Choosing The Right Cologne: A Guide For Beginners

Cologne, Germany is accessible by plane and train. The city's main railway station, the Hauptbahnhof, is conveniently located next to the famous Cologne cathedral. Cologne is a major hub for international and domestic rail services, with direct trains to several European cities, including London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Frankfurt. The journey from London to Cologne by train takes a little over four hours, making it a great alternative to flying. Cologne's airport is small and can be easily reached via the S19, RB26, or RE6 trains. The public transport system in the city centre is efficient and affordable, with options including trams, buses, and suburban railways.

Fly to Frankfurt and take the train to Cologne

If you're planning a trip to Cologne, Germany, flying into Frankfurt and taking the train is a great option. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get to Cologne from Frankfurt by plane and train:

Step 1: Book Your Flight to Frankfurt

Firstly, you'll need to book your flight to Frankfurt. The Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is a major international hub, so you should be able to find flights from most major cities. When booking, pay attention to which terminal your flight will arrive at, as this will impact your travel time to the train station.

Step 2: Travel to the Train Station

Once you've landed at Frankfurt Airport, you'll need to make your way to the train station. The airport has two terminals, and the process differs slightly for each:

• Terminal 1: The train station is connected to Terminal 1 via escalators and walkways. Follow the signs or ask for directions if needed.
• Terminal 2: If you arrive at Terminal 2, you'll need to take the Skytrain to Terminal 1. From there, follow the same instructions as above.

Step 3: Purchase Your Train Ticket

At the train station, you'll find a ticket office where you can purchase your ticket to Cologne. The office accepts both credit cards and Euros. There are two types of fares:

• Regular Fares: These are more flexible and can be used on any train on the day of purchase. They are more expensive but offer the advantage of being able to take any train.
• Special Fares: These are cheaper but are only valid for the specific train you book. They sell out quickly and are non-refundable, so they are better suited for those with fixed travel plans.

Step 4: Board the Train to Cologne

With your ticket in hand, it's time to board your train! The high-speed Intercity-Express (ICE) trains will get you to Cologne in about an hour. There are up to three of these trains available every hour, and they reach speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour. Alternatively, you can opt for the Eurocity (EC) train, which is less expensive but makes more stops, increasing the travel time.

Step 5: Arrive in Cologne

Before you know it, you'll be stepping off the train in the heart of Cologne! The Cologne Central Station is conveniently located, and as you exit, you'll be greeted by the stunning Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany's most famous landmarks.

Additional Tips:

• Travel Time: The entire journey from Frankfurt Airport to Cologne by plane and train should take around 2-3 hours, depending on your flight and train choice.
• Frequency: There are frequent trains between Frankfurt and Cologne, with up to three trains per hour.
• Cost: The train ticket prices vary depending on the type of fare you choose. Regular fares are more expensive, while special fares offer discounted prices. Book in advance if you can!
• Luggage: If you have large luggage, consider the convenience of transporting it. The Skytrain at the airport does not allow luggage carts, so keep that in mind when planning your journey.
• Alternative Routes: While taking the train is the fastest option, you can also drive or take a bus between Frankfurt and Cologne. These options are cheaper but will add to your travel time.

So, there you have it! A comprehensive guide to getting to Cologne by flying into Frankfurt and taking the train. Enjoy your journey and your time in Cologne!

Fly to Amsterdam and take the train

If you're planning a trip to Cologne and want to fly to Amsterdam and take the train, here's some information that might be helpful.

First, it's good to know that there are direct trains from Amsterdam to Cologne, which is great news! The journey takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes on average, and the trains cover a distance of about 214 kilometres. There are frequent trains on this route, with approximately 28-36 trains per day, departing from Amsterdam Centraal Station and arriving at Cologne's Hauptbahnhof station, which is conveniently located in the city centre.

In terms of scheduling, the first train usually leaves Amsterdam around 6:00-6:15 a.m. on weekdays, and the last train is typically around 8:30-9:00 p.m. On weekends, the first train tends to depart a bit later, around 6:08 a.m. These timings may vary slightly, so it's always good to check the schedule for your specific travel dates.

Now, for pricing, train tickets from Amsterdam to Cologne can be quite affordable. Single tickets start from as low as $22.22 to $23 if you book in advance. The price may increase to around $32 if you book closer to the travel date, and booking on the day of travel will likely be more expensive.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that Amsterdam and Cologne both offer a lot in terms of seasonal activities and attractions. So, regardless of when you visit, there will always be something unique to enjoy during each season.

Lastly, if you're looking for additional tips, be sure to check out travel websites and guides for Amsterdam and Cologne, which can provide valuable insights and help you make the most of your journey.

Fly to Brussels and take the train

If you're looking to get to Cologne, one option is to fly to Brussels and then take the train. This is a great alternative to flying directly to Cologne, especially if you're coming from London, as the train from London to Cologne via Brussels takes just over four hours.

When you arrive in Brussels, you'll need to head to Brussels-Nord station to catch your train to Koeln-Ehrenfeld in Cologne. This train journey will also take you just over four hours, so the whole trip from London will take around eight and a half hours.

If you're not coming from London, you can still fly into Brussels Airport and then take the train to Cologne. Brussels Airport is easily accessible from anywhere in the world, with flights to and from all major international destinations.

Once you arrive in Cologne, you'll find that the city takes trains seriously, with its main railway station (the Hauptbahnhof) located right next to the famous Cologne Cathedral. The city also has an efficient public transport system, including trams, buses, and suburban railways, so you'll have no trouble getting around.

Fly to Düsseldorf and take the train

If you're planning to get to Cologne by flying into Düsseldorf and taking the train, here's what you need to know.

Flying into Düsseldorf

When planning your trip, consider that Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) is a major international airport with numerous connections. It serves as a hub for several airlines and offers flights from various cities worldwide. Check with airlines that fly between your location and Germany to find the best option for you. Keep in mind that flight prices and availability may vary depending on the season and how early you book.

Getting from Düsseldorf Airport to Düsseldorf Central Station

Once you arrive at Düsseldorf Airport, you'll need to get to Düsseldorf Central Station (Düsseldorf Hbf) to catch your train to Cologne. You can do this by taking a train or a taxi. The train ride typically takes around 10 minutes, and there are several trains operating between the airport and the central station. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which will take around the same time but may cost more.

Train from Düsseldorf to Cologne

The train journey from Düsseldorf to Cologne is straightforward and relatively quick. There are direct trains departing from Düsseldorf Hbf and arriving at Cologne Central Station (Köln Hbf) every 10 to 15 minutes. The journey time is approximately 20 to 30 minutes, and the distance between the two cities is about 40 kilometres. The train ticket prices can vary, ranging from €3 to €55, depending on the type of train and class of service. You can choose between different routes, with options for both high-speed and regional trains.

Cologne Central Station to Cologne City Centre

Upon arriving at Cologne Central Station, you can easily store your luggage at the facilities on the lower level. The station also provides public restrooms, and you can find showers in some nearby fitness centres. To get to the city centre, the most efficient way is to take the tram. You have two convenient options: tram line 1, which will bring you to 'Heumarkt', or tram line 7, which goes to 'Neumarkt'. Both lines operate frequently, so you won't have to wait long.

Fly to Cologne

If you're planning a trip to Cologne, Germany, you'll be pleased to know that the city is well-connected to several other European cities by air and rail. Here is some information on how to get to Cologne by plane.

Flying to Cologne

Cologne is served by Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), which is a small airport located a short local train ride away from the city centre. The airport is accessible from several European cities, including:

• Boston (BOS)
• Dusseldorf (DUS)
• Frankfurt (FRA)
• Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
• New York JFK (JFK)
• Brussels (BRU)
• London Heathrow (LHR)
• Zurich (ZRH)
• Milan Malpensa (MXP)
• Edinburgh (EDI)
• Vienna (VIE)

You can use websites like Expedia, Skyscanner, or Kayak to search for and compare flight prices and routes to find the best option for your travel plans.

Once you arrive at Cologne Bonn Airport, you can take the S19, RB26, or RE6 train to reach the city centre. These trains run frequently, including during the night, and the journey takes around 20 minutes.

Alternative Airports and Transport Options

If you're unable to find a suitable flight to Cologne Bonn Airport, you can consider flying into a larger airport nearby and then taking a high-speed train to Cologne. Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is a popular option, as it has a high-speed train connection to Cologne, with a travel time of less than an hour. Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) and Düsseldorf (DUS) airports are also possible alternatives, but you'll need to factor in additional travel time to reach Cologne.

When travelling by train in Germany, it's recommended to book your ticket in advance, especially if you're travelling on a tight schedule. The Deutsche Bahn website (bahn.de) provides train schedules and ticket bookings. Additionally, consider the Rail & Fly ticket option, which offers flexibility and can be cheaper when booked together with your flight.

Frequently asked questions