Ferrying From Koblenz To Cologne: Exploring Rhine River Travel

The Rhine River is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, with many ferry and cruise options available. However, when it comes to travelling from Koblenz to Cologne, or vice versa, it seems that there are limited options. While there are ferries and cruises that operate between the two cities, these are often part of longer routes or round trips, and may not be the most efficient way to travel. Some sources suggest that the train is a more convenient option for this particular journey.

KD Ferries: The timetable for ferries from Cologne to Koblenz

The KD ferry from Cologne to Koblenz is a great way to explore the Middle Rhine and take in the sights. Here is the timetable and some relevant information for your journey:

Cologne to Koblenz Ferry Timetable

According to sources, there is only one departure from Cologne to Koblenz per day at 09:30. However, another source mentions that the ferry arrives in Koblenz at 13:10 and departs towards Bonn at 14:10, but this may be specific to a certain time of year or season. It is always best to check the official KD website for the most up-to-date and accurate timetable information.

Journey Highlights

The journey from Cologne to Koblenz offers a mix of scenery and cultural experiences. Here are some highlights along the way:

• Koblenz: Koblenz is the only city that lies on both the Rhine and Moselle rivers. It is known for its picturesque setting and is a gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Upper Middle Rhine Valley. The city boasts attractions such as the German Corner with its emperor monument, the Elector's Palace, the mile-long river promenade, Stolzenfels Castle, and the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.
• The Middle Rhine: This stretch of the river is renowned for its medieval castles, including Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, Stolzenfels Castle, and Marksburg Castle in Braubach. The Loreley rock and the "Mice Tower" are also notable sights along this section of the Rhine.
• Towns and Villages: The ferry passes by or stops at various towns and villages, including Linz, Boppard, and Rüdesheim. These towns offer charming sights and experiences, such as picturesque parks and historic architecture.
• Scenery: The scenery along the Rhine varies, with some describing the stretch between Bingen and Koblenz as the most beautiful part of the Rhine Valley, characterised by mountains close to the river. However, others suggest that the stretch between Koblenz and Cologne may not offer the most spectacular scenery.

Practical Information

• Ticket Purchase: It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, either online or at the KD ticket office in Koblenz. Passengers who have not purchased tickets at the KD ticket office are requested to report to the ticket office before boarding.
• Payment Options: KD accepts various payment methods, including cash, Maestro, and credit cards (Eurocard, Mastercard).
• Accessibility: The KD landing stage in Koblenz is accessible to passengers with restricted mobility.
• Arrival Time: Passengers are requested to arrive at the landing stage 15 minutes before the scheduled sailing time.
• Transport Options: To get to the KD landing stage in Koblenz by public transport, you can take bus number 1 from Koblenz Main Station or walk from Koblenz Stadtmitte (city centre) Station to the Löhr Centre bus station and then take bus number 1. Alternatively, it is approximately a 20-minute walk from Koblenz Stadtmitte Station.

Please note that the timetable and information provided may be subject to change, so it is always advisable to check the official KD website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date information.

Rhine Gorge: The stretch of the Rhine between Koblenz and Bingen, which is considered the most scenic part of the river

The Rhine Gorge, or the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, is a 65km stretch of the Rhine River between Koblenz and Bingen in Germany. This section of the river is considered the most scenic part of the Rhine and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Rhine Gorge was formed by erosion and uplift, leaving the river at its original level while raising the surrounding land. The result is a deep gorge, with the river flowing about 130 metres below the top of the rocks. The gorge is characterised by steep rocky slopes that rise up to 200 metres high, with the most famous feature being the Loreley rock.

The region's rocks date back to the Devonian period and are known as Rhenish Facies, a type of fossil-bearing sedimentary rock consisting mainly of slate. The terraces of the Rhine Gorge have been adapted for agriculture, particularly viticulture, with vineyards taking advantage of the south-facing slopes.

The Rhine Gorge has been an important trade route into central Europe since prehistoric times and is also known for its role in cultural exchange between the Mediterranean region and northern Europe. As a result, a string of small settlements has grown along the banks of the river, with many old towns retaining their historic feel. The valley became a core region of the Holy Roman Empire, and about 40 hilltop castles were built, many of which are now in ruins.

Today, the Rhine Gorge continues to be a major tourist attraction. It offers stunning natural scenery, a rich history, and cultural experiences such as wine-tasting in the local vineyards. The area is easily accessible by boat, train, car, and even hot-air balloon. Visitors can explore medieval castles, wander through historic towns, and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

The Rhine Gorge is also known for its microclimate and unique biodiversity. The steep slopes and narrow valley have created a corridor for species not typically found in the region, further adding to the ecological significance of this stretch of the Rhine River.

Cruise options: The possibility of taking a cruise from Koblenz to Cologne and the best options for doing so

It is possible to take a cruise from Koblenz to Cologne, although cruises in this direction are rare. The Rhine River flows from Koblenz to Cologne, so travelling upstream from Koblenz to Cologne by boat is slower than travelling downstream. The river is strong and fast-flowing, and cruises travelling upstream from Koblenz to Cologne can take up to 8.5 hours, whereas the downstream journey takes just over 4 hours.

The most popular route for cruises is the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage-listed Middle Rhine between Koblenz and Rüdesheim, which takes just over 6 hours upstream and under 4 hours downstream. This route passes the Loreley Rock and numerous castles. The stretch of the Rhine between Koblenz and Boppard is dotted with castles and ruins, including Lahneck Castle, the Marksburg, and Stolzenfels Castle. However, the Rhine valley here is fairly wide and does not offer the same romantic nature as the stretch between Boppard and Bingen.

Most guidebooks recommend a day-long Rhine River cruise from Cologne to Mainz, but suggest starting your tour in Boppard, as the 90 km between Cologne and Koblenz are not particularly interesting to see by boat. It is quicker and better to take a train or a car for this part of the journey. The Rhine River between Cologne and Koblenz is not as hilly as the Middle Rhine area between Koblenz and Bingen, and there are no castles or fortresses to see from the boat, apart from a short stretch from the Siebengebirge near Remagen and the Drachenfels ruin.

If you are set on cruising from Koblenz to Cologne, you could consider breaking up the journey with stops along the way. For example, you could take a train from Cologne to Remagen, and then cruise from Remagen to Koblenz. Remagen is home to the only bridge left for the Allies to cross the Rhine during World War II, which featured in the film 'The Bridge at Remagen'.

Transport alternatives: Other transport options for travelling between Cologne and Koblenz, such as trains and cars

There are multiple transport options to travel between Cologne and Koblenz. The fastest way to travel between the two cities is via train, with the journey taking approximately 52-53 minutes. The train route is operated by Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express, with services departing every 30 minutes. Tickets for this route cost between $3 and $35.

Another option is to drive between the two cities. The driving distance is approximately 64-67 miles, and the journey takes around 1 hour.

There is also a rideshare option available, which is the cheapest of the three options. The rideshare option takes approximately 1 hour and 26 minutes to 1 hour and 29 minutes and costs between $5 and $12.

Ferry services: The availability of ferry services between Cologne and other nearby cities, such as Düsseldorf and Bonn

Ferry services between Cologne and nearby cities

Ferry services are a great way to travel between Cologne and nearby cities such as Düsseldorf and Bonn. The availability of ferry services between these cities offers a convenient and scenic travel option for passengers.

Cologne to Düsseldorf

The distance between Cologne and Düsseldorf is approximately 10 miles (16 kilometres). While the ferry trip may not be the shortest route between these two cities, it offers a unique and memorable travel experience. The ferry ride takes around 2 hours and 5 minutes, depending on weather conditions and the type of vessel. The cost of a ferry ticket for this route starts at USD 26.02.

Cologne to Bonn

The ferry route between Cologne and Bonn covers the same distance of 10 miles (16 kilometres). This journey offers passengers the opportunity to take in the beautiful scenery along the way. The travel time for this route is also weather-dependent and can vary, but it usually takes around 2 hours and 5 minutes. The price of a ferry ticket from Cologne to Bonn starts from USD 26.02, making it a premium transportation option.

Cologne to Koblenz

While there may not be direct ferry services between Cologne and Koblenz, it is possible to travel between these cities using a combination of ferries and other transportation methods. One option is to take a ferry from Cologne to Bonn and then continue onwards to Koblenz by train or another mode of transport. This allows travellers to experience the scenic route along the Rhine River and explore the charming towns along the way.

In summary, ferry services between Cologne and nearby cities like Düsseldorf and Bonn provide a delightful alternative to other forms of transportation. These ferry routes offer passengers the chance to enjoy the scenery, experience the river in a relaxed manner, and even make stops at picturesque towns and villages along the way.

Frequently asked questions