Travel Guide: Cologne Airport To Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Bonn Airport is located about 14km southeast of Cologne, and there are several ways to get from the airport to the city's iconic Cologne Cathedral. The fastest way is by taxi, which takes around 15 minutes and costs around €30-€45. Alternatively, you can take the S19 train, which offers a more affordable option at €4-€7 for a one-way ticket and takes about 16 minutes. The S-Bahn trains are also available and connect to Cologne Central Station approximately three times per hour, with a journey time of about 14 minutes. For those on a budget, the bus is the cheapest option, with line 16 taking just 4 minutes and costing only $2-$3.

Cologne Bonn Airport to Cologne Cathedral by train

The Cologne Bonn Airport has its own train station, making it easy to travel to Cologne Cathedral by train. The S19 train connects the airport to the Köln-Hauptbahnhof (Cologne Central Station) in around 14 minutes, and the journey costs around €3. The train station is located directly beneath Terminal 2, and you can follow the signs for "Sbahn" to find the platform. The S19 train runs about three times per hour, and tickets can be purchased from vending machines at the station.

Alternatively, you can take the Regional Express (RE) trains, which are faster and take only 11 minutes to reach the city centre, but they only run twice per hour. These trains cost €3, and you can buy tickets at the station or plan your journey ahead of time on the DB website.

Another option is the Intercity-Express (ICE) train, which is the fastest option at just a 10-minute journey, but it is also more expensive at €8 per person.

With any of these train options, you can also purchase the KölnCard, which 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. This card can be ordered online, printed out before your trip, or purchased at the airport from KVB or DB ticket machines.

The train is a convenient and affordable way to travel from Cologne Bonn Airport to Cologne Cathedral, offering a quick and easy connection to the city centre.

Cologne Bonn Airport to Cologne by taxi

Cologne Bonn Airport is conveniently located just 9.2-9.6 miles (14.8-15.5 km) from the heart of Cologne. Taking a taxi is a great option if you're looking for a balance between affordability and comfort when travelling from the airport to the city centre.

Taxi Services

There are several taxi services available at Cologne Bonn Airport, including Airporttaxis.com, which offers fixed prices with no hidden fees, and SIXT, which allows you to book a taxi through their app. You can also find official airport taxis waiting outside the terminal 24/7.

Advantages of Taking a Taxi

Taking a taxi from the airport to Cologne offers several benefits:

• It is more affordable than an airport transfer while still providing a comfortable journey.
• You can easily arrange for a taxi to pick you up by booking through an app or finding one at the designated taxi stands outside the terminal.
• The journey is relatively quick, taking approximately 15 minutes to reach the city centre.
• Taxis can accommodate your luggage, making it a convenient option if you have multiple bags.
• You don't need to worry about navigating public transport or waiting for the next train or bus.
• Taxi drivers can drop you off directly at your hotel or accommodation in the city centre.

Taxi Fares

The cost of a taxi from Cologne Bonn Airport to the city centre typically ranges from €27 to €45. However, the exact fare may vary depending on factors such as traffic conditions and your specific destination within Cologne.

Booking in Advance

While you can usually find taxis available at the airport, it is also an option to book your taxi ride in advance through websites like monTransport.com. This can be especially useful during peak travel times or when major events are taking place in the city, as it minimizes waiting time at the airport.

Cologne Bonn Airport to Cologne by private transfer

If you're looking for a private transfer from Cologne Bonn Airport to Cologne, there are a few options available to you. These include:

Airport Transfer

The most convenient way to get to the city centre is via airport transfer. This option provides a luxurious experience, including perks such as flight tracking, complimentary waiting time, and transparent pricing. The cost of an airport transfer is typically higher than other options, but it offers a stress-free and comfortable ride.

Taxi

A taxi ride from the airport to the city centre is a more affordable option, with fares ranging from €30-€45. You can book a taxi in advance using apps like SIXT, or find one waiting outside the terminal upon arrival.

Private Door-to-Door Transfer

You can also book a private, door-to-door transfer from the airport to your accommodation in Cologne. This option offers a professional driver who will be waiting for you at the airport, and it can be booked in advance.

Car Rental

If you prefer the freedom of driving yourself, you can rent a car from companies like Sixt, Europcar, or Hertz, which have offices at Terminal 2 Arrivals.

The distance from Cologne Bonn Airport to the city centre is approximately 15 kilometres, and the journey time is around 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Cologne to Cologne Cathedral by bus

Bus Line 161

The Cologne Bonn Airport is located about 14km southeast of Cologne. To get to the Cologne Cathedral, you can take the bus line 161 from the airport to the Porz Markt train station. This bus runs every 30 to 60 minutes from 4:18 am to 11:48 pm and takes about 15 minutes to reach the train station. From Porz Markt, you will need to take another bus or train to reach the Cologne Cathedral. The cost of a one-way ticket for this bus is €3.

Köln Waidmarkt to Köln Breslauer Platz/Hbf

There is also a direct bus service from Köln Waidmarkt to Köln Breslauer Platz/Hbf, which takes approximately 10 minutes. This bus departs every 15 minutes and is operated by KVB Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe AG.

KölnCard

If you plan to use public transportation in Cologne extensively, consider purchasing a KölnCard. This card gives you access to all public transport within the city for a fixed period of 24 or 48 hours and offers discounts on attractions, museums, tours, and restaurants. You can buy the KölnCard online, at the airport from KVB or DB ticket machines, or at the tourism office in the city centre. With the KölnCard, you can ride the bus for free.

Cologne to Cologne Cathedral on foot

To get from Cologne Airport to the Cologne Cathedral on foot, you would first need to get to the city centre, as the cathedral is located in the heart of the city. The distance from the airport to the city centre is around 9.3-9.6 miles (15-15.5 km), so walking this distance is likely not a feasible option.

However, if you are already in the city centre and wish to walk to the cathedral, it is a much shorter distance. The Cologne Cathedral is located about 5,050 feet (approximately 1 mile) from the city centre, and it takes about 4 minutes to walk from the centre to the cathedral.

The Cologne Cathedral is easily accessible on foot, and there are also several other transportation options available if needed, such as the S19 train, bus line 161, or a taxi. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well worth a visit, with its stunning Gothic architecture, intricate stained glass windows, and rich history.

Frequently asked questions