Parking In Cologne: Navigating The City's Street Parking Rules

On-street parking in Cologne, Germany, is unlimited but expensive. However, free or cheap parking is available at P+R locations on the outskirts of the city, with public transport connections to the city centre. In the city centre, parking garages are cheaper than on-street parking, with rates from €1.50-2.50/hour and a daily maximum of €10.00-25.00. There are also special rates for parking in the evenings, overnight, and on weekends.

Cologne's on-street parking is unlimited but expensive

Cologne is one of the largest cities in Germany, and parking in the city centre can be challenging. On-street parking in Cologne is unlimited but expensive. The rate for on-street parking is €4.00 per hour in Innenstadt/Deutz, and €2.00 per hour in the rest of central Cologne (Ehrenfeld, Lindenthal, Mülheim, Nippes, Porz).

There are cheaper options available in car parks in the city centre, with rates from €1.50-2.50 per hour and a daily maximum of €10.00-25.00. For example, the parking garage at the Cologne Cathedral charges €2.00 per hour, with a daily maximum of €25.00.

If you're looking for free or very cheap parking, consider the P+R's on the outskirts of the city, with rates from €1.00-2.50 per day, or free parking if you use public transport. These Park and Ride options are a good choice if you don't mind taking public transportation into the city centre. One user on Reddit recommended the P&R at Müngersdorfer Stadium, which is easy to reach from the Autobahn and offers rates for hours, days, and weeks.

There are also a few hidden gems for parking in Cologne that won't break the bank. For example, you can park for €4.00 per day on the street called "Venloer Wall", which is about a 10-minute walk from Friesenplatz. Another option is the "Parkplatz unter der Severinsbrücke", which is €5.00 per day and a 20-minute walk to the Dom.

Additionally, there are parking apps available, such as Parknav and Ampido, that can help you find and navigate to available parking spots in real time. These apps can be especially useful if you're looking for curbside or on-street parking.

Car parks in the city centre are cheaper

If you're looking to park your car in Cologne, Germany, you might want to opt for a car park instead of street parking. While on-street parking in Cologne is unlimited, it can be rather expensive. The closer you get to the city centre, the more expensive street parking becomes.

Low Emission Zone

Cologne has a Low Emission Zone (Umweltzone) in the city centre, which only vehicles with a Umweltzone sticker can enter. If your car doesn't have the correct sticker, you'll need to park outside this area.

Car Park Costs

Public car parks in the city centre offer rates from €1.50-2.50 per hour, with a daily maximum of €10.00-25.00. Some car parks offer special rates for parking in the evenings, overnight, and on weekends.

Park and Ride

If you're looking for a cheaper option, Park and Ride (P+R) car parks on the outskirts of the city offer free or cheap parking with easy access to public transport. These P+R car parks typically charge €1.00-2.50 per day, or you may even get free parking if you use public transport.

Finding a Space

Finding a parking space in Cologne can be challenging, especially near the cathedral, old town, and other popular sights. To increase your chances of finding a space, consider using a parking app like Parknav or Ampido, which can direct you to available spaces.

Recommended Car Parks

• Parkhaus Kölner Dom: Located directly beneath the Cologne Cathedral, this car park is perfect for those wanting to explore the cathedral and surrounding area.
• Parkhaus Heumarkt: This modern car park is situated near the Heumarkt square in the Old Town, ideal for visitors wanting to explore the historic centre.
• Parkhaus Gürzenich: Located near the Gürzenich event hall, this car park is a good choice for those attending events or concerts in the area.
• Parkhaus Rheinauhafen: This car park is in the trendy Rheinauhafen district, offering easy access to explore this waterfront area.
• Parkhaus Mediapark: Close to the Mediapark, Museum Ludwig, and Kölner Philharmonie, this car park is a great option for those interested in the modern attractions of the city.

So, if you're planning a trip to Cologne and need to bring your car, consider opting for a car park over street parking to save some money and hassle.

Free or cheap parking is available on P+R's on the outskirts

If you're looking for free or cheap parking in Cologne, the best option is to use a Park and Ride (P+R) service on the outskirts of the city. These services allow you to park for free outside the city and then take public transport into the city centre. This is the easiest and most hassle-free option, especially when compared to the stress of finding street parking in the city centre.

Parking on the streets of Cologne is unlimited but can be rather expensive. The closer you get to the centre, the more expensive parking becomes. There are some free parking spots next to the streets, but these are few and far between, and you may have to wait a while to find one. There is also a risk of getting a fine or having your car towed if you park in the wrong place or stay longer than permitted.

P+R services, on the other hand, offer free or very cheap parking. For example, there is a P+R in Bocklemünd, which is next to the tram and free for at least 24 hours. There is also a P+R at Müngersdorfer Stadium, which is easy to reach from the Autobahn and has reasonable rates for hours, days, and weeks.

So, if you're looking for a hassle-free and affordable parking option in Cologne, your best bet is to use one of the P+R services on the outskirts of the city.

The Parknav app helps find on-street parking in Cologne

Parking in Cologne can be a challenge, especially in the city centre and during major trade fairs. The search for free parking spaces near the cathedral, old town and other sights can be difficult. On-street parking in the Innenstadt/Deutz area is unlimited but expensive at €4 per hour. Cheaper options are available in car parks in the city centre, with rates from €1.50-2.50 per hour and a daily maximum of €10-25.

For those looking to park for free or cheaply for a few days, there are some options outside the central parts of the city. One suggestion is to park for free almost anywhere outside the inner city, or in a Park and Ride (P+R) car park on the outskirts of the city. These are free or cheap (from €1-2.50 per day) and connected to public transport. There is a P+R in Bocklemünd, for example, which is free for at least 24 hours and easily accessible by tram.

Another option is to look for loading zones that are time-bound (Ladezone werktags 8-18 Uhr). These are free outside of those days/hours but are popular and may be hard to find.

For those looking for a quicker, more convenient solution to finding on-street parking in Cologne, the Parknav app can help. The app provides real-time parking availability and turn-by-turn parking navigation. It covers free, metered and permit parking and has been praised by users for its accuracy and ease of use.

The app is available to download now on the App Store.

The Q-Park app offers parking deals in Cologne

Q-Park offers a range of parking deals in Cologne, Germany, a city where parking can be challenging. The Q-Park app allows users to find parking spaces without complications and head straight for the right parking facility with free spaces.

The Q-Park app offers a "Book and Reserve" service, allowing customers to reserve their parking space in advance and then drive in and out without contact. This is particularly useful for those seeking a permanent parking space in the heart of Cologne as a long-term parker.

One of the parking facilities offered by Q-Park in Cologne is the I/D Cologne car park in Cologne-Mülheim. This multi-storey car park is part of the largest commercial district development in the city, with 11 buildings and 160,000 m² GFA. The car park has a total of 896 parking spaces spread over 6 levels and is within walking distance of the Palladium and E-Werk event locations. It also has delivery lockers, bicycle racks, charging stations, and security cameras.

Another parking facility offered by Q-Park in Cologne is the Q-Park Quincy/Breite Straße (formerly Du Mont Carré). This underground car park has 648 parking spaces, including 24 disabled parking spaces, in a central location close to public transport and sights. It offers clean and safe parking facilities, with the option to book and reserve your parking space online in advance and drive in and out with number plate recognition. The monthly deal at this location allows users to park for 31 days for €303 with multiple entry and exit options.

In addition to these deals, Q-Park also offers hotel, rail, event, night, shopping, and weekend tariffs at various locations in Cologne, including Barthonia Forum and Börsenplatz. These deals offer guaranteed parking spaces, multiple entry and exit options, and proximity to important sights and shopping facilities in the city centre.

Frequently asked questions