Exploring Cologne: Airport To City Centre Distance

Cologne Bonn Airport is located 14-15km from the city centre of Cologne, Germany. The airport is open 24 hours a day and has excellent public transport links to the city centre. Transport options include train, bus, taxi, private transfer, or rented car. The fastest way to reach the city centre is by train, which takes around 11-15 minutes.

Cologne-Bonn Airport to Cologne City Centre by train

Cologne-Bonn Airport is located 14.5 km or 8 miles from the city of Cologne. The fastest way to reach the city centre is by train, which takes around 9-15 minutes.

Train Options

There are several train options to get from Cologne-Bonn Airport to the city centre. The airport has its own ICE railway station, which is located near both terminals. It is served by various S-Bahn, regional and Intercity trains.

S-Bahn

The S-Bahn train is a great budget option, providing direct transportation to the city centre in just 14 minutes. It runs frequently, with trains departing every 10 minutes from Monday to Friday and every 30 minutes on weekends. A one-way ticket costs €3.50 and can be purchased online or at the airport train station's vending machines.

Regional Express (RE) Trains

Regional Express trains are faster than the S-Bahn, taking only 11 minutes to reach the city centre. However, they only depart twice an hour. The ticket price is the same as the S-Bahn at €3.50, and tickets can be purchased at the airport train station.

Intercity Express (ICE) Trains

ICE trains are another option, taking 10 minutes to reach the city centre. However, they are more expensive, with tickets costing around €8.

KölnCard

If you plan to use public transportation during your stay in Cologne, consider purchasing the KölnCard. This tourist card includes 24 or 48 hours of free access to public transport, as well as discounts of up to 50% on attractions, restaurants, and tours.

Finding the Train Station

To find the train station, exit the Arrival Halls and follow the signs. The train station is located between Terminals 1 and 2.

Cologne-Bonn Airport to Cologne City Centre by taxi

Cologne-Bonn Airport (CGN) is located 15 km away from the city of Cologne. The airport is well-connected to the city centre by various modes of transportation, including taxis.

Finding a Taxi

Taxis are readily available at the airport, and you can find the taxi lane on the arrivals level directly in front of the building. The official airport taxis are run by Taxi Ruf Köln and are available 24/7 at the exits of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Fare and Payment

The taxi fare from the airport to the city centre of Cologne is typically around €25-27, and the journey takes approximately 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Taxi fares are calculated using a taximeter based on the time and distance travelled. While most taxi drivers prefer cash payments, some may accept card payments with a €1 supplement. Tipping is not required but is appreciated, and most passengers round up the fare to the nearest convenient amount.

Advantages of Taking a Taxi

Taking a taxi is a convenient and comfortable option, offering door-to-door service. It is especially useful if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with family, as it eliminates the need to navigate public transportation with your belongings. Taxis are also ideal if you are arriving late at night or prefer a private travel experience.

Pre-Booking a Taxi

If you prefer a set-rate fee and want to ensure a local English-speaking driver, you can pre-book your airport transfer with companies like Welcome Pickups. This option provides peace of mind, as your driver will track your flight and be there to greet you upon arrival.

Cologne-Bonn Airport to Cologne City Centre by bus

Cologne-Bonn Airport is located around 14-15km from the city of Cologne. There are various ways to get from the airport to the city centre, including by bus.

By Bus

Although there are no direct shuttle buses from the airport to the city centre, there are a few bus options at the airport. One of these is Bus No. 161, which runs between the airport and Porz Markt district on the outskirts of Cologne. Buses depart every 30-60 minutes between 05:30 and 24:00 daily, and the journey to Porz Markt takes about 15 minutes. From there, you can transfer to the city centre by another bus or train. A one-way ticket for this route costs €3.50 per person and can be bought from the driver.

Another option is the Airport Express Bus SB60, which runs from the airport to Bonn Central Train Station. The journey takes about 30 minutes, and buses depart from stops at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Tickets cost €9.70 per person per way, or €4.60 for children aged 6-14. You can buy tickets at ticket machines at both terminals, at the bus stops, or from the bus driver.

There are also bus services from the airport to other cities in Germany, including Frankfurt, Aachen, Düsseldorf, Munich, and Berlin. These are operated by local bus companies such as Regiojet, Flixbus, Eurolines, and Mango Tours.

By Train

The train is the fastest way to reach the city centre, with the S-Bahn train taking just 14 minutes. The Köln / Bonn Flughafen train station is located in the centre of the passenger terminal, and the S-Bahn runs every 20 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends. A one-way ticket costs €3.50 and is valid for 90 minutes. Tickets can be purchased online or at the train station's vending machines.

Regional Express (RE) trains are also available and are faster than the S-Bahn, taking only 11 minutes to reach the city centre. However, these trains only depart twice an hour. The price of the journey is the same as for the S-Bahn.

Intercity Express (ICE) trains also serve the airport and can get you to the city centre in 10 minutes. However, the ticket price is higher, at around €8.

By Taxi

Taking a taxi from the airport to the city centre is a convenient option, with the journey taking around 15-20 minutes and costing around €25-27. The official airport taxis, run by Taxi Rulf Köln, are available 24/7 at the exits of both terminals.

Cologne-Bonn Airport to Cologne City Centre by private transfer

Cologne-Bonn Airport (CGN) is located 14.5 km or 15 km away from the city of Cologne. The airport is well-connected to central Cologne by various means of transportation.

Private Transfer

The most comfortable way to get from Cologne-Bonn Airport to anywhere in Cologne is by private transfer, which offers a door-to-door service. You can choose the most suitable time for your transfer and the driver will be waiting for you at the airport. Your driver will track your flight so that no matter the arrival time, they will be there to greet you. This option is ideal for those travelling in large groups or with extra luggage, as you can pre-book a vehicle that suits your needs.

Taxi

Another option is to take a taxi from the airport. Official airport taxis are available 24/7 at the exits of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The journey to the city centre takes approximately 15 minutes and costs around €25-27.

Train

If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, you can take the S-Bahn train, which travels directly from the airport to the city centre in about 14 minutes. The train station is located in the centre of the passenger terminal and is easily accessible. A one-way ticket costs €3 and is valid for 90 minutes. The S-Bahn runs every 10 minutes from Monday to Friday and every 30 minutes on weekends.

Bus

There are also bus options available at the airport, although there is no direct shuttle bus to the city centre. Bus number 161 runs between the airport and Porz Markt, where you can transfer to another bus or train to reach the city centre. This bus departs every 30-60 minutes between 05:30 and 24:00 and takes about 15 minutes. A one-way ticket costs €3.50.

Car Rental

If you prefer to drive yourself, you can rent a car at the airport from companies like Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the city and its surrounding areas at your own pace.

KölnCard

If you plan to use public transportation during your stay in Cologne, consider purchasing the KölnCard. This tourist card offers access to public transport for 24 or 48 hours and provides discounts of up to 50% on attractions, museums, restaurants, and more.

No matter which option you choose, getting from Cologne-Bonn Airport to the city centre is straightforward and convenient, allowing you to start exploring this vibrant 2,000-year-old city in no time.

Cologne-Bonn Airport to Cologne City Centre by car

Cologne-Bonn Airport is located about 14.5 km away from Downtown Cologne, which is a short 15-minute drive by taxi or car.

Getting from the Airport to Cologne City Centre by Car

When travelling to the beautiful city of Cologne, you will be landing at Cologne-Bonn Airport. From there, you can take a taxi, a train, or a rented car to get to the city centre.

If you're driving from the airport to the city centre, here's some information to help you navigate:

• Route Options: Depending on your specific destination in the city centre, you can take different routes. The fastest route is usually via the A59 motorway, which is easily accessible from the airport.
• Signage: Follow the signs towards "Köln-Zentrum" or "City Centre" to stay on the most direct route.
• Traffic: Keep in mind that traffic can vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. During rush hours or on weekends, there may be heavier traffic, so allow for extra time.
• Parking: Once you reach the city centre, you'll find parking options available, including parking garages and street parking. Keep an eye out for signs indicating parking restrictions and payment requirements.
• Navigation Tools: Utilise navigation tools like GPS or maps to help you navigate through the city and find your specific destination within the city centre.
• Car Rental: If you're renting a car, you can find the main international car rental companies at the airport, including Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt. Booking your rental car online before your arrival can save you time and money.

Other Transportation Options

In addition to driving, here are some alternative transportation methods to consider:

• Taxi: Taking a taxi is a convenient and comfortable option. Taxis are available 24/7 at the airport, and the ride to the city centre typically takes around 15 minutes. The cost is usually around €25, depending on traffic conditions.
• Train: The S-Bahn train provides a direct and budget-friendly option, with a travel time of 14 minutes to the city centre. The train station is located near the Arrival Halls, and tickets cost €3 for a one-way trip.

So, whether you choose to drive, take a taxi, or opt for the train, you can easily get from Cologne-Bonn Airport to the city centre, enjoying the vibrant culture, stunning Old Town, and famous Kolsch beers that Cologne has to offer!

Frequently asked questions