Travel Guide: India To Cologne, Germany

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is a popular destination for travellers due to its rich history, vibrant culture, and convenient transport connections. With a distance of over 3800 miles between Cologne and India, the fastest way to travel between the two locations is by a combination of train and air travel, which takes approximately 12 hours. This mode of transportation also tends to be the most expensive option, with prices ranging from $280 to $550. Alternatively, travellers can opt for a solely aerial route, which is the cheapest option, costing between $170 and $360. This option, however, will take slightly longer, with an estimated travel time of 12 hours and 25 minutes.

Travel by plane from Delhi to Cologne

Flights

There are no direct flights from Delhi Airport to Cologne Bonn Airport. All flights include at least one stopover. The quickest one-stop flight takes 11 hours and 5 minutes.

The following airlines operate flights between the two destinations:

• Lufthansa
• Turkish Airlines
• Swiss
• Air India
• Vistara
• Emirates
• Air France
• British Airways
• EgyptAir
• Thai Airways
• ITA Airways
• Air Arabia
• Air Baltic
• Cathay Pacific
• KLM Royal Dutch
• Singapore Airlines
• Scandinavian Airlines
• Ethiopian Airlines
• Qatar Airways
• Etihad Airways
• Gulf Air
• And many more.

Airports

The flight will depart from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi and arrive at Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN).

Tickets

Ticket prices vary depending on the airline, the number of stopovers, and the time of departure. The cheapest tickets cost around ₹27,897, whereas the most expensive can go up to ₹1,20,377.

Travel by plane and train from Delhi to Cologne

Option 1:

• Board a flight from Delhi Airport (DEL) to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN).
• Upon arrival at Cologne Bonn Airport, you can take a train to Köln Hauptbahnhof, the main train station in Cologne.

Option 2:

• Fly from Delhi (DEL) to Dusseldorf Airport (DUS).
• From Dusseldorf Airport, take a train to Duesseldorf Flughafen.
• At Duesseldorf Flughafen, board a train to Koeln Hbf, which is the central train station in Cologne.

Option 3:

• Take a flight from Delhi (DEL) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA).
• From Frankfurt Airport, you can take a train to Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Fernbf.
• Then, take another train from Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Fernbf to Koeln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12 in Cologne.

Option 4:

• Fly from Delhi (DEL) to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS).
• At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, take a train to Utrecht Centraal.
• From Utrecht Centraal, you can take another train to Koeln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12 in Cologne.

Option 5:

• Fly from Delhi (DEL) to Paderborn (PAD).
• From Paderborn, take a train to Paderborn Hbf.
• Then, take a train from Paderborn Hbf to Hamm.
• Finally, from Hamm, take a train to Köln Hbf in Cologne.

Please note that the above options are just a selection of possible routes. There may be other flight connections and train routes available, and the specific steps may vary depending on the chosen airlines and train operators. Additionally, the travel time and costs may differ based on factors such as layovers, departure times, and your choice of transport within the city.

Travel by plane from Mumbai to Cologne

To travel by plane from Mumbai to Cologne, you can book flights with the following airlines:

• Lufthansa
• Air India
• Austrian Airlines
• British Airways
• Cathay Pacific
• Emirates
• Etihad Airways
• Eurowings
• Air France
• KLM Royal Dutch
• LOT Polish Airlines
• Malaysia Airlines
• Oman Air
• Qantas Airways
• Qatar Airways
• Singapore Airlines
• Swiss
• Turkish Airlines
• Air France
• KLM Royal Dutch
• LOT Polish Airlines
• Malaysia Airlines
• Oman Air
• Qantas Airways
• Swiss
• Turkish Airlines
• Austrian Airlines
• British Airways
• Cathay Pacific
• Emirates
• Etihad Airways
• Eurowings
• Air India

The cheapest flights are available from €501 or ₹40,350. The duration of the flight is between 11 hours and 12 hours, with one or two stopovers. The distance between the two cities is 3,883 to 4,270 miles.

When travelling by plane, it is important to be aware of any restrictions or guidelines, particularly regarding luggage. For example, there are often strict rules about carrying liquids, such as perfume or cologne, in hand luggage. It is also worth noting that some airlines offer additional perks, such as excellent culinary experiences or in-flight entertainment, which can enhance your journey.

Travel by plane and train from Mumbai to Cologne

Option 1: Plane

• Book a flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) with a stopover. Airlines that operate on this route include Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Etihad Airways, among others.
• The flight time from Mumbai to Cologne is approximately 11 hours.

Option 2: Plane and Train

• Take a train from Mumbai Central (BCT) to Delhi Junction Railway Station (DLI).
• From there, take a train to the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi.
• Board a flight from Delhi to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) with a stopover. Airlines that operate on this route include Lufthansa, Swiss, and Turkish Airlines, among others.
• The total travel time for this option is approximately 13 hours.

When travelling by plane, please note any baggage restrictions and ensure you have the necessary travel documentation.

Travel by plane to Frankfurt and then by train to Cologne

Step 1: Book a Flight to Frankfurt

Firstly, you will need to book a flight from India to Frankfurt. There are no direct flights from India to Frankfurt, so you will need to choose a flight with one or more stopovers. The flight time will depend on the number of stopovers and their duration, but you can expect the journey to take at least 11 hours.

Step 2: Arrive at the Airport in Frankfurt

Upon arrival at Frankfurt Airport, make your way through immigration and customs. Then, collect your luggage and proceed to the airport's transport hub.

Step 3: Travel to Frankfurt Central Station or Frankfurt Airport Long-Distance Station

From Frankfurt Airport, you have two options for travelling to Cologne: you can either take a train from Frankfurt Central Station or from the Frankfurt Airport Long-Distance Station. Both stations are easily accessible from the airport.

Step 4: Purchase a Train Ticket

Before boarding the train, you will need to purchase a ticket. You can buy your ticket online in advance or at the railway station. The cost of a train ticket from Frankfurt to Cologne varies depending on the type of train and the time of day you travel. Tickets typically range from $25 to $88 for a one-way trip.

Step 5: Board the Train to Cologne

At the station, look for the platform from which your train will depart. There are up to three Intercity Express (ICE) trains available every hour, which are high-speed trains reaching speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour. The journey from Frankfurt to Cologne takes just over an hour, and the train will bring you directly into the heart of Cologne, with Cologne Cathedral as the first sight to greet you upon your arrival.

Additional Tips:

• Booking your train ticket in advance can help you secure cheaper fares.
• If you are travelling on a tight budget, consider taking the bus from Frankfurt to Cologne, which is the cheapest option, with tickets as low as $9. However, the journey will take about an hour longer than the train.
• If you prefer more flexibility and want to explore the German countryside, you can also rent a car at Frankfurt Airport and drive to Cologne. The drive will take approximately 2 hours via the Autobahn A3, which is the fastest route.

Frequently asked questions