Exploring Cologne's Public Transportation System

Cologne has a well-developed public transportation network, with over 850,000 people travelling daily on the Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe (KVB)'s buses and trains. The city is easily navigable by train, tram, subway, bus, and the suburban railway. The city's public transportation system is tuned to meet foreigners' demands, with English being standard across the network.

Cologne's public transport system explained

Cologne has an extensive and well-connected public transport system, making it easy to get around the city and its surrounding areas. The system is designed to meet the demands of foreigners and tourists, with English being widely used across the network.

Trains, Trams, Metros and Buses

Cologne's public transport network is made up of trains, trams, metros and buses. The city has a unique system where the tram and subway are considered the same, with trains going up and down underground and at street level. This means you can take an underground line at the central station and get off at a street-level stop.

The trains are known as the "U-Bahn" (underground) or "Hochbahn", and the "S-Bahn" (suburban railway), which runs from the outskirts to the city centre. The U-Bahn is relatively new, with the first line opening in 1968. Both the U-Bahn and S-Bahn lines are indicated by a letter and colour code—the U-Bahn with a "U" and the S-Bahn with an "S" and a two-tone colour code. Together, they are referred to as the "Stadtbahnlinien", or city train lines, and are numbered from 1 to 18.

The bus system consists of around 76 lines, numbered 120 to 196, with each district assigned a specific range of numbers. The ticket system for buses and trains is organised by distance, with zones defined by bright colour codes. There are two types of fares within the city of Cologne: red and orange. If you travel within one zone, it's called "a", and if you travel across multiple zones, it's "b".

Tickets and Fares

Cologne offers a range of ticket options to suit different needs. Single tickets are available for one journey with changes, but not for return or round trips. There are also 4-journey tickets, 24-hour tickets, weekly tickets, monthly tickets, and yearly subscriptions. The KölnCard is a popular option for tourists, offering free travel on all public transport and discounts of up to 50% on attractions, restaurants and cultural experiences.

Ticket prices depend on the number of zones travelled and the type of ticket purchased. A single ticket for one zone costs €2.90, while a day ticket costs €8.60. Weekly and monthly tickets offer unlimited travel within the chosen zones and can be purchased with or without a subscription.

Tickets can be purchased through various channels, including the KVB app, online ticket shops, customer centres, sales offices, and ticket machines at bus and train stops. Tickets bought at retail outlets must be validated on board, while tickets from machines are already validated.

Cycling and Other Options

Cologne also has an excellent cycling infrastructure, with well-developed cycle paths making it the fastest way to get around the city centre. The Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe (KVB) offers red and white bicycles for rent, and there are several bike-sharing options available, such as Nextbike.

For those who prefer walking, Cologne is a relatively compact city, making it possible to explore on foot. Car-sharing services, such as "Share Now", are also available for those who need a car for specific purposes, like transporting large items.

Tickets and fares

Cologne's public transportation system is called KVB, and it includes trains, trams, buses, and the suburban railway. The ticket system is organised by distance, with zones defined by bright colour codes. If you live within the city limits of Cologne, your basic tariff is the "1b". Anything you need to know can be found on the KVB website, which is in English.

Tickets can be purchased from ticket machines at bus and train stops, in KVB customer centres and sales offices, and in private sales offices (kiosks). Tickets can also be purchased via the KVB app or the online ticket shop. Ticket machines are available in trains and buses, but bus stations usually don't have them, so tickets must be bought from the bus driver.

Tickets for single journeys are called EinzelTicket, and they are valid for one journey with changes but not for return journeys or round trips. Tickets purchased at retail outlets must be validated on board the respective transport service, but tickets purchased from ticket machines are already validated. Tickets for four journeys are called 4erTicket, and they are also valid for one person or several people making one journey with changes.

There are also 24-hour tickets for one person or up to five people, valid for an unlimited number of journeys during the 24 hours after validation. The 10TageFlexTicket consists of 10 individual 24-hour tickets for one person and must be retrieved/used within 30 days. The WochenTicket is valid for seven consecutive days for one person, and the MonatsTicket is valid for one person for one month.

The KölnCard is a 24- or 48-hour ticket for one or up to five people, offering unlimited travel on all public transport and discounts of up to 50% with partners from the arts, culture, and gastronomy sectors.

The MobilpassTickets are for people who qualify for a MobilPass from their JobCentre or welfare office, enabling them to buy 4 Journey Tickets and Month Tickets at reduced prices.

The Formel9Ticket is a monthly ticket that can be used by several people (not at the same time) after 9:00 am.

Fares

Fares are determined by the number of zones travelled. A single ticket for Cologne costs 2.90 EUR, and a day ticket costs 8.60 EUR (as of February 2018). There is also a short-distance ticket for up to four stops after boarding, excluding S-Bahn, regional, and regional express lines. A short-haul ticket costs 1.90 EUR. Both tickets can be purchased as a four-journey package with a discount.

The KölnCard

Cologne has a well-developed public transportation system, including trains, trams, buses, and the suburban railway. The KölnCard is a great option for those looking to explore the city. Here is everything you need to know about it:

• 24-hour card for 1 person: €9.00
• 48-hour card for 1 person: €18.00
• 24-hour card for up to 5 people: €19.00
• 48-hour card for up to 5 people: €38.00

The main benefit of the KölnCard is the unlimited access to public transportation, allowing you to move freely around the city without the hassle of buying individual tickets. Additionally, the card offers significant discounts at many popular attractions, such as museums, galleries, and other cultural sites. The card also provides discounts at select restaurants, cafes, and shops, making your visit to Cologne more affordable and enjoyable.

Once you have purchased the KölnCard, it is ready to use. Simply present the card when requested by a transport official or when purchasing tickets for attractions. The card is valid for the chosen time period (24 or 48 hours) from the moment of activation, so be sure to plan your itinerary accordingly to make the most of the card's benefits.

Cycling in Cologne

There are several options for bicycle hire in Cologne. If you plan to use a rental bike for the whole day, "Radstation" is a good place to check out. Located right next to the central station, they offer city, trekking, and even tandem bikes. Prices start from five Euros for three hours.

Another option is the KVB-bicycle sharing system, operated by Nextbike. After free online registration, you will get a code to open the bicycle lock. This system is available in more than 100 cities worldwide, so if your next stop is Berlin, New York, or Auckland, you can use the same system there. The fee in Cologne is 1 Euro for 30 minutes, and you can rent up to four bicycles with one account.

There are many cycling routes to choose from in Cologne, ranging from easy to intermediate and suitable for all skill levels. Some popular routes include:

• Crane houses on the Rhine loop from Köln-Weiden West
• Historic harbor cranes on the banks of the Rhine loop from Köln Geldernstraße/Parkgürtel
• View of Cologne loop from Köln-Holweide
• Family cycle tour Cologne Green Belt and Gertrudenhof - Cycling through the Rhineland
• The Schäl Sick – cycling through the Rhineland

So, whether you're a casual rider or an experienced cyclist, you can find the perfect route to explore Cologne by bike.

The KVB app

Features of the KVB App:

• Journey Planning: The app allows users to plan their journeys by providing up-to-date information on departure and arrival times, delays, and disruptions. It also offers a journey planner feature, which suggests the best route for your trip.
• Ticket Purchase: Through the app, users can purchase tickets for single journeys, day tickets, weekly tickets, monthly tickets, and other types of tickets. The app offers a 3% discount on tickets purchased through the app.
• Real-time Updates: The KVB app provides live updates on the location of your train, tram, or bus, so you can track your transport in real-time and know exactly when it will arrive at your stop.
• Service Alerts and Disruptions: The app notifies users of any service alerts, delays, or disruptions to their journey, helping them stay informed and adjust their travel plans accordingly.
• Multi-Lingual Support: The KVB app is available in multiple languages, including English, making it accessible to both locals and foreigners.
• Contact Information: The app provides contact information for the KVB customer support team, so users can easily reach out for assistance or report issues.

How to Download the KVB App:

How to Use the KVB App:

Once you've downloaded the app, open it and create an account by registering with your phone number or email address. The app will then prompt you to add a payment method, such as a credit or debit card, for ticket purchases. You can then start planning your journeys and buying tickets directly through the app.

Tips for Using the KVB App:

• Take advantage of the journey planner feature to optimize your routes and save time.
• Purchase tickets in advance to avoid the hassle of buying them at the station or from the driver.
• Enable push notifications to stay informed about any service alerts or disruptions.
• Explore the app's settings to customize your preferences and make the app work best for you.

With the KVB app, navigating Cologne's public transportation system is convenient and efficient. The app provides users with all the information they need to get around the city with ease, making it a valuable tool for both locals and visitors alike.

Frequently asked questions