Finding The Cologne Zoo: A Travel Guide

Cologne Zoo, also known as Kölner Zoo, is located in the heart of Cologne. It is the third oldest zoo in Germany, founded in 1860, and has since expanded to include an aquarium, a large ape house, and a special enclosure for tropical animals. The zoo is accessible by car, train, and public transport.

By car, the zoo can be reached via the address Riehlerstrasse 173, 50735 Cologne. There is limited parking available under the Zoobrücke (zoo bridge over the Rhine) and in the zoo car park.

By train, the ICE International train from Amsterdam Central Station to Cologne Hauptbahnhof takes approximately 2.5 hours. From Cologne Hauptbahnhof, it is a 15-minute journey by underground line 18 to the zoo.

By public transport, the KVB Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe AG operates a tram service from Köln Neumarkt to Köln Riehl Zoo/Flora, which takes around 10 minutes and costs $2-3.

By tram: Line 18 from Köln Neumarkt to Riehl Zoo/Flora

If you're travelling from Köln Neumarkt, the best way to get to Cologne Zoo is by tram. The tram is cheap, quick, and easy. Line 18 will take you from Köln Neumarkt to Riehl Zoo/Flora, which is very close to the zoo. The tram takes around 10 minutes and runs every 10 minutes, so you won't be waiting long.

The tram is a great option for those travelling without a car, and it's also a good choice for families, as children under 3 travel for free.

You can buy tickets online or at the station. If you're planning on using public transport a lot during your trip, it might be worth looking into getting a travel card.

By taxi: A 2.5-mile journey from the city centre

If you're in the city centre and want to get to Cologne Zoo by taxi, you'll be looking at a journey of around 2.5 miles. The zoo is located in Riehl, a northern district of the city, and the trip from the centre should take about 5 minutes.

Cologne Zoo is also easily accessible by public transport. You can take the underground line 18 from the main train station, or the bus route 140 from Ebertplatz. The closest stop is Zoo/Flora.

On foot: A 2.3-mile walk from the city centre

If you're happy to walk, the Cologne Zoo is a pleasant 2.3-mile walk from the city centre. Head towards the river and walk along the Rhine towards the zoo, which should take around 30 minutes. The route takes you past the Botanical Gardens and the Sculpture Park, so you can take in some extra sights on the way.

If you don't fancy the walk back, there is a train that goes back and forth between the zoo and the city centre.

By train: ICE International from Amsterdam to Cologne Hbf, then the U-Bahn

To get to Cologne Zoo from Amsterdam by train, you can take the ICE International train from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Cologne Hauptbahnhof. This journey will take around 2 hours and 38 minutes. The earlier you book, the cheaper your ticket will be, with prices starting at €20 for a one-way trip.

From Cologne Hauptbahnhof, you can take the U-Bahn (line 18) to the zoo. This journey will take around 15 minutes, and the U-Bahn stop is located right outside the zoo gates.

Overall, this is a comfortable and direct way to travel, making it easy to take children with you on the train.

By car: Parkhaus am Zoo offers parking across the street

If you are driving to Cologne Zoo, parking is available at Parkhaus am Zoo, located across the street from the zoo. The parking spots are quite tight, and there are no lifts, so it may not be the most convenient option if you have children in prams or strollers. Also, note that you cannot pay by card, so bring cash.

If you get your parking ticket stamped at the main exit of the zoo, the price of a full-day ticket will be reduced to €4.

Frequently asked questions