Traveling To Cologne: Best Ways To Get There

Cologne is a city in Germany, located within the North Rhine-Westphalia region. When travelling to Cologne, the best airport to fly into is Frankfurt Airport (FRA). From there, it is possible to take a high-speed train to Cologne, with the journey taking less than an hour.

Fly into Frankfurt and take the high-speed train

If you're planning to visit Cologne, Germany, from the US, flying into Frankfurt and taking the high-speed train is a great option. This route offers a convenient and efficient way to get to Cologne, with travel times that are often faster than flying into Cologne Airport and taking a connecting flight.

Flying into Frankfurt

When booking your flight, keep in mind that Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is one of the top international airports in Germany, with many connections from the US. Lufthansa and United offer non-stop flights to Frankfurt from Dulles, and there may be bargain fares from Brussels, Amsterdam, and other nearby cities.

Taking the High-Speed Train from Frankfurt to Cologne

The high-speed train from Frankfurt Airport to Cologne is a fast and convenient option, with travel times of around 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes. The train travels at speeds of up to 185-mph 186 mph and offers a comfortable journey with amenities like air conditioning, dining cars, and power sockets.

There are around 36 trains per day, and tickets start at $17 for a standard class ticket.section. The first train usually departs Frankfurt Airport around 4:44 am, with the last train leaving around 11:24 pm.

When booking your flight, consider purchasing a Rail & Fly ticket, which allows you to take any train on the day of your arrival. This option is often cheaper and more flexible than booking a separate train ticket.

Arriving in Cologne

Upon arriving in Cologne by train, you'll find yourself at the Cologne Central Station (QKL), located in the heart of the city. From here, you can easily navigate to your accommodation or begin exploring the city's attractions, such as the Cologne Cathedral and the Old Town.

Benefits of this Travel Option

Flying into Frankfurt and taking the high-speed train to Cologne offers several advantages. Firstly, it can be more cost-effective than flying directly into Cologne, as Frankfurt often has cheaper flight options. Secondly, the high-speed train is a direct and efficient way to travel between the two cities, saving you time and providing a more scenic journey.

So, if you're planning your trip to Cologne, consider flying into Frankfurt and taking advantage of the high-speed train connection. It's a great way to start your German adventure!

Fly into Düsseldorf, Amsterdam or Cologne/Bonn

When planning a trip to Cologne, it's important to consider all your options for getting there. Flying into Düsseldorf, Amsterdam, or Cologne/Bonn are all viable choices with their own advantages. Here is some detailed information about each option to help you make an informed decision:

Flying into Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS) is a large airport located about 54 km (34 miles) from Cologne. It offers a wide range of international and domestic flights, making it a convenient option for those travelling to Cologne. From Düsseldorf, you can easily reach Cologne by train or car. The train journey takes about an hour, and there are regular connections between the two cities.

Flying into Amsterdam

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) provides another option for reaching Cologne. While it is a bit further away, located in the Netherlands, it might offer cheaper connections. There are various ways to get from Amsterdam to Cologne, including flights, trains, and buses. The Eurostar train, for example, offers a convenient connection between the two cities. Amsterdam also has a good selection of low-cost airlines serving the airport, so it could be a budget-friendly option.

Flying into Cologne/Bonn

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), also known as Konrad Adenauer Airport, is the closest airport to Cologne and a great option for those wanting a short travel time to the city. It is an international airport with direct flights to and from destinations all over the world. The airport is well-connected to the city, with a short local train ride into the centre. Eurowings, Ryanair, and Corendon are the main airlines operating at Cologne/Bonn Airport, offering affordable flights starting at €29.99.

Book a Rail & Fly ticket

If you're travelling to Cologne from the US, it's recommended that you fly into Frankfurt Airport and take the high-speed train to Cologne. This journey takes less than an hour.

To do this, you'll need to book a Rail & Fly ticket with your flight. This can be done through Lufthansa, in cooperation with Deutsche Bahn (DB). This option allows you to travel flexibly and at an attractive price from any one of more than 5,600 DB stations.

Here's how to book a Rail & Fly ticket:

• Select your Lufthansa-operated flight using the flight search function on their website.
• Choose the Rail & Fly option under "Additional services" and add it to your shopping cart.
• Retrieve your Rail & Fly train ticket before your departure. You can do this by converting the voucher codes you receive via email into a valid train ticket on the Lufthansa website. During this process, you can choose your desired train connection.

Please note that Rail & Fly can only be booked together with an international flight to or from Germany. You must also begin your train journey no later than six months after booking. Additionally, the Rail & Fly option is not available for flights operated by Delta.

If you're travelling with a wheelchair, a member of staff from the DB passenger information desk will accompany you to your train seat 30 minutes before departure.

Compare prices for flights to Frankfurt and Cologne

When comparing prices for flights to Frankfurt and Cologne, it's important to consider various factors, including the time of booking, the choice of airline, and the flexibility of travel dates. Here is a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision:

Flights to Frankfurt:

When looking for flights to Frankfurt, it's recommended to book them in advance. Last-minute bookings may result in higher prices. The cheapest time to book flights is typically between 28 and 35 days before departure for domestic flights and three to four months in advance for international flights.

Regarding specific airlines, Lufthansa offers some of the most affordable options for flights to Frankfurt. One-way flights from Cologne to Frankfurt with Lufthansa can be found for as low as $140, while round-trip flights can start from around $3,250.

Flights to Cologne:

For flights to Cologne, it's also advisable to book in advance to find better prices. However, it's worth noting that the cheapest time to book flights may vary, and occasionally, last-minute deals can be found.

Lufthansa is again a good option for affordable flights, with one-way flights from Frankfurt to Cologne starting at $254 and round-trip flights costing upwards of $3,200.

When comparing prices, it's essential to consider the overall travel experience and any additional costs. For example, the distance from Frankfurt Airport to downtown Frankfurt is about 11km, and the transfer can be made by taxi in around 30 minutes. On the other hand, Cologne Airport is about 8 miles southeast of the city centre, and a local train ride can take you there.

In conclusion, by booking in advance and considering different airlines, you can find competitive prices for both Frankfurt and Cologne. Remember to also factor in any additional transportation costs to and from the airports.

Use Google Flights to set up a reminder

Google Flights is an excellent tool for tracking prices for specific flights, routes, and dates. It is especially useful when you have a specific route or flight time in mind.

Step 1: Visit the Google Flights Website

Go to the Google Flights homepage and log in with your Gmail account. This is necessary to receive email notifications about price changes.

Step 2: Enter Your Flight Information

Start by entering your departure airport and destination as "Cologne, Germany." You can also specify other details such as the number of travellers, cabin class, and trip type (round-trip, one-way, or multi-city).

Step 3: Turn on the "Track Prices" Feature

After entering your search parameters, toggle the "Track prices" button to the "on" position. This will activate the flight tracker for your chosen route and dates.

Step 4: Customise Your Tracking Preferences

If you have flexible travel dates, you can select "Any dates" to receive notifications about price changes within a month of your preferred travel window. You can also choose to track prices for a specific flight by selecting your desired flights and then turning on the "Track prices" feature.

Step 5: Review and Manage Your Tracked Flights

To view the flights you're tracking, go to the Google Flights main page, where you'll find your existing trackers listed below the search fields. You can also access them from your Google Travel dashboard. If you've set up more than three alerts, click "View all" to see the full list.

From here, you can also turn tracking emails on or off, remove flights you no longer wish to track, and review the price history of tracked flights.

Step 6: Stay Alert for Price Change Notifications

Google Flights will send you an email notification whenever the price for your tracked flights changes significantly. You'll also be notified when the price is expected to increase soon.

It's a good idea to regularly check your tracked flights on the Google Flights website, as email alerts may not always be dependable.

Bonus Tip: Keep Tracking Prices After Booking

Even after you've booked your flight, consider keeping the trackers active. Many U.S. airlines no longer charge change or cancellation fees on eligible fares. So, if the price drops further, you can cancel and rebook to save money.

By following these steps, you can use Google Flights to stay informed about price changes for flights to Cologne and potentially find the best deals for your travel plans.

Frequently asked questions