Getting Around Cologne: Airport Travel Options

Cologne Bonn Airport is located about 14-16km southeast of Cologne and has excellent connections to local and long-distance public transport. There are several ways to get from the airport to the city centre, including train, bus, taxi, car, or private transfer. The S-Bahn and Regional Express trains are the most affordable options, with tickets costing around €3, while the Intercity-Express train is the fastest option, taking just 10 minutes but costing €8 per person. Taxis are readily available at the airport and offer a more comfortable ride, with fares ranging from €27 to €45. For those seeking convenience, private transfers can be booked in advance, providing a stress-free journey to your accommodation. Additionally, car rental services are available at the airport for those who prefer to drive themselves.

By train

Cologne Bonn Airport is located about 14-15 km southeast of Cologne and has good public transport links to most places in the city. The easiest way to get from the airport to the city centre is by train.

Train Options

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

• S-Bahn trains connect to Köln-Hauptbahnhof (Cologne Central Station) approximately three times an hour and the journey takes about 14 minutes. Tickets cost €3 and can't be bought online, so you'll need to purchase them from the vending machines at the station. If you have a KölnCard, you can use this instead of a ticket.
• Regional Express (RE) trains are faster and get you to the city centre in 11 minutes, but they only run twice an hour. Tickets cost €3 and can be purchased at the station. You can also plan your journey in advance on the DB website.
• Intercity-Express (ICE) trains are the fastest option, taking just 10 minutes to reach the city centre, but they are also more expensive at €8 per person. These trains are a good option if you're heading to other destinations in Germany or Europe, such as Düsseldorf, Frankfurt or Amsterdam. ICE trains don't accept the KölnCard.

KölnCard

If you plan on using public transport in Cologne, it's worth considering the KölnCard. This card gives you access to all public transport within the city for a fixed time (24 or 48 hours), as well as offering discounts on attractions, museums, tours and restaurants. You can order the card online, purchase it from ticket machines at the airport, or buy it at the tourism office in the city centre.

Train Station Location

The train station at the airport is located between Terminals 1 and 2 and is easily accessible from both terminals. Follow the signage from the Arrivals Hall to find your way to the train station.

By taxi

Cologne Airport to City Centre by Taxi

Cologne Bonn Airport is located about 15km southeast of Cologne city centre. Taking a taxi is a convenient way to get from the airport to your hotel, and will cost you around €25-€45.

Finding a Taxi

Taxis are available 24/7 at the airport, with designated taxi ranks outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. From the Arrivals Hall, follow the signs to the pickup area.

Journey Time and Cost

The journey to the city centre will take approximately 15 minutes, but can be longer in heavy traffic. The cost of the journey will depend on the distance and time taken, as well as any traffic conditions. A sedan-style car will cost around €40.70, but you may be charged more for a larger vehicle.

Payment

While fares are the same at any time of day, some taxi companies include a surcharge for card payments, so it's always best to check with your driver before setting off. They may only accept cash, and you may need to pay any surcharge in cash.

Pre-Booking

If you have a lot of luggage or are travelling as a large group, it may be best to pre-book your taxi to avoid a long wait at the taxi rank. You can also pre-book an English-speaking driver to meet you in the arrivals hall and help with your luggage.

By bus

Cologne Bonn Airport is connected to the city centre by bus, train, taxi, private transfer, or rented car.

There is no direct shuttle bus from the airport to the city centre. However, you can take bus line 161 to Porz Markt train station, which is on the outskirts of Cologne. Buses depart every 30 to 60 minutes between 4.18 am and 11.48 pm, and the journey takes about 15 minutes. From Porz Markt, you can take another bus or train to the city centre. A one-way ticket costs €3.50 per person and can be bought from the driver.

You can also take the Airport Express Bus SB60 from the airport to Bonn Central Train Station. The bus departs from stops at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The journey takes about 30 minutes. A one-way ticket costs €9.70 per person and €4.60 for children aged 6-14. You can buy a ticket at the ticket machines at both terminals, the bus stops, or directly from the bus driver.

Cologne City Card

If you plan to travel around Cologne by public transportation, you can get a special Cologne City Card (KölnCard). This card gives you access to all public transport within the city for a fixed time (24 or 48 hours) and offers discounts on attractions, museums, tours, and restaurants. You can order the KölnCard online, purchase it at the airport from any of the KVB or DB ticket machines, or buy it online and then pick it up from the tourism office in the city centre.

By car

If you prefer to drive yourself, car-sharing is an option for travelling from Cologne Bonn Airport to the city centre. Simply download the SIXT app and upload your driver's license before your flight. Once you arrive at the airport, open the app and browse the available cars in the vicinity. Then, you can start your journey by renting the car of your choice.

Alternatively, you can rent a car from one of the main international car rental companies with offices at the airport, including Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt. Booking a car online in advance is advisable, as you can compare prices, terms, and vehicle types. This will save you time and money upon your arrival at the airport. All car rental company offices are located in Terminal 2 and are open 24/7.

By subway

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is located 15 km southeast of Cologne. The airport is well-connected to central Cologne by various means of transportation, including the subway.

The S-Bahn (suburban railway) trains connect the airport to the Köln-Hauptbahnhof (Cologne Central Station) around three times an hour and the journey takes about 14 minutes. The S-Bahn trains run from the airport railway station, which is located between Terminals 1 and 2, to the city centre, stopping at the main train stations.

The S13 and S19 lines go to Cologne and Düren, while the S19 line also runs throughout the night, departing every 30 minutes. The RE6 line goes to Minden and Düsseldorf, and the RE8 line goes to Mönchengladbach Hbf. The ICE express train line operates intercity and takes just 10 minutes to reach the city centre, but it is more expensive at around €8 per person.

Tickets for the S-Bahn cannot be purchased online and must be bought from the vending machines at the station. A single trip train ticket costs €3.50 and is valid for 90 minutes. A 24-hour ticket for one person costs €8.50, while a 24-hour group ticket for up to five people is €17.20. The KölnCard, a tourist card that offers free access to public transport and discounts on attractions, may also be used on the S-Bahn and can be purchased online, at the airport, or at the tourism office in the city centre.

Frequently asked questions