Exploring Cologne: Understanding The Main Train Station's Name And History

Cologne Central Station, also known as Köln Hauptbahnhof, is the main train station in Cologne, Germany. Located on the Rhine River, next to the Cologne Cathedral, it is an important transport hub for local, national, and international travel. The station is easily accessible and offers various amenities, including dining options, shops, and left luggage services.

Cologne Central Station's history and location

Cologne Central Station, also known as Köln Hauptbahnhof, is the central railway station of Cologne, Germany. It is located on the left bank of the Rhine, next to the Cologne Cathedral, and is the starting point for many travellers' trips to the city. The station is an important local, national, and international transport hub, with around 280,000 travellers passing through it daily, making it the fifth busiest station in Germany.

By 1850, there were five stations in Cologne that had been built by different railway companies. However, in 1854, a controversial decision was made to locate a new rail and road bridge next to the cathedral. The original Central Station was built beginning in 1857 and was opened on 5 December 1859. It included four terminating tracks for the Rhenish Railway Company (RhE) running west, and two through tracks for the Cologne-Minden Railway Company (CME) connected to its line on the eastern side of the Rhine by the Cathedral Bridge.

The station quickly reached capacity, and serious planning for an enlarged station began after the nationalisation of the railways in Prussia in the 1880s. Construction of the new station began in 1889, and the new entrance building was designed by Aachen architect Georg Frentzen. In 1894, a large tripartite platform hall was completed, featuring a two-storey waiting room building with easy access to all platforms.

During the restructuring of the rail tracks in the Cologne area in about 1905-1911, the waiting room building was removed, and all the platforms were rebuilt as through platforms. Only the first and second-class waiting rooms in Trankgasse and Johannisstraße survived World War II and subsequent modifications and are now used as a restaurant and the Alter Wartesaal events centre.

After World War II, there was debate over whether the main station should be rebuilt on a new site. The reconstruction process was slow, and for a decade, the station included temporary structures. The old station building was demolished in 1955, and the new station hall was opened in 1957, designed by architects Schmitt and Schneider. In 1975, two additional platforms were built, and in 2000, a shopping centre was opened at the entry level, featuring 70 shops and restaurants.

Transport links and connections

Cologne Central Station, also known as Köln Hauptbahnhof, is a major transport hub with connections to local, national, and international destinations. Located on the left bank of the Rhine River, it is the starting point for many journeys in and out of the city.

Train

The station accommodates long-distance, regional, and local trains, including ICE, Eurostar, Intercity, Regional-Express, RegionalBahn, and local S-Bahn trains. EuroNight and Nightjet night services also call at the station. High-speed and long-distance trains such as IC, ICE, and EC use platforms 1–9, while local S-Bahn trains to Köln Messe/Deutz depart from platform 10.

Tram

Cologne Central Station is served by tram rail lines 5, 16, and 18.

Air

The station is connected to Cologne/Bonn Airport via the S13 S-Bahn line.

Walking

Cologne Central Station is within walking distance of many city attractions, including the banks of the Rhine River and Cologne Cathedral, which is right next to the station. The nearby Hohenzollern Bridge also provides pedestrian access to the other side of the river.

Other

The station is integrated into the Cologne S-Bahn network, with the Köln Hansaring S-Bahn station located to the northwest and the Köln Messe/Deutz S-Bahn station to the east. Below Cologne Central Station are two stations of the Cologne Stadtbahn, the Dom/Hauptbahnhof and Breslauer Platz/Hauptbahnhof, which are on the same tunnel that runs underneath the main station.

Station facilities and services

Cologne Central Station, also known as Köln Hauptbahnhof, is located on the left bank of the Rhine River, at the end of the Hohenzollern Bridge, and next to the Cologne Cathedral. It is an important transport hub, with many ICE, Eurostar, and Intercity trains stopping there, as well as regional trains. The station is also served by local tram rail lines 5, 16, and 18, and the S-Bahn.

The station is easy to navigate, with platforms numbered 1 to 11. High-speed and long-distance trains such as IC, ICE, and EC use platforms 1 to 9, while local S-Bahn trains to Koln Messe/Deutz depart from platform 10. The station has escalators and lifts providing step-free access to the platforms, which are located one floor above ground level.

Cologne Central Station offers a range of facilities and services for travellers. The main hall has a large departure board and an information desk. There is a broad shop-lined passageway under the tracks, with various passageways at ground level containing shops, cafes, and kiosks selling food and drinks. The station also has ATMs, currency exchange services, and luggage storage options, including lockers and self-service left luggage machines. There are toilets located within the station, and several more nearby. Free Wi-Fi is available, but only the first 30 minutes are free.

For travellers seeking assistance, the station provides a Mobility Service Centre, which can help with getting on and off trains and changing trains. There is also a lost property office, and mobile service staff who provide advice and assistance. They can be identified by their burgundy-coloured caps labelled 'Service'.

The station has a large DB travel centre selling national and international tickets and reservations. There are also numerous self-service DB ticket machines with a touchscreen and English language option located throughout the station.

There are several dining options within the station, including KFC, and a REWE To Go minimarket underneath platforms 6 and 7. For those seeking a sit-down meal, nearby options include Brauhaus Sion, Malzmuehle restaurant, and a row of beer houses along the Rhine.

The station is well-connected to other forms of transportation. It is served by local and regional trains, as well as the S-Bahn and Stadtbahn. Cologne Messe/Deutz, the city's second station, is located just 400 metres away across the Rhine and is connected by the Hohenzollern Bridge. The two stations are linked by frequent local services. Cologne Central Station is also within walking distance of the banks of the Rhine and the city centre, and there are taxis and buses available nearby.

Food and drink options

Cologne Central Station, or Köln Hauptbahnhof, offers a variety of food and drink options to cater to travellers' needs. The station itself houses several eateries, including fast-food outlets like KFC and Frittewerk, as well as a McDonald's located in the Köln Messe/Deutz station across the Rhine. There are also various kiosks and cafes selling food and drinks throughout the station.

For those seeking a more substantial meal, there are several recommended options within walking distance of the station. One popular choice is Brauhaus Sion, a German beer hall serving hearty meals and local beer, just a 5-minute walk away. Another highly-rated restaurant is Malzmuehle, a 13-minute walk from the station.

Additionally, a row of beer houses lines the banks of the Rhine, just a 5-minute walk from the station. These establishments offer a touristy yet pleasant atmosphere, with outdoor seating and views of the river. One such option is the Delfterhaus, which has received positive reviews.

For travellers who wish to purchase food to bring on their journey, the REWE To Go minimarket, located underneath platforms 6 and 7, is recommended as the best place to stock up on supplies.

Nearby attractions

Cologne Central Station, also known as Köln Hauptbahnhof, is located on the left bank of the Rhine and is the starting point for your trip to Cologne. The station is an important local, national, and international transport hub, with various train services calling at the station.

Cologne Central Station is situated next to the Cologne Cathedral, one of the city's most iconic landmarks. The cathedral's towers offer panoramic views of the city and are well worth the climb. The Hohenzollern Bridge, a railway bridge with pedestrian walkways, spans the River Rhine just east of the station, providing easy access to the opposite bank and stunning views of the cathedral and the river.

The station is surrounded by a variety of dining options, ranging from traditional German beer halls like Brauhaus Sion to international fast-food chains such as KFC. For those with a sweet tooth, the Cologne Chocolate Museum is just a short walk away.

For shopping, the station itself houses a shopping centre with 70 shops and restaurants, while the surrounding area offers a mix of bakeries, bookstores, and grocery stores.

Cologne Central Station is also a great starting point for exploring the rest of the city. The historic Old Town, with its charming cobblestone streets and medieval architecture, is within walking distance. The Rhine River, with its picturesque beer gardens and walking paths, is just a short stroll away.

For those interested in history and culture, the NS Documentation Centre of the City of Cologne and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cologne are nearby attractions that provide insight into the city's rich past.

Frequently asked questions