Cologne, Germany: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is the international airport of Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city. It is located about 13.14 km from downtown Cologne and 16 km from the city centre. The airport is one of the few 24-hour airports in the country and is the seventh-busiest airport in Germany, serving approximately 9 to 12.4 million passengers annually.

Cologne Bonn Airport's location and transport links

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is the international airport serving the cities of Cologne and Bonn. It is located in the district of Porz, about 12-15 kilometres southeast of Cologne and 16 kilometres northeast of Bonn. The airport is surrounded by Wahner Heide, a nature reserve.

Transport Links

Cologne Bonn Airport is accessible by train, bus, car, and taxi. The airport has its own train station, which is served by local and regional trains. Trains to Cologne run 24/7, with the journey taking around 15 minutes. The S-Bahn line S19, as well as regional train lines RE6, RB27, and RE8, connect the airport to the Cologne Main Station. Tickets for the S-Bahn cost €3.50 for adults and €1.80 for children, and trains depart every 20 minutes during the week and every 30 minutes on weekends and public holidays.

Local bus lines also connect the airport to Cologne (route 161) and Bonn (route SB60). Bus line 161 departs every 30-60 minutes, with a travel time of 15 minutes and a ticket price of €3. Bus line SB60 has a travel time of 30 minutes and a ticket price of around €3.60. Buses depart every 30 minutes during the week and every 30-60 minutes on weekends and public holidays.

The airport also has its own exit on motorway A59, which provides easy access to the city centres of Cologne and Bonn, as well as the Ruhrgebiet region. Taxis are available outside the terminal, with an average fare to Cologne of around €27 and to Bonn of around €40.

The airport's history

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is the international airport of Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, and also serves Bonn, the former capital of West Germany. The airport is located in the district of Porz and is surrounded by Wahner Heide, a nature reserve.

In 1938, the first airfield was built on the site for the German Luftwaffe. After World War II, the British military took over and expanded the airport, renaming it RAF Wahn (B-119) and building an 1,866-metre runway. In 1950, the airport was opened for civilian air traffic to serve both Cologne and West Germany's new capital, Bonn, replacing the former Cologne Butzweilerhof Airport. The first scheduled international route was London-Cologne/Bonn-Berlin, operated by BEA and inaugurated on 1 January 1951.

A new passenger terminal, which still exists today as Terminal 1, was inaugurated in 1970. The airport's passenger and cargo facilities were significantly expanded during the 1970s. In 1978, the airport handled more than 2 million passengers for the first time.

In the 1990s, the airport underwent another major expansion programme, including the construction of several new parking lots, a new control tower, and a second terminal. In 2004, a new long-distance railway station was opened, connecting the airport with InterCityExpress trains.

Today, Cologne Bonn Airport is one of Germany's few 24-hour airports and is a hub for several airlines, including Eurowings, FedEx Express, and UPS Airlines. It is also a host to a training centre for the German (DLR) and European (EAC) astronaut programmes, part of the European Space Agency.

Airlines and destinations

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is an international airport located 12 km southeast of Cologne, Germany. It is the seventh-busiest airport in Germany, handling about 9-12.4 million passengers annually. The airport has two passenger terminals located next to each other and three runways. It is a hub for Eurowings, FedEx Express, and UPS Airlines, and a focus city for several leisure and low-cost airlines.

Cologne Bonn Airport offers flights to a variety of destinations across Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, and the Caribbean. Some of the most popular destinations include:

• London-Heathrow, UK
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Vienna, Austria
• Berlin, Germany
• Munich, Germany
• Hamburg, Germany
• Palma de Mallorca, Spain
• Antalya, Turkey
• Hurghada, Egypt
• Dubai, UAE
• New York, USA

The airport is served by over 20 airlines, providing connections to more than 100 destinations worldwide. Some of the airlines operating at Cologne Bonn Airport include:

• Eurowings
• Ryanair
• Lufthansa
• Pegasus
• Turkish Airlines
• Wizz Air
• Austrian Airlines
• British Airways
• Corendon Airlines
• SunExpress

Airport facilities and amenities

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is the international airport of Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city. It is located in the district of Porz, about 12 km southeast of the city centre, and also serves Bonn, the former capital of West Germany. The airport is one of the country's few 24-hour airports and is a hub for several airlines, including Eurowings, FedEx Express, and UPS Airlines. It is also a major cargo hub, serving as a base for FedEx Express and UPS Airlines' European operations.

Cologne Bonn Airport has two main passenger terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which are situated next to each other and connected by a landside walkway. Terminal 1, built in the 1970s, features a U-shaped main building with shops, restaurants, check-in and service facilities, and a visitors deck on the roof. Piers B and C house five aircraft stands each, all equipped with jet bridges, and there is a central airside hall with additional shops, restaurants, and security-check facilities. Terminal 1 also has its own direct connection to the railway station.

Terminal 2, located north of Terminal 1, is a modern glass and steel structure with its own check-in facilities. It has eight stands with jet bridges and several bus-boarding stands. Terminal 2 also has a direct connection to the airport's railway station via its basement level and an interdenominational prayer room on the base level.

The airport offers a variety of amenities, including:

• Retail stores and duty-free shops
• Restaurants and cafes
• ATMs and currency exchange services
• Charging stations and free WiFi
• Medical and dental services
• Luggage wrapping and porter services
• Travel agencies and tour bookings
• Observation deck and airport tours

In addition to these facilities, the airport also has several lounges, including The Lounge Koeln-Bonn, which offers paid access to economy-class passengers. There are also shower facilities and business centres located throughout the airport.

Overall, Cologne Bonn Airport provides a range of facilities and amenities to ensure a seamless and comfortable travel experience for its passengers.

Hotels near the airport

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is located in the district of Porz, about 9 miles southeast of Cologne and 10 miles northeast of Bonn. The airport is surrounded by the Wahner Heide nature reserve and is one of the few 24-hour airports in Germany.

Leonardo Hotel Köln Bonn Airport

Located just 300 metres from the airport, this hotel offers a free 24-hour airport shuttle service and soundproofed rooms with internet access and air conditioning. The hotel features an onsite restaurant serving international cuisine, a well-stocked bar, and a charming beer garden. A fitness centre is also available for guests. The hotel is within easy reach of the city centre, making it a great option for both business and leisure travellers.

Moxy Cologne Bonn Airport

Situated 0.2 miles from the airport, Moxy Cologne Bonn Airport offers a fitness centre, shared lounge, a terrace, and a restaurant. The property is very clean and within walking distance of the airport. The hotel provides 24/7 customer service and modern, comfortable rooms.

Art of Comfort Haus Ingeborg

This 3-star hotel is located near the A59 motorway, just 2 kilometres from Cologne/Bonn Airport. It offers free WiFi, a daily breakfast buffet, and a peaceful terrace. Guests praise the hotel for its good service, welcoming staff, and clean rooms.

Hotel Spiegel

Conveniently located for accessing the airport and exhibition grounds, Hotel Spiegel offers modern guest rooms beside the beautiful Porzer Stadtwald conservation area. Guests can enjoy the hotel's great service, friendly staff, and delicious breakfast.

Akazienhof Hotel & Brauhaus

Akazienhof Hotel & Brauhaus is located close to the Porz district and provides free parking and affordable accommodation. The staff are friendly and helpful, and the restaurant serves delicious food. A petrol station is also conveniently located next door for snacks and drinks.

Frequently asked questions