Travel Guide: Weeze Airport To Cologne

There are several ways to get from Düsseldorf Weeze Airport to Cologne, including by train, bus, car, or town car. The fastest way to get to Cologne is by car, which takes around 1 hour and costs between $19 and $28. Alternatively, you can take a bus or a train, both of which take around 2 hours.

Travel by bus

Travelling by bus from Düsseldorf Weeze Airport to Cologne is a straightforward process, although it may involve a couple of changes. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: From the Airport to Weeze/Kevelaer Station

Firstly, you need to get from the airport to either Weeze or Kevelaer Station. You can do this by taking a shuttle bus service. These shuttle buses are usually operated by Verhuven and run between the airport and the stations. Remember that these buses are typically on-demand services, so make sure to call in advance to book your place.

Step 2: From Weeze/Kevelaer Station to Cologne

Once you arrive at Weeze or Kevelaer Station, you will need to take a train to reach Cologne. Direct regional trains connect these stations to Cologne, with a total travel time of around 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Tickets and Fares

When travelling by train, you have the option to purchase the "SchönerTagTicket 5 Personen NRW." This ticket costs €27 and is valid for one day for 2-5 people. It covers all local public transport in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia but is only valid after 9 am on weekdays.

Alternative Options

It is worth noting that the direct bus services between Düsseldorf Weeze Airport and Cologne have been suspended. As a result, the train is currently the best and often the only public transportation option. However, if you are open to other modes of transport, here are some alternatives:

• Private Shuttle Services: Private shuttle services are available from the airport, but they are limited and tend to be more expensive. It is recommended to compare prices and reserve well in advance.
• Driving: If you have access to a car, driving is the cheapest and fastest way to get from the airport to Cologne, with a distance of around 72 miles and a travel time of approximately 1 hour and 9 minutes.

Travel by train

The train is a convenient and affordable way to travel from Düsseldorf Weeze Airport to Cologne. The total journey time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, and you can expect to pay around €20-€30 for a one-way trip. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make the journey by train:

Step 1: From the Airport to Weeze Station

When you arrive at Düsseldorf Weeze Airport, you need to make your way to Weeze train station. The airport is quite small, so it is easy to navigate. Simply follow the signs to the airport exit and then turn left. You will see a bus stop directly outside the terminal. Take the Airport Shuttle Bus, which runs every 30 minutes and costs €6 for a single trip. It takes around 15 minutes to reach Weeze train station.

Step 2: From Weeze to Düsseldorf Central Station

At Weeze train station, you can buy your ticket to Cologne at the counter or from a ticket machine. Look for regional trains (RB) operated by Abellio Rail NRW that go directly to Düsseldorf Central Station (Düsseldorf Hbf). These trains depart twice per hour and the journey takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Step 3: From Düsseldorf to Cologne

Once you arrive at Düsseldorf Central Station, you will need to change platforms to catch your train to Cologne. There are several trains per hour departing for Cologne, operated by Deutsche Bahn. You can use the electronic boards to find the correct platform for your train. The journey from Düsseldorf to Cologne takes around 30 minutes on regional trains (RB) or slightly less on InterCity (IC) or EuroCity (EC) trains.

Step 4: Arriving in Cologne

Depending on your final destination in Cologne, you may arrive at either Cologne Central Station (Köln Hbf) or Cologne Messe/Deutz Station (Köln Messe/Deutz). Both stations are located in the city center and offer excellent connections to the rest of the city. From here, you can continue your journey by public transport, taxi, or on foot.

Remember to buy tickets before boarding trains and validate them if necessary. Also, keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings, especially at busy stations like Düsseldorf and Cologne.

Travel by car

The driving distance between Düsseldorf Weeze Airport and Cologne is around 72 to 74 miles. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 9 minutes, although this will depend on traffic conditions.

To get from Düsseldorf Weeze Airport to Cologne by car, you can follow these directions:

• Exit the airport and join the B9 towards the north.
• After around 1.5 miles, turn left onto the L464, following signs for the A57 towards Goch/Nimwegen.
• After 2.5 miles, merge onto the A57 motorway, heading towards Goch/Nimwegen.
• Continue on the A57 for around 14 miles, then take the exit towards Krefeld, merging onto the B9 towards Duisburg/Krefeld.
• After 2.3 miles, turn right onto the B284, following signs for Viersen/Krefeld-Uerdingen.
• Continue on the B284 for 2.5 miles, then turn left to merge onto the A59 towards Düsseldorf/Köln (Cologne).
• Stay on the A59 for around 22 miles, then take the exit towards Köln-Niehl/Niehl towards the B9.
• After 1.2 miles, turn left onto the B9, following signs for Köln-Niehl/Niehl/Rheinpark/Zoo.
• Continue on the B9 for 2.5 miles, then turn right onto Rheinallee.
• After 0.4 miles, turn left to stay on Rheinallee.
• Continue straight onto Charles-de-Gaulle-Straße, then turn right onto Gustav-Heinemann-Ufer.
• After 0.4 miles, turn left onto the B55, following signs for Köln-Deutz/Deutz/Messe.
• Continue straight to stay on the B55 for 0.8 miles, then turn left onto Kennedybrücke.
• After 0.2 miles, continue straight onto Deutz-Kalker Straße, following signs for Köln-Innenstadt/Innenstadt.
• Continue straight, and you will arrive in central Cologne.

Please note that this is just one possible route, and there may be alternative routes or road closures that could affect your journey. It is always a good idea to check for the latest traffic updates and plan your route before starting your journey.

Travel by town car

Hiring a town car, or a private transfer, is a comfortable and convenient way to get from Düsseldorf Airport Weeze (NRN) to Cologne. This option is ideal if you want a stress-free journey, are travelling with a group, or have a lot of luggage.

Booking Your Car

You can book a private transfer online before your journey. Many companies offer this service, and you can easily compare prices and book through a travel website. When booking, you will need to provide your flight details and the number of passengers travelling. You will also be able to request child seats if needed. It is recommended to book in advance to ensure availability and to provide a smooth arrival process.

Meeting Your Driver

Upon arrival at Weeze Airport, you will be greeted by your driver. Most companies will have a meet-and-greet service, where the driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall, usually holding a sign with your name on it. They will help you with your luggage and escort you to the car.

The Journey

The journey from Weeze Airport to Cologne is a direct route, covering approximately 90 kilometres. The drive typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. You will be able to relax and enjoy the scenery as you leave the airport and make your way through the German countryside towards Cologne. If you wish to stretch your legs or make a brief stop along the way, you can request a short coffee break with your driver.

Costs and Benefits

The cost of hiring a town car will vary depending on the company and the type of vehicle you choose. It is generally a more expensive option compared to using public transport, but it can be quite reasonable when split between a group. This option provides a comfortable, private, and stress-free journey, allowing you to avoid the potential complexities of navigating public transport with luggage. You will also benefit from a direct door-to-door transfer, as you will be dropped off at your preferred location in Cologne.

Travel by shuttle bus

Shuttle buses are a direct and affordable way to travel from Düsseldorf Weeze Airport to Cologne. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and costs €18.

Booking and Tickets

You can book a shuttle bus online or by phone. Suntransfers offers online quotations for pre-booked transfers without requiring personal details or flight numbers in advance. It is recommended that you compare prices and reserve your shuttle in advance, as services are limited.

Boarding Points and Stops

Shuttle buses depart directly from outside the airport terminal building.

The shuttle bus to Cologne may stop in Düsseldorf and Duisburg en route to your destination.

Luggage

Shuttle buses allow you to bring as much luggage as you need without making a reservation. However, it is your responsibility to load and unload your luggage and to ensure it is stored securely.

Travel Times

The shuttle bus service between Düsseldorf Weeze Airport and Cologne is limited, with only one bus per day. The bus usually departs the airport shortly before midnight and arrives in Cologne around 2 hours later.

Alternatives

If the shuttle bus schedule does not align with your travel plans, you may consider taking a train or a private transfer. Trains are the only public transportation option with frequent departures, but they require a transfer at either Weeze or Kevelaer Station. Private transfers, such as those offered by Suntransfers, provide door-to-door service and can be booked in advance.

Frequently asked questions