Purchasing Cologne Cards: A Simple Guide For Beginners

The KölnCard, also known as the Cologne Card or Cologne Welcome Card, is the city of Cologne's official tourist card. It offers free travel on Cologne's public transport network and discounts at museums, attractions, tours, shops and restaurants. The card is available as a 24-hour or 48-hour option for individuals or groups of up to five people. You can buy the card online, at the airport, at the Cologne Tourist Board Service Centre, or from ticket machines and some hotels.

Where to buy the Cologne Card at the airport

If you're looking to purchase a Cologne Card at the airport, there are a few options available to you. Firstly, you can buy the card from a ticket machine at the train station. This is a convenient option if you're arriving by train or need to use the train to get to your destination within Cologne.

Additionally, there may be a tourist information desk at the airport where you can purchase the card. This could be a good option if you want to speak to someone in person and get more information about the card before purchasing.

If you're unable to locate a tourist information desk or ticket machine, don't worry! You can always buy the Cologne Card online at www.cologne-tourism.com. This way, you can have the card ready before you even arrive at the airport.

The Cologne Card offers unlimited travel on public transport within the city and discounts of up to 50% at various attractions, museums, restaurants, and shops. It's a great way to explore the city and save money at the same time.

Remember to consider your plans and whether you'll need the card before purchasing, as Cologne is a walkable city, and single-ride tickets are also available.

Where to buy the Cologne Card in the city

The KölnCard, or Cologne Card, is available to purchase online in advance and can be picked up at the Cologne Tourist Board Service Centre, or directly from the Service Centre, KVB ticket machines and some hotels. The Cologne Tourist Centre is open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm and can be found at Kardinal-Höffner-Platz 1, 50667, Köln, DE. The Cologne Tourist Office is located in front of the cathedral and is open Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm.

The KölnCard is a great investment if you plan on using public transport in the city. The card gives you access to all buses, trains, and trams, with the exception of the metro (U-Bahn). It is also valid for 24 or 48 hours, depending on the ticket option you choose, and is a great way to save money on attractions, tours, shops and restaurants.

If you are travelling in a group of up to 5 people, you can purchase a 24-hour group KölnCard for €19 or a 48-hour card for €38. This is great value if you plan on staying together as a group.

How to validate the Cologne Card

The KölnCard is a personal ticket, so the passenger must enter their name, the date, and the time on the card by hand at the start of the journey. The card becomes valid as soon as this information is filled out. To use the KölnCard for free local public transportation, you must validate the card in the ticket-stamping machine before your trip. Tickets purchased at retail outlets must be validated on board the respective transport service. Tickets purchased from ticket machines are already validated. The KölnCard is valid for 24 or 48 hours from its first use. For example, if you use your card at 3 pm for the first time, it is valid until 3 pm on the following day.

How long is the Cologne Card valid for

The Cologne Card is valid for 24 or 48 hours from the time it is first used or stamped. For example, if you use your card at 3 pm for the first time, it will be valid until 3 pm on the following day. The card is non-transferable and must be used in combination with an official personal ID.

The card can be purchased at the Tourist Information Centre in Cologne, at KVB and DB ticket machines in the area of validity, in many accommodations, and at various travel agencies and tour operators.

What discounts does the Cologne Card offer

The Cologne Card, or the KölnCard, offers a wide range of discounts across the city of Cologne. The card is valid for 24 or 48 hours and offers free access to public transport within the city. This includes buses, trams, commuter trains, and regional trains (2nd class).

The KölnCard provides discounts of up to 50% at various attractions, museums, city tours, and guided tours. This includes popular museums such as the Chocolate Museum, the Roman-Germanic Museum, and the Käthe Kollwitz Collection Museum. The card also offers discounts on boat trips on the Rhine, as well as discounts at shops and restaurants.

Additionally, the KölnCard provides discounted admission to cultural and leisure attractions, such as the German Sport and Olympic Museum, the Farina Fragrance Museum, and the Treasure Chamber of the Cologne Cathedral.

The card can be purchased online or at the Tourist Information Centre in Cologne, as well as from ticket machines of the Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe (KVB) and the Deutsche Bahn (DB). It is available for individuals or groups of up to five people.

Frequently asked questions