Travelers From Gatwick To Cologne: Who's Flying This Route?

If you're looking to fly from London Gatwick to Cologne, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, the average flight time is around 1 hour and 25 minutes, and there is one airline that flies direct. The cheapest price for a one-way flight from London Gatwick to Cologne was found to be £51, while return flights start at £165. It's also worth noting that Cologne currently has moderate travel restrictions in place, so be sure to check the latest updates before booking your trip.

Flight prices and best times to book

The price of flights between London Gatwick and Cologne can vary depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book.

One-Way Fares

The cheapest one-way flight price from London Gatwick to Cologne found in the last 72 hours was £58, whereas the lowest price found in the last 14 days was £75.

The cheapest one-way flight price from Cologne to London Gatwick found in the last 72 hours was £60, whereas the lowest price found in the last 7 days was £64.

Return Fares

Return flights from London Gatwick to Cologne can be as cheap as £144, with prices ranging up to £214.

Best Times to Book

The cheapest month to fly from London Gatwick to Cologne is January, with prices as low as £52 on average.

June and August are the most expensive months to fly, with average prices at £192 and £140 respectively.

To get the best price, it's recommended that you book your flight around 3 weeks in advance. For the absolute cheapest price, book 113 days before departure.

Airlines

Airlines that operate this route include Ryanair, Swiss International Air Lines, Lufthansa, SunExpress, Turkish Airlines, and Hahn Air Systems.

Airlines that fly this route

There are a number of airlines that fly from Gatwick to Cologne. Skyscanner lists one airline that flies direct from Gatwick to Cologne, although it is not named. Expedia, meanwhile, lists Lufthansa, SunExpress and Swiss International Airlines as operators on the route, although it is unclear whether these flights are direct.

Momondo lists Ryanair, Swiss and SunExpress as the most popular carriers operating from Cologne to Gatwick, although it is also unclear whether these are direct flights. Turkish Airlines is another popular operator on this route, according to Momondo.

Kayak users have also flown with Ryanair, Swiss and SunExpress from Cologne to Gatwick, according to the travel website. It also lists Turkish Airlines as an operator on this route.

Flight duration and distance

The distance between London Gatwick Airport and Cologne is 309.8 miles or 510 kilometres. The fastest flight from Cologne to London Gatwick Airport takes 4 hours and 30 minutes, whereas the average flight time is 1 hour and 25 minutes.

The fastest flight time is longer than the average flight time because the fastest flight is not direct, and therefore requires more time due to the need to stop over. There are no direct flights from Cologne to London Gatwick Airport. However, there is one airline that flies direct from London Gatwick to Cologne.

The time taken to fly from London Gatwick to Cologne can be dependent on the time of booking. For instance, the cheapest month to fly is January, and the most expensive months are June and August. The cheapest day to fly is a Tuesday, and the most expensive day is a Sunday. The cheapest time of the year to fly is April.

The time taken to fly can also be affected by the time of year. For example, in the summer months, there may be stronger headwinds, and in the winter months, there may be a greater chance of delays due to ice and snow.

The time taken to fly can also be dependent on the airline chosen. For example, the average flight time with Ryanair is 1 hour and 20 minutes, whereas the average flight time with Lufthansa is 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Transport from Cologne airport to the city centre

Cologne Bonn Airport is located approximately 14-15km southeast of Cologne city centre and is open 24 hours a day. There are several transport options available to get you from the airport to the city centre.

Train

The airport has its own ICE railway station, which is located near both terminals. The S19 S-Bahn train runs between the airport and Cologne Central Station (Köln-Hauptbahnhof) and offers day and night departures. The journey takes around 15 minutes and tickets cost €3.40. The S-Bahn train runs every 10-30 minutes.

Regional Express (RE) trains are also available and will get you to the city centre in 11 minutes, although they only run twice an hour. Tickets for these trains also cost €3.

The Intercity-Express (ICE) train is the fastest option, taking just 10 minutes, but it is more expensive at €8 per person.

Bus

Bus line 161 travels between the airport and Porz Markt train station every 30 to 60 minutes from 4.18 am to 11.48 pm. The journey takes about 15 minutes and costs €3. However, as Porz Markt station is outside the city centre, you will need to take another bus or train to reach your final destination.

Taxi

Taxis are available outside the airport terminal 24/7 and the journey to the city centre takes around 15 minutes, depending on traffic. The average cost is €40.70 for a sedan-style car, although this may be higher for larger vehicles. You can calculate the approximate fare using the taxi calculator from Taxiruf Köln.

Uber also operates in Cologne, offering an alternative taxi option.

Private Transfer

You can pre-book a private transfer from the airport, which will ensure that an English-speaking driver is waiting for you in the arrivals hall. This option costs €56 for up to three travellers and increases for larger vehicles.

Things to do in Cologne

There are plenty of things to do in Cologne, a city of contrasts, beyond the airport. Here is a list of attractions and activities to keep you busy:

Cologne Cathedral

The most-visited landmark in Cologne is a must-see. It is one of the tallest churches in the world and its spires dominate the city's skyline. The interior is just as impressive, with tall columns, ribbed ceilings, beautiful stained glass, paintings, statues, mosaic floors, and ironwork. The Shrine of the Three Kings, located behind the main altar, holds a sarcophagus said to contain the bones of the Three Wise Men.

Historic Old Town

Explore the historic neighbourhood, featuring colourful buildings, cobbled lanes, and a preserved cathedral. Enjoy diverse dining and shopping amid the area's resilient post-war ambiance.

Great St. Martin Church

One of 12 Romanesque churches in Cologne, this beautiful part of the skyline was nearly destroyed during the war and only reopened in the 1980s. Smaller than the cathedral, it has a central tall spire and smaller ones at each corner. The interior is simple, with remnants of paintings on the columns and some mosaic floor tiles.

Hohenzollern Bridge

Stroll along this historic bridge adorned with half a million love locks. Enjoy scenic views of the river and cityscape, including the Cathedral and Great St. Martin Church.

NS Documentation Centre of the City of Cologne

This historical museum provides an insightful journey through Germany's past, with an audio tour available for non-German speakers. The museum focuses on the sobering realities of World War II.

KölnTriangle

Take in commanding views of the city from this skyscraper, just a short walk from the central station. For €5, a lift will whisk you up 28 floors and it's just a short staircase climb to the top.

Botanical Gardens Flora

Enjoy a tranquil escape in these botanical gardens, boasting a diverse array of global flora, serene picnic spots, and a charming outdoor café.

Duftmuseum im Farina-Haus

Learn about the history of perfume and the Farina company at this educational and entertaining museum.

Saint Gereon's Basilica

One of Cologne's 12 Romanesque churches, this 11th-century basilica features unique architectural details, including a dome and an intricate floor mosaic.

Wallraf-Richartz Museum

Housing artwork from the 13th to 19th centuries, this impressive museum is well worth a visit.

Kölner Zoo

With a wide variety of animals and habitats, the zoo is a popular attraction for both children and adults.

Chocolate Museum

Learn about the history of chocolate and cocoa at this museum, with over 4,000 square metres of floor space dedicated to the sweet treat.

Museum Ludwig

Admire the vibrant collection of modern art, including masterpieces by Picasso, Warhol, and German Expressionists.

Brewery Tours and Local Beer

Discover the unique beer culture of Cologne with a brewery tour or by visiting one of the many brewpubs. Sample the local brew, Kölsch, served in narrow glasses called stanges.

Day Trips

With Aachen, Düsseldorf, and Essen all within easy reach, you can also take day trips to explore these charming towns and cities.

Frequently asked questions