Exploring Cologne: Navigating To The Heart Of Cgn

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is located around 15km from the city centre of Cologne. The airport is well-connected to the city by various means of transportation. The fastest way to reach the city centre is by train, which takes around 11-15 minutes. The train station is located in the centre of the passenger terminal, with several lines bringing passengers to Cologne. The S-Bahn train is the easiest way to reach the city centre, with trains running every 20-30 minutes. Regional Express (RE) trains are also available and are faster than the S-Bahn, but they only depart twice an hour. The Intercity-Express (ICE) train is the fastest option, reaching the city centre in 10 minutes, but it is also more expensive. For those who prefer a more comfortable journey, taxis, private transfers, and Ubers are available outside the terminal. The journey by car takes around 20 minutes.

By train

Getting from Cologne Bonn Airport to the City Centre by Train

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is located 12-15 km away from the city of Cologne. The airport is well-connected to central Cologne by various means of transportation, including trains. The Köln / Bonn Flughafen train station is located in the centre of the passenger terminal, between Terminals 1 and 2.

Train Options

There are several train options to get from Cologne Bonn Airport to the city centre:

• S-Bahn Trains: The S13, S19, and RB27 trains connect the airport to the city centre. These trains run frequently, offering day and night departures. The journey takes around 14-15 minutes, with the S19 train running every 10 minutes from Monday to Friday and every 30 minutes on weekends. A one-way ticket costs around €3.40-€3.50, and tickets can be purchased at the vending machines in the airport's train station.
• Regional Express (RE) Trains: These trains are faster than the S-Bahn trains, with a travel time of 11 minutes. However, they only depart twice per hour. The fare is the same as the S-Bahn trains, and tickets can be purchased at the airport train station.
• Intercity-Express (ICE) Trains: The ICE train is the fastest option, with a travel time of 10-12 minutes. However, it is more expensive, with tickets costing around €8. These trains are useful if you are continuing on to other German cities such as Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Essen, or Frankfurt. ICE trains depart at least once per hour.

KölnCard

If you plan to use public transportation in Cologne, consider purchasing the KölnCard. This tourist card offers 24 or 48 hours of free access to public transport within the city, as well as discounts on attractions, museums, restaurants, and tours. The card can be purchased online, at vending machines in the airport, or at the tourism office in the city centre. With the KölnCard, you can ride the S-Bahn and RE trains for free, but it cannot be used on the ICE trains.

By taxi

Getting from Cologne Bonn Airport to the City Centre by Taxi

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is located around 12-15km from the city centre of Cologne. The airport is open 24 hours a day and has excellent public transport links to most places in the city. However, if you don't want to use public transport, there are always official airport taxis waiting outside the terminal.

Finding a Taxi

Taxis are available 24/7 at Cologne Bonn Airport. You will find the taxi lane on the arrivals level in front of the building (signposted). Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have designated taxi ranks, which are served by drivers around the clock. From the Arrivals Hall, follow the signs leading to the pickup area.

Journey Time and Cost

The journey from the airport to the city centre takes approximately 15 minutes in light traffic, but this can be significantly longer during rush hour. The cost of the journey is usually around €25-€27, but it can be as much as €40.70, depending on traffic conditions. Fares are calculated using a meter and are not dependent on the time of day.

Payment Methods

While most taxis accept card payments, it is always best to check with your driver before setting off, as some only take cash. Some taxi companies include a surcharge for card payments, which is usually between €1 and €2.

Waiting Times

During peak hours, waiting times for taxis may be longer than usual, and larger groups may wish to consider pre-booking. If your flight arrives at a similar time to others, you may encounter queues at the taxi rank.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected, but if you are satisfied with the service, you can add a small tip or round up the fare.

Private Transfers

For a more personalised experience, you can pre-book a private transfer from the airport. This option ensures that an English-speaking driver will be waiting for you in the Arrivals Hall, and you will not need to queue for a taxi. Private transfers can be booked through companies such as AirportTransfer.com or Welcome Pickups.

By private transfer

If you're looking for a comfortable and stress-free way to get from Cologne Bonn Airport to the city centre, booking a private transfer in advance is a great option. This way, you can ensure that a professional, English-speaking driver will be waiting for you at the airport, ready to take you straight to your accommodation.

There are several benefits to choosing a private transfer over other transport options. Firstly, you can book in advance, so you don't have to worry about long queues at the taxi rank or the risk of no taxis being available, especially if you're travelling in a large group or have a lot of luggage. Secondly, private transfers offer a fixed price, so you don't have to worry about unexpected costs or being overcharged. This can be particularly advantageous if you're travelling during rush hour, as taxi fares can increase significantly due to heavy traffic.

The cost of a private transfer from the airport to the city centre typically starts from €56 for up to three passengers and goes up to €126 for a group of 12. These rates are usually all-inclusive, meaning there are no extra charges for waiting times, traffic jams, or night rates. Additionally, child seats can be provided if needed, making it a convenient option for families.

When booking a private transfer, you can choose your pick-up time and location, and the driver will monitor your flight to ensure they are there to greet you upon arrival. You will usually be met at the exit of the terminal or baggage claim area, and they will assist you with your luggage.

Overall, opting for a private transfer is an excellent choice if you want a seamless and comfortable journey from Cologne Bonn Airport to the city centre, especially if you're travelling with a large group, have a lot of luggage, or simply want to avoid the hassle of navigating public transport or waiting for taxis.

By bus

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is located about 15km southeast of Cologne city centre. There are a few ways to get from the airport to the city centre by bus.

Bus Line 161

The first option is to take bus line 161 from the airport to Porz Markt in Cologne (the main rail station). This bus departs every 30-60 minutes from 4:18 am to 11:48 pm, and the travel time is about 15 minutes. A one-way ticket costs €3.50 and can be purchased from the driver. However, Porz Markt is not in the city centre, so you will need to transfer to another bus or train to reach your final destination.

Airport Express Bus SB60

Another option is to take the Airport Express Bus SB60, which runs between the airport and Bonn Central Train Station. This bus departs from stops located at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 and takes about 30 minutes. A one-way ticket costs €9.70 for adults and €4.60 for children ages 6-14. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines, bus stops, or from the bus driver. This bus runs every 30 minutes on weekdays and every 30-60 minutes on weekends and public holidays.

Other Bus Options

There are also buses that depart from Cologne-Bonn Airport to other cities in Germany, such as Frankfurt, Aachen, Düsseldorf, Munich, and Berlin. These buses are operated by local companies such as Regiojet, Flixbus, Eurolines, and Mango Tours. Tickets for these buses can typically be purchased online before your trip.

When travelling by bus from Cologne-Bonn Airport, it is important to note that there is no direct shuttle bus to the Cologne city centre. This is because the shuttle buses were cancelled after trains started operating between the airport and the city. Therefore, you may need to make a connection to reach your final destination.

By car

If you prefer to drive yourself, car-sharing is an option for travelling from Cologne Bonn Airport to the city centre. This gives you the flexibility to drive yourself and is ideal if you want to explore the city and its surrounding areas. Car-sharing is also a good choice if you want to avoid public transport.

To take advantage of car-sharing, you can download the SIXT app before your flight and upload your driver's license. Once you arrive at the airport, open the app and browse the available cars in the vicinity. You can then rent a car for a shorter or longer period, depending on your needs.

Another option is to rent a car from one of the many car rental companies operating at the airport, such as Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt. Booking a car online in advance is advisable, as you can compare prices, terms, and conditions, as well as choose from a wider range of vehicle models and optional services. The offices of all car rental companies are located in Terminal 2 and are open 24 hours a day.

If you choose to drive, please note that the airport is located about 12-15 km from the city centre, and the drive should take around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Frequently asked questions