Travel Guide: Cologne To Aachen, Germany

There are several ways to get from Cologne to Aachen, Germany. The best way to get from Cologne to Aachen without a car is by train, which takes on average 44-53 minutes and costs $5-70. There are 52-58 trains per day travelling from Cologne to Aachen and tickets for this journey start from $5.26 when you book in advance. The first train from Cologne to Aachen leaves at 00:20 and the last train leaves at 23:53. The fastest way to get from Cologne to Aachen is by taxi, which takes 43 minutes and costs $170-$230.

Travel by train

The train is a great way to get from Cologne to Aachen, with up to 58 trains making the journey each day. The first train of the day leaves Cologne at 00:15 during the week and at 05:51 on weekends, and the last train leaves at 23:53. The journey takes around 47 minutes on average, with the fastest services taking as little as 30 minutes.

You can expect to pay around $20 for a one-way ticket, but prices can vary depending on the time of day and class. Tickets for children under 4 are free, and children under 14 travel free with an adult. You can buy tickets online, or at the station from a ticket office or machine. The ticket machines offer guidance in six languages: German, English, Dutch, French, Italian and Turkish.

There are direct trains from Cologne to Aachen, so you can sit back and relax for the duration of the journey. The train operators on this route are Eurostar, Thalys and ICE, and all offer modern comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage.

If you're travelling with a suitcase, be aware that storage space can be limited on German trains, and you may need to put your case on a seat. Also, note that German trains do not have air conditioning, and there is no WiFi. Information is provided in German only, so you may need to ask a fellow passenger for help.

Travel by bus

Taking the bus is a convenient and affordable option for traveling between Cologne and Aachen. The journey by bus offers a comfortable and scenic experience, with a variety of operators providing regular services. The trip takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the specific route taken. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate your bus journey from Cologne to Aachen:

Firstly, you'll want to head to Cologne's main bus station, the "Zob Köln," located near the Cologne Cathedral and the central train station ("Köln Hbf"). This bus station serves as a central hub for regional and long-distance bus services. To get there, you can take a short walk from the city center or use public transport. From the train station, you can easily access the bus station by following signs or asking for directions.

Once at the bus station, you'll find a range of bus platforms serving different routes. Look for the platform that serves the Aachen route. Major bus companies like FlixBus and RegioJet usually operate this route. You can buy tickets online in advance or directly from the driver, depending on the company. It is always a good idea to check their websites for schedules and any possible discounts or promotions.

As you board the bus, make sure to have your ticket ready for inspection. You can then find a comfortable seat and prepare for the journey. The buses are generally modern and well-equipped, offering amenities such as air conditioning, comfortable seating, and sometimes even Wi-Fi and power outlets. You can also bring your own entertainment, such as a book or music, to make the trip more enjoyable.

The bus journey takes you through the picturesque German countryside, offering glimpses of charming towns, lush forests, and rolling hills. You'll travel along the A4 highway, passing through towns such as Düren and Eschweiler along the way. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the famous Aachen Cathedral as you approach the city. The bus will make a few stops along the route, usually at designated rest stops or gas stations, allowing passengers to stretch their legs, use the restroom, and grab a quick snack.

Finally, the bus will arrive at the main bus station in Aachen, the "Aachen Bushof," located in the city center. From here, you can easily walk to many of Aachen's main attractions, including the historic old town, the cathedral, and the famous thermal springs. The bus station also offers connections to other forms of public transport, such as buses and trams, making it easy to navigate the city and continue your exploration of Aachen.

Travel by car

The road distance from Cologne to Aachen is approximately 46 miles (74 km) and the drive should take around 43 minutes.

To get from Cologne to Aachen by car, you can simply use a route planner or GPS device to guide you along the way. The route is fairly straightforward, and you will be travelling in a generally south-westerly direction.

From Cologne, you will first want to get on the B55, heading towards the south-west and following signs for Aachen/A57. After around 10 minutes, you will merge onto the A57 motorway, also known as the Europastraße, heading towards Aachen and Belgium. You will stay on this road for most of your journey, passing through the towns of Frechen, Kerpen, and Zülpich.

After around 35 minutes, you will come to a large roundabout, where you will take the second exit to merge onto the A44 motorway towards Aachen. You will now be very close to your destination, with only around 10 minutes left of your journey. Continue on the A44, passing through Würselen, until you reach the exit for Aachen. Take the exit and follow signs to reach your specific destination within the city.

Alternative Transport Options

If you don't want to drive, there are several other ways to get from Cologne to Aachen, including by train, bus, rideshare, or taxi.

The train is a particularly fast and efficient option, with the journey taking around 50 minutes from Cologne Hauptbahnhof to Aachen Hauptbahnhof. There are also bus services connecting the two cities, which are a cheaper option, although they take a little longer and arrive at stations on the outskirts of Cologne.

Travel by taxi

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to get from Cologne to Aachen, travelling by taxi is a great option. The distance between the two cities is approximately 46 miles (74 km) by road, and the journey should take around 43 minutes.

Taking a taxi gives you the flexibility to tailor your trip and make any detours you wish. You can also choose the type and size of vehicle to ensure you have a comfortable journey. It is a good idea to follow your route on a GPS navigator like Google Maps to stay on track.

The cost of a taxi from Cologne to Aachen can vary, but you can expect to pay around $170-$210, or €190-€230. This makes it a more expensive option compared to travelling by train or bus, but it offers a more personalised and convenient journey.

To book a taxi, you can contact local taxi companies or use ride-hailing apps if available in the region. Enjoy your trip!

Travel by rideshare

When considering travel between Cologne and Aachen, one convenient and often cost-effective option is to utilize ridesharing. This can be an excellent choice, especially if you are flexible with your travel times and enjoy the company of fellow passengers. Here's a guide to help you navigate this option:

Finding a Rideshare:

To find a rideshare opportunity between Cologne and Aachen, you can utilize popular German ridesharing websites and apps. BlaBlaCar is the most well-known and trusted option, with a wide network of drivers and passengers across Germany. You can sign up for an account and then search for rides between your chosen cities. The website and app will provide you with a list of drivers offering rides, along with details such as their departure and arrival times, the number of seats available, and the cost per passenger. It's a good idea to book your ride in advance, especially for popular routes and during peak travel times.

Costs and Benefits:

Ridesharing can offer significant cost savings compared to other travel options, as you are contributing to the fuel costs and road tolls of the driver. The BlaBlaCar website and app will show you the price per passenger for each ride, and you can filter your search based on your budget and preferences. Sometimes, drivers may also offer a small discount if you book a seat for a last-minute trip. Another benefit of ridesharing is the social aspect, as you get to meet and interact with locals and fellow travelers. This can provide a unique perspective on the region and often leads to interesting conversations and connections.

Important Considerations:

When traveling by rideshare, it's essential to be flexible and understand that plans can sometimes change. For example, a driver may need to cancel a trip due to unforeseen circumstances, or there might be slight delays along the route. It's always a good idea to have a backup plan and allow for some flexibility in your schedule. Additionally, ridesharing trips may involve multiple pickups and drop-offs, so the total travel time can sometimes be longer than other transport methods.

Making the Trip:

On the day of your trip, ensure you have all the necessary details, including the meeting point, the driver's contact information, and any specific instructions they may have provided. Be punctual and respectful of the driver's time and other passengers. During the trip, you can enjoy the scenery, chat with your fellow travelers, or simply relax. The journey from Cologne to Aachen offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, providing a pleasant and visually appealing experience.

Frequently asked questions