Exploring Cologne, Germany: Transportation And Getting Around The City

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is known for its Gothic architecture, charming old town, and vibrant cultural life. The city offers a range of transportation options for visitors, making it easy to explore its many attractions.

For those who enjoy walking, the city centre's main attractions are within a short distance of each other, and the picturesque riverbank and old town are also easily navigable on foot. For longer journeys, Cologne has an excellent public transport network, including trams, local trains, and buses. The Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe (KVB) manages this system, and tickets can be purchased in advance or from machines at stations and on vehicles.

Another option is to rent a bicycle, with Radstation Köln offering rentals and guided tours. Cologne is also accessible by car, with a well-developed highway system and park-and-ride options. However, driving in the city centre can be challenging due to one-way streets and heavy traffic during rush hour.

For those arriving by air, the Cologne Bonn Airport offers convenient connections to the city centre via train or bus. Additionally, Cologne is well-connected by rail, with two major train stations and high-speed train links to other German and European cities.

By foot

Cologne is a city best explored on foot. The city is uniquely designed and walkable, with many landmarks and attractions within a short walking distance of each other. The Rhine Promenade, for example, is a popular place for a stroll, with pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes, stalls and kiosks lining the river. The historic Old Town, with its colourful cobblestone alleys, is also best explored on foot.

The city is flat, with no elevations to speak of, and most of the things of interest for tourists are within walking distance. However, it's important to be careful to walk on the designated pedestrian part of the pavement, as this is often split into an area for walking and one for cycling. This will usually be paved or painted in red, so if you hear the sound of a tiny bell approaching, check you're on the right track.

If you're staying a while, it might be worth buying a KölnCard, which includes free public transport and up to 50% off many museums, restaurants and more.

By bicycle

Cologne is a great city to explore by bicycle, with well-developed cycle paths and lanes that make getting around the city centre a breeze. In fact, cycling is often the fastest way to get from A to B, and you'll also have the added benefit of discovering more of the city as you ride.

If you're planning to cycle in Cologne, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the city has a mix of dedicated bike lanes and shared roads with cars. While the lanes are generally safe, some cyclists find them a bit narrow and bumpy. If you're not comfortable with the lanes, you can always ride on the street, taking up the middle of the lane to prevent cars from passing you too closely.

When it comes to renting a bicycle, you have several options. NextBike is a popular choice, with bikes available at stations throughout the city. Simply register for free on their website or app, and you'll be able to pick up and drop off a bike at any station. Prices start at €1 for 30 minutes. Another option is Radstation Köln, located near the Central Station. They offer city and trekking bikes at a price of €6 for three hours or €12 for a day pass.

If you're looking for a more casual ride, you can also take advantage of the KVB-bicycles, operated by Nextbike. These white and red bikes are available throughout the city and can be unlocked with a code after a free online registration. The fee is €1 for 30 minutes, and you can return the bike at any random street corner within the zone.

Cologne is also a great starting point for longer bike rides. For example, you can cycle the 50 kilometres from Cologne to Düsseldorf along the Rhine Cycle Path, taking in the beautiful scenery and stopping at medieval towns along the way. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, you can cycle the 30 kilometres from Cologne to Bonn, another charming city on the Rhine.

So, whether you're a casual rider or an experienced cyclist, exploring Cologne by bicycle is a fun and eco-friendly way to get around and see the sights. Just remember to always ride safely and follow the local traffic rules!

By public transport

Cologne has an excellent public transport system, which includes trams, local trains, and buses. The local transport company, Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe (KVB), manages the network, which consists of almost 60 lines.

You can buy tickets for all trains in advance from automated ticket machines at the stations, from certain stops, or from KVB travel desks. There are no ticket barriers, but if you are caught by an inspector without a ticket, you will be fined heavily. You can buy individual tickets per journey or a day ticket, though as an individual, you would need to make four journeys for the latter to be worth the cost. A day ticket for up to five people is better value. The KölnCard gives unlimited travel on all public transport for 24 or 48 hours and also enables reduced-price admission to most attractions and excursions.

The city centre's main attractions are within a short walking distance of each other, and aside from using the S-Bahn to get to and from the airport, you will likely only use the U-Bahn to travel between Neumarkt and the main shopping square of Rudolfplatz, or perhaps to the Univiertel (University Quarter) for nightlife.

Regional Trains are known as "S-Bahn", "Regional-Bahn", and "Regional Express". Most of them don't have ticket vending machines, so remember to buy a ticket at the station.

The KVB app allows you to purchase tickets cashlessly and in English.

By car

Getting to Cologne by Car

Cologne is easily accessible by car via numerous European highways. If you're coming from Brussels, the direct drive is 133 miles (214 km) and should take around 2 hours.

Driving in Cologne

Germany drives on the right-hand side of the road, and drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts. Children require special car seats and appropriate restraints. The use of handheld mobile phones or similar devices while driving is prohibited.

Cologne's Ring Road System

Cologne's motorway system is designed as a ring road with ten star-shaped axes leading into it from all directions. The motorway ring encircling the city includes the A1, A3, A4, A57, A59, A555, and A559.

Cologne's Low Emission Zone

Cologne is a Low Emission Zone (LEZ), meaning only vehicles equipped with green 'Low Emission Labels' can access the city centre and parts of the boroughs of Deutz and Mülheim. Visitor parking at Kölnmesse and the LANXESS arena lies outside the environmental zone, so no sticker is needed. You can obtain stickers from www.umwelt-plakette.de, or use the city's Park-and-Ride system.

Parking in Cologne

To avoid traffic jams, it's recommended to use one of the Park & Ride facilities. Cologne also has several P+R parking lots where you can park your car and switch to public transportation.

By taxi

Getting Around Cologne, Germany, by Taxi

Cologne, Germany, is a large city with a well-developed public transport system. However, if you prefer to travel by taxi, there are many companies operating in the city. Official taxis are beige or cream-coloured, with black-and-yellow rooftop signs, making them easily recognisable.

Finding a Taxi

Official taxi ranks can be found near train stations, popular attractions, and shopping areas. You can also hail a taxi on the street; if the sign is lit up, it's available. MyTaxi and Taxi.eu are two apps you can use to hail a taxi in Cologne.

Costs

The cost of a taxi ride depends on the distance, traffic, route, and number of passengers. Prices are slightly higher at night and on weekends.

Payment

Most taxis in Cologne accept credit card payments.

From the Airport

Cologne Bonn Airport is located 15 km southeast of the city centre. A taxi ride to the centre takes around 20 minutes. Taxi ranks can be found outside the departing area of Terminal 1 and outside the arrival area of Terminal 2.

Recommended Taxi Companies

Several companies offer taxi services in Cologne, including:

• BetterTaxi: Offers three booking options: Taxi Service, Premium Economy Transfer, and Business Transfer.
• Talixo: Offers online and app-based taxi booking with various car options, including Economy, Business, and First Class.
• Luxtransfer - Exclusive in Motion: Offers taxi and sightseeing tour services.
• VIP Transfer Koeln: Provides taxi and sightseeing tour services; the host, Viktor, is praised for his knowledge of the city.

Frequently asked questions