Birmingham To Cologne: Who Offers Direct Flights?

Cologne is a popular tourist destination, famed for its historic centre and the gothic architectural masterpiece, Cologne Cathedral. Sitting on the banks of the Rhine, the city is also known for its vibrant pub culture and is considered the perfect destination for a weekend of fun. So, if you're looking to explore the city, here's everything you need to know about flying to Cologne from Birmingham.

Best time to book

When booking a flight from Birmingham to Cologne, it is important to consider the best time to book your trip to get the cheapest deals. According to Expedia, it is better to book your flight well in advance instead of leaving it until the last minute. Based on flight pricing and demand studies in 2022, the best time to book international flights is three to four months in advance.

Momondo also suggests that the cheapest time to buy a flight from Birmingham to Cologne is approximately 49 days before departure. The cheapest month to fly from Birmingham to Cologne is usually May, and the most expensive is July. In addition, the cheapest day of the week to fly is usually Wednesday, and the most expensive is Tuesday. Midweek flights can be cheaper, and varying your flight times can also help you find a better deal – early morning and late at night flights are sometimes more affordable.

Skyscanner offers a 'whole month' search tool to find the cheapest day to travel, and you can also use their 'best time to book' tool for more specific information.

Airlines and airports

There are no direct flights from Birmingham to Cologne, but there are several airlines that offer flights with one or more stops. These include:

• Lufthansa
• KLM
• Eurowings
• Jet2
• Ryanair
• Pegasus Airlines
• British Airways
• Swiss International Air Lines

The cheapest flights from Birmingham to Cologne are usually available in May, and the day of the week that typically offers the best prices for your ticket is Wednesday. It is recommended that you book your flight around 49 days before your departure date.

When travelling from Birmingham, you will be flying from Birmingham Airport (BHX). There are three airports to choose from when flying into Cologne: Cologne Köln/Bonn (CGN), Düsseldorf International (DUS), or Düsseldorf Monchengladbach (MGL). The closest of these to Cologne is Cologne Köln/Bonn, which is about 7 miles from the city centre.

Flight prices

The price of flights from Birmingham to Cologne can vary depending on the time of year, the day of the week, and the time of the flight. According to Expedia, the cheapest one-way flight from Birmingham to Cologne is $249, and the cheapest return flight is $226. However, it is worth noting that these prices are for flights departing in April 2024 and were last updated on March 15, 2024. For more upcoming flights, Momondo found the cheapest one-way flight from Birmingham to Cologne to be £70, although it is unclear when this flight departs.

For those looking to book last minute, Skyscanner found the cheapest return flight from Birmingham to Cologne to be £41, although there may be cheaper options available for those looking to fly from alternative airports. For example, flights from Düsseldorf International Airport, which is 25 miles from central Cologne, to Birmingham start from £21.

According to Momondo, the cheapest month to fly from Birmingham to Cologne is March, and the most expensive is July. Additionally, Wednesday is usually the cheapest day of the week to fly, and Tuesday is the most expensive. Momondo also found that flights in the afternoon are approximately 9% cheaper than those at midday.

For those looking to book in advance, Momondo suggests booking your flight from Birmingham to Cologne 49 days before departure. However, Skyscanner suggests booking international flights three to four months in advance for the best deals.

Flight times

There are no direct flights from Birmingham to Cologne, but there are several airlines that offer flights with one or more stops. The average flight time is 3 hours and 55 minutes.

Lufthansa offers several flights from Birmingham to Cologne, with prices ranging from $226 for a round trip to $281. The cheapest Lufthansa flight currently available is priced at $226 for a round trip, departing on Thursday, September 5, and returning on Sunday, September 8. This flight was found 2 days ago and prices may have changed since.

Another option is Pegasus Airlines, which offers one-way flights starting at £137.

The cheapest month to fly from Birmingham to Cologne is usually May, and the cheapest day of the week is usually Wednesday. In addition, afternoon flights tend to be cheaper than midday flights.

It is recommended that you book your flight 28-35 days in advance for domestic flights and 3-4 months in advance for international flights.

COVID-19 travel requirements

As of June 11, 2022, there are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Germany. However, it is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series, along with any additional recommended doses, before travelling to Germany. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of your destination, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

As of March 30, 2021, entry to Germany was only possible after submitting a negative COVID-19 test. According to the Robert Koch Institute, a medical certificate or a documented negative test result must be presented. This regulation applies to every traveller flying into Germany. Unlike most countries, which require a negative COVID-19 test result 48 hours before departure, air travellers to Germany must ensure that the test has been taken no more than 48 hours before entering Germany. Both the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test and the Antigen Rapid Test (ART) are recognised by authorities.

Please note that the above information may not be up to date, and COVID-19-related travel requirements can change rapidly. It is your responsibility to stay informed and abide by the local laws and requirements of your destination.

Frequently asked questions