting the pathway on the right bank to the old town on the left. It's adorned with half a million love locks and offers scenic views of the river and cityscape, including the Cathedral and Great St. Martin Church.
• Museum Ludwig – This museum houses a vibrant collection of modern art, including masterpieces by Picasso, Warhol, Lichtenstein, and German Expressionists.
• NS Documentation Centre of the City of Cologne – This museum, near the train station, provides an insightful journey through Germany's past, with an audio tour for non-German speakers, focusing on the sobering realities of World War II.
• Historic Old Town – Featuring colourful buildings, cobbled lanes, and a preserved cathedral, the old town offers diverse dining and shopping amid a resilient post-war ambiance.
• Kölner Zoo – This zoo features a diverse selection of animals, including exotic species and elephants, with indoor exhibits and a play area for children.
• Wallraf-Richartz Museum – Showcasing artwork from the 13th to the 19th century, this impressive museum is just a few blocks from the Cologne Cathedral.
• Botanical Gardens Flora – These tranquil botanical gardens boast a diverse array of global flora, serene picnic spots, and a charming outdoor café.
• Duftmuseum im Farina-Haus – Learn about the history of perfume and the Farina company, creators of Eau de Cologne, at this educational and entertaining museum.
• Saint Gereon's Basilica – One of Cologne's 12 Romanesque churches, this 11th-century basilica features a unique, ten-sided domed structure and intricate floor mosaics.

Cologne also offers:

• Beer & Brewery Tours
• Observation Decks & Towers, such as the KölnTriangle
• Self-Guided Tours
• Walking Tours
• Chocolate Museum

Things to do in Bremen

Historical Landmarks

• Explore the Historische Altstadt (Historical Old Town), including the Marktplatz (Market Square), which features the Town Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the statue of Roland, embodying the spirit of the state.
• Visit the Town Musicians of Bremen (Bremer Stadtmusikanten), a quirky statue in front of the cathedral based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Touching the donkey's legs is said to grant a wish.
• Stroll through the Schnoor Viertel (Schnoor Quarter), Bremen's oldest neighbourhood, known for its well-preserved architecture, small houses, local shops, and hidden restaurants in narrow streets.
• Admire the Böttcherstraße, a street with unique architecture from the early 20th century, featuring the House of the Glockenspiel and its Nordic-themed bells.
• Discover the St. Peter's Cathedral (St. Petri Dom), a large, imposing cathedral in the Bremen Old Town. Explore the peaceful crypt and admire the view from the Sky Window in the tower.
• Wander along the Schlachte, a pleasant riverfront promenade with cafes, bars, restaurants, bridges, and docked boats.
• Check out the Bremen Cathedral and the statue of Roland, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, embodying the citizens' will for independence since 1404.

Museums and Attractions

• Delve into science at the Universum Bremen, with over 250 exhibits covering technology, humans, and nature. Don't miss the outdoor area with hands-on stations about water and wind.
• Step into Zaubertheater Bremen, an intimate theatre with just 36 seats, for a magical experience.
• Visit the Focke Museum to learn about Bremen's history and explore the city's past and present in the Überseestadt, where old harbour buildings stand.
• Enjoy a game at the Escape Room VR near Hamburg or try the Bremen Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game.
• Take a break at the Ratskeller, Germany's oldest wine cellar, located beneath Bremen's town hall, offering 650 varieties of fine wines since 1409.
• Explore the Paula Modersohn Becker Museum, the Bremer Geschichtenhaus, and the Schütting.
• For a unique experience, seek out the Spuckstein Gesche Gottfried, a spitting ode to a German serial killer.
• Discover the Bunker Valentin Memorial, a former submarine pen built by forced labourers, now a museum and war memorial.
• Admire the Der Lichtbringer (The Bearer of Light), a gilt bronze relief denounced by Hitler as "degenerate art".
• Relax in the Bürgerpark, a vast green space with a mini-golf course and cafes.

Frequently asked questions