Cologne Train Station: A Sprawling Transport Hub

Cologne Central Station is a sprawling railway station in the heart of Cologne, Germany. It is located next to the city's historic Cologne Cathedral and is just a few minutes' walk from the banks of the River Rhine. The station is served by international Eurostar, ICE and ÖBB Nightjet trains and provides easy links to major German cities and other European destinations. With various facilities, shops, restaurants, and nearby attractions, Cologne Central Station is a bustling gateway to the vibrant city of Cologne.

Cologne Central Station's location and transport links

Cologne Central Station, also known as Cologne Hauptbahnhof (Köln Hbf), is located in the heart of Cologne, Germany, on the left bank of the River Rhine. The station is just a few minutes' walk from the river and sits next to the city's historic cathedral.

Cologne Central Station is well-connected to local and long-distance transport. It is served by local and long-distance Deutsche Bahn trains, as well as tram rail lines 5, 16, and 18. The station is also accessible by bus, with the nearest stop at Breslauer Platz.

For those travelling by air, the station is around 15 minutes away from Cologne Bonn Airport by train, with the S19 train running every 20 minutes.

The station is also easily accessible on foot, being centrally located next to the cathedral and central shops. It is just a 10-minute walk to the banks of the Rhine.

The station's history and architecture

Cologne Central Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof) is the central railway station of Cologne, Germany. It is an important transport hub for local, national, and international travel. The station is located in the heart of Cologne, next to the city's historic Cologne Cathedral, and is just a few minutes' walk from the banks of the River Rhine.

The history of the station began in 1850, when there were five stations in Cologne built by different railway companies. However, in 1854, a controversial decision was made to locate a new rail and road bridge next to the cathedral. This led to the construction of the original Central Station, which opened in 1859. The station included four terminating tracks for the Rhenish Railway Company (RhE) and two through tracks for the Cologne-Minden Railway Company (CME).

Due to increasing capacity, serious planning for an enlarged station took place after the nationalisation of the railways in Prussia in the 1880s. Two options were considered: building a new major station in an open area or replacing the existing station with a new building. The second option was chosen, and construction began in 1889. The tracks were raised, a new entrance building was designed by Georg Frentzen, and the foundation stone was laid in 1892.

In 1894, a large tripartite platform hall was completed, with a roof span of 64 metres covering today's platforms 2 to 7. The station included four terminating platforms facing east and four facing west, with one through platform on each side. During the restructuring of the rail tracks around 1905-1911, the waiting room building was removed, and all platforms were rebuilt as through platforms.

After World War II, there was debate about whether to rebuild the main station on a new site. The reconstruction process was slow, and temporary structures were used for a decade. The first new construction occurred in 1953, with the demolition of the western side building, which was replaced by a modern building with baggage handling facilities and a hotel. The old station building was demolished in 1955, and on September 23, 1957, the new station hall, designed by architects Schmitt and Schneider, was opened.

In 2000, a shopping centre was opened at the entry level, including 70 shops and restaurants. In 2010, it was decided that the station should be extended by 2019 with an additional S-Bahn platform and tracks, at an estimated cost of €60 million.

Today, Cologne Central Station continues to be a bustling transport hub, with frequent connections to Frankfurt and other European cities. The station features 11 main line passenger track platforms, two of which are used for S-Bahn services. It offers various amenities, including lockers, showers, toilets, an EC cashpoint, and bicycle rental. The station is also known for its proximity to the Cologne Cathedral and the shopping area along Hohe Straße.

Facilities and services available at the station

Cologne Central Station, or Köln Hauptbahnhof, is a major local, national and international transport hub. The station is located in the heart of the city, next to the famous Cologne Cathedral, and is the fifth busiest station in Germany, with around 280,000 travellers passing through each day.

Facilities and Services

The station has a range of facilities and services available to passengers, including:

• Lockers, showers, and toilets
• An EC cashpoint and currency exchange
• Bicycle rental
• A Deutsche Bahn information centre open 24/7
• A "DB Information" desk located by the main entrance/exit
• Waiting rooms and a DB Lounge
• Lifts to all platforms
• Wheelchair lifts on all platforms
• A guidance system for the visually impaired
• 24/7 mobility services for passengers with reduced mobility
• A lost property office
• Mobile service staff who provide travellers with advice and assistance
• A range of shops and restaurants, including fast-food outlets and pubs
• A nearby Ibis Hotel
• Connections to the metro/tram lines
• Car and bicycle parking facilities

Food and drink options at the station

Cologne Central Station has a variety of food and drink options to suit different preferences and needs. Here is a detailed list of some places to eat and drink within the station and in the surrounding area:

Inside the Station:

• KFC
• McDonald's
• Subway
• Kamps

Outside the Station:

• Brauhaus Sion: A 5-minute walk from the station. It offers hearty German meals and local beer in a traditional German beer hall setting.
• Malzmuehle restaurant: Located 13 minutes away by foot and highly recommended for its great reviews.
• Restaurants by the Rhine: A 5-minute walk down to the river, where there is a row of beer houses with outdoor seating. Options include the Delfterhaus, which has received positive feedback.
• Ristorante Da Damiano: An Italian, Mediterranean, and European cuisine option located a 1-minute walk from the station.
• Starbucks: A well-known coffee chain located a 1-minute walk from the station.
• Funkhaus Cafe Bar Restaurant: A German bar and cafe located a 2-minute walk from the station.
• Restaurant Gaststatte Lederer: A German, bar, and European cuisine option situated a 2-minute walk from the station.

Accommodation near the station

Cologne Central Station is conveniently located in the heart of the city, right next to the Cologne Cathedral and the banks of the River Rhine. There are several accommodation options available near the station, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury hotels. Here are some recommendations:

• Ibis Hotel Köln Am Dom: This hotel is located next to the Cologne Cathedral and Central Train Station. It offers free internet terminals, a 24-hour bar, and direct S-Bahn train service to Cologne/Bonn Airport.
• Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom: This 5-star luxury hotel is situated across from the Cologne Cathedral and is a 2-minute walk from the Main Station. It features award-winning cuisine and elegant rooms with a complimentary minibar.
• Hotel Ludwig Superior: Located just a 5-minute walk from the Cologne Cathedral, this quiet hotel offers a central location, excellent transport connections, and classically furnished rooms.
• Hotel Sandmanns am Dom: Set within a few minutes' walk of the Cologne Cathedral and Ludwig Museum, this hotel provides free WiFi and is also close to the Romano-Germanic Museum.
• Hilton Cologne: Situated 200 metres from the iconic cathedral, main train station, old town, and famous shopping streets, the Hilton Cologne offers a convenient and comfortable stay.
• Maritim Hotel Köln: This hotel offers a spa and wellness centre and is centrally located in Cologne. It is just a 5-minute walk from the Cologne Cathedral and provides easy access to local transportation.
• Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne MGallery: Located in the heart of the old town, this 4-star superior hotel offers stylish rooms, parking, and spa facilities. It is within walking distance of the Cologne Cathedral, the Rhine, and Exhibition Centre.
• B-Chill Cologne: A 4-star accommodation option located in the Altstadt-Süd district, just a 5-minute walk from the Wallraf-Richartz Museum.
• Legend Hotel: Featuring a terrace, a restaurant, and a bar, Legend Hotel is situated in the centre of Cologne, a short walk from Museum Ludwig.

Frequently asked questions