Travel Guide: Cologne Airport To City Centre

Cologne Bonn Airport is located about 14-15km southeast of Cologne city centre, and offers various transport options to get you there. The fastest way to reach the city centre is by train, with the S13, S19, RE6, RE8, and ICE express train line all connecting the airport to the city. The train journey takes between 9 and 15 minutes and costs around €3-€8.50. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, private transfer, or bus to the city centre, or even rent a car.

Trains: The fastest way to reach the city centre, with several lines available

Taking the train is the fastest way to get from Cologne Bonn Airport to the city centre. The Köln / Bonn Flughafen train station is conveniently located in the centre of the passenger terminal, between Terminals 1 and 2, and there are several train lines available.

The S-Bahn trains, including the S13, S19, and S19, connect the airport to the Köln-Hauptbahnhof (Cologne Central Station) in around 14 minutes and run every 20 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends. These trains offer a cost-effective option, with tickets priced at €3.40 for a 90-minute ticket that allows up to four stops.

If you're looking for an even faster option, the Regional Express (RE) trains will get you to the city centre in just 11 minutes. However, they only run twice per hour. The Intercity-Express (ICE) trains are the fastest option, with a travel time of 10 minutes, but they are also more expensive, with tickets costing around €8.

The train station at the airport is easily accessible and well-signposted. It is located on the bottom floor of the airport, and you can follow the signs or ask for directions. Ticket machines are available at the station, and the main service to the city, the S19, costs €3 per person.

Overall, taking the train is a fast, efficient, and affordable way to get from Cologne Bonn Airport to the city centre, with a range of lines available to choose from.

KölnCard: A tourist card offering free public transport and attraction discounts

Cologne Bonn Airport is located about 14-15km southeast of Cologne and is well-connected to the city centre by various modes of transport. The fastest way to reach the city centre is by train, with the train station located in the centre of the passenger terminal. The S-Bahn trains, for instance, connect to the Köln-Hauptbahnhof (Cologne Central Station) about three times an hour and take around 14 minutes to get there. The Regional Express (RE) trains are slightly faster, taking just 11 minutes, but they only depart twice an hour. The Intercity-Express (ICE) trains are the fastest option, taking just 10 minutes, but they are also the most expensive at €8 per person.

If you plan to use public transportation in Cologne, the KölnCard is highly recommended. This tourist card offers free and unlimited access to public transport within the city for a fixed period of 24 or 48 hours. It also includes travel on buses and trains to and from the airport. In addition to the transport benefits, the KölnCard provides discounts of up to 50% at various tourist attractions, museums, restaurants, guided tours, and shops. The card can be ordered online and printed before your trip, purchased at the airport from KVB or DB ticket machines, or bought online and then picked up from the tourism office in the city centre.

The KölnCard is ideal for those who want to explore Cologne and use public transport to get around. With this card, you can easily navigate the city and save money on attractions and dining. It is available for individuals or groups of up to five people, making it a great option for families or small groups travelling together.

In addition to the train options, you can also reach the city centre by taxi, private transfer, or bus. Taxis and private transfers offer door-to-door service and are convenient if you have heavy luggage. However, they can be more expensive, with fares ranging from €25-€40 for a trip to the city centre. Buses are another option, but there is currently no direct shuttle service from the airport to the city centre. Bus line 161 travels between the airport and Porz Markt train station, where you can connect to other bus or train lines.

Taxis: A convenient, direct option, but expect higher prices

If you're looking for a convenient and direct option to get from Cologne Bonn Airport to the city centre, then taking a taxi is a good choice. The airport taxis offer a door-to-door service, providing a smooth and comfortable ride directly to your hotel or accommodation. This is especially useful if you have a lot of luggage or are arriving late at night.

Cologne Bonn Airport is located about 14-15 km from the city centre, and the taxi ride typically takes around 15 minutes, depending on traffic. The official airport taxis are run by Taxi Rulf Köln and are available 24/7 at designated taxi ranks outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. You can expect to pay around €25-€27 for a ride to the city centre, and the fare is usually calculated using a meter based on the distance and time of the journey. During rush hour, the journey can take significantly longer due to traffic, and you may encounter queues at the taxi rank if multiple flights have arrived at the same time.

While taxis are readily available at the airport, if you're travelling in a large group, it might be a good idea to pre-book your taxi to avoid longer waiting times. You can also use apps like Uber or SIXT to arrange for a taxi to pick you up, and these apps often allow for cashless payment, charging the fare directly to your credit card.

Taking a taxi is a more expensive option compared to public transport, but it offers the convenience of a direct trip to your destination without the hassle of managing your luggage on trains or buses. It's a good choice if you want a comfortable and stress-free arrival, especially if you don't speak German, as communicating your destination to the driver may be easier than navigating the public transport system.

Private transfers: Pre-booked, fixed-price rides with added benefits

Private transfers are a great option for those who want a stress-free journey from Cologne Airport to the city centre. By pre-booking a private transfer, you can enjoy several benefits that make your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Firstly, private transfers offer guaranteed on-time pickups. Your driver will track your flight, ensuring they are there to greet you upon your arrival, regardless of any delays or early landings. This takes the worry out of your travel plans and gives you peace of mind, especially if you are arriving late at night or have a lot of luggage.

Secondly, private transfers provide professional, English-speaking drivers. This means you won't have to worry about potential language barriers with local taxi drivers. Your driver will be hand-picked, ensuring a high level of service and a personalised experience tailored to your needs. They can also offer tips and recommendations for your stay in Cologne.

Another advantage of private transfers is the convenience of a door-to-door service. You will be met by your driver in the arrivals hall, who will assist you with your luggage and escort you to your pre-selected vehicle. This is especially beneficial if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling in a large group, as you won't have to navigate public transport or wait in taxi queues.

Private transfers also offer fixed pricing, so you know exactly how much your journey will cost in advance. This takes the stress out of uncertain fares and potential surcharges. For example, a private transfer from Cologne Airport to the city centre for up to 3 travellers costs €56, while larger vehicles that can accommodate up to 8 people are available for €63.

Finally, private transfers offer flexible cancellation policies, allowing you to make changes or cancellations up to 24 hours before your pickup time. This provides peace of mind and the ability to adapt to any last-minute changes in your travel plans.

Overall, opting for a private transfer from Cologne Airport to the city centre ensures a comfortable, efficient, and stress-free travel experience with a range of added benefits.

Buses: No direct shuttle buses, but bus options are available

Although there are no direct shuttle buses from Cologne Bonn Airport to the city centre, there are a few bus options available at the airport. However, only one of these buses travels to the city, with the rest heading to other destinations in Germany.

Bus No. 161: Airport to Porz Markt

This bus runs between the airport and Porz Markt, a district on the outskirts of Cologne. The bus departs every 30 to 60 minutes between 5:30 am and 12:00 am, taking around 15 minutes to reach its final stop. From Porz Markt, you can transfer to another bus or train to reach the city centre. A one-way ticket costs €3.50 per person and can be purchased from the driver.

Airport Express Bus SB60: Airport to Bonn

The Airport Express Bus SB60 travels between the airport and Bonn Central Train Station, departing from bus stops at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The journey takes about 30 minutes, and tickets cost €9.70 per person, with a reduced fee of €4.60 for children aged 6-14. Tickets can be purchased from ticket machines at the terminals, bus stops, or directly from the bus driver.

Other Bus Options

It is also possible to take a bus from Cologne Airport to other German cities such as Frankfurt, Aachen, Düsseldorf, Munich, and Berlin. Local bus companies like Regiojet, Flixbus, Eurolines, and Mango Tours offer these services, and tickets can be purchased online from their respective websites.

Frequently asked questions