Katrina Rosales
QKL is the IATA code for Köln Hauptbahnhof, the central railway station in Cologne, Germany. The station is an important transport hub, with around 280,000 travellers passing through each day. When booking travel to Cologne, you may see QKL used to refer to the train station, while CGN refers to Cologne/Bonn Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is QKL? | QKL is the central railway station in Cologne, also known as Köln Hauptbahnhof or Köln Hbf. |
| IATA code | QKL |
| Address | Trankgasse 11, 50667 Köln, Germany |
| Phone number | +49 221 1411055 |
| Nearest train station | Köln Hbf |
| Nearest bus stops | Köln Dom/Hbf, Köln Breslauer Platz/Hbf, Köln Hbf |
| Closest airports | Koln Bonn (CGN), Hauptbahnhof (BNJ), Dusseldorf Hauptbahnhof (QDU), Dusseldorf (DUS), Monchengladbach (MGL), Essen Mulheim (ESS), Flugplatz Merzbrueck (AAH), Bochum Railway (EBO), Geilenkirchen (GKE), Dortmund (DTM) |
| Travel connections | Frequent connections to Frankfurt by way of the Cologne–Frankfurt high-speed rail line. Connections to the local Cologne network Stadtbahn are made by two subterranean stations, Dom/Hbf and Breslauer Platz/Hbf. |
| Daily passengers | 280,000 |
What You'll Learn
Cologne HBF and Cologne HBF QKL are the same location
Yes, Cologne HBF and Cologne HBF QKL are the same location. Cologne Hauptbahnhof (HBF) is the central railway station of Cologne, Germany. The IATA code for the station is QKL.
When booking travel, you may see "QKL" on your ticket or itinerary. This designation is a "virtual" airport at the train station, which is used for "flight legs" that are actually operated as trains. This allows travel agents and booking systems that don't recognize train journeys to still issue tickets for these trips.
If you are "flying" from QKL, it means you are taking a high-speed ICE train from Cologne to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and flying from there.
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QKL is a virtual airport at the train station
When booking flights, you may come across QKL as a destination or origin. This indicates that your journey involves a "pseudo flight leg" that is actually operated by train. For example, if you book a flight to QKL, you will be taking a high-speed train from Cologne Central Station to Frankfurt Airport, from where your flight will depart. This system allows travel agents and booking platforms that are not equipped to handle train journeys to still offer tickets for these combined train-flight itineraries.
QKL is considered a virtual airport because it is a train station that is assigned an IATA code, typically used for airports. This coding system helps standardise and streamline travel bookings, particularly for itineraries that involve multiple modes of transportation. By using the QKL code, travel agents and booking systems can issue tickets for journeys that include both flights and train rides, even if they lack specialised knowledge about trains.
The use of QKL as a virtual airport at Cologne Central Station provides convenience and flexibility for travellers. It enables seamless connections between train and air travel, ensuring that delays affecting one mode of transport are handled appropriately in the context of the overall journey. This integration of train and flight networks expands travel options and can even offer cost savings for certain itineraries.
In summary, QKL is a virtual airport representing Cologne Central Station, facilitating the booking of combined train-flight journeys to and from Frankfurt Airport. This coding system enhances travel options and convenience for those travelling through Cologne.
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QKL is the IATA code for Cologne Hauptbahnhof
The IATA code for Cologne Hauptbahnhof is QKL because the station is considered a "virtual" airport, used for "pseudo 'flight legs'' that are actually operated by trains. This means that travel agents and booking systems that don't recognise trains can still issue tickets for journeys involving rail travel.
Cologne Hauptbahnhof is an important transport hub, with many ICE, Eurostar, and Intercity trains stopping there, as well as regional trains. It is located next to Cologne Cathedral and is the fifth busiest station in Germany, with around 280,000 travellers passing through each day.
The station is connected to Frankfurt by the Cologne-Frankfurt high-speed rail line, and the fastest train connections between the two take just 55 minutes. Cologne Hauptbahnhof is also served by local S-Bahn trains and is integrated into the Cologne S-Bahn network.
The IATA code of QKL is specifically associated with Cologne Hauptbahnhof in the context of air travel and will appear on boarding passes or flight tickets for journeys involving the station.
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QKL is located at Trankgasse 11, 50667 Köln, Germany
QKL is the IATA code for Köln Hauptbahnhof, or Cologne Central Station. This is the central railway station of Cologne, Germany, and an important transport hub with many ICE, Eurostar, and Intercity trains calling there. The station is located at Trankgasse 11, 50667 Köln, Germany, next to the Cologne Cathedral.
The original Central Station was opened in 1859 but was quickly replaced due to capacity issues. The current station was built to the design of Georg Frentzen, an architect from Aachen, and opened in 1894. The station features a large tripartite platform hall with a roof span of 64 meters, covering platforms 2 to 7. There are also two 13-meter wide aisles for platforms 1 and 8.
Köln Hauptbahnhof is a crucial node in the European long-distance traffic network, with lines radiating in all directions. It is estimated that over 280,000 passengers use 1,200 trains daily at this station, making it the fifth busiest station in Germany.
The IATA code QKL is used to refer to this central station in the context of air travel, specifically when a train journey is included as part of a flight itinerary. This "virtual" designation allows travel agents and booking systems that don't recognize train journeys to still issue tickets for journeys involving rail travel.
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Trains, buses, and light rail are available to QKL
Cologne Central Station, or Köln Hauptbahnhof, is easily accessible by train, bus, and light rail.
Trains
Cologne Central Station is a major transport hub with connections to local, national, and international destinations. It is served by ICE, Eurostar, and Intercity trains, as well as regional services such as Regional-Express, RegionalBahn, and local S-Bahn trains. EuroNight and Nightjet night services also stop at the station.
The station offers frequent connections to Frankfurt via the Cologne-Frankfurt high-speed rail line. It is also connected to the Köln Messe/Deutz station across the River Rhine, which is used by some ICE services.
Buses
Cologne Central Station is a bustling station with various amenities, including a market hall with shops and eateries on the ground floor. It is well-equipped to handle a large number of travellers and is known for its efficient connections.
Light Rail
Cologne Central Station is served by local tram rail lines 5, 16, and 18, providing convenient transport options within the city.
Getting to Cologne Central Station from Cologne Bonn Airport
There are several options for travelling between Cologne Bonn Airport and Cologne Central Station, including airport transfers, taxis, car-sharing, and trains. The train option involves taking the S19 train, which offers a quick and cost-effective journey, connecting the airport and the central station in approximately 19 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, QKL is the IATA code for Köln Haubtbahnhof, or Cologne Central Station.
Cologne Central Station is located at Trankgasse 11, 50667 Köln, Germany.
Cologne Central Station is easily accessible by bus, train, or light rail. The closest bus stops are Köln Dom/Hbf, Köln Breslauer Platz/Hbf, and Köln Hbf, all within a four-minute walk. The closest train station is Köln Hbf, just a three-minute walk away.
