Getting From Cologne Airport to City Centre: Fastest & Cheapest Ways

If you're landing at Cologne Airport and wondering how to reach the city center, don't worry – it's a common traveler's question! In this blog post, we'll explore all transportation options from Cologne Airport to city center, so your journey is hassle-free.

How far is Cologne Airport from the City?

Cologne-Bonn Airport (CGN) is located about 15 km away from the city. It takes under 15 minutes to reach the city center, even with public transport.

Cologne Airport to Köln-Hauptbahnhof (Cologne Central Station) by S-Bahn Train

My personal favorite is taking the S-Bahn trains from Cologne-Bonn Airport to the city. Most people use the S-Bahn trains as a fast and reliable way to get to Cologne's central station, Köln-Hauptbahnhof. 

The airport train station, aptly named Flughafen Köln/Bonn, can be easily found in the middle of the terminals (there are English signs everywhere and the airport is pretty small so it should be easy to find).

Two S-Bahn lines serve this route - S13 and S19. I've found these trains to be surprisingly swift, and they whisk you to the city in approximately 16 minutes.

Plus, with these S-Bahn trains available every 20-30 minutes, I don't have to worry about absurdly long waiting times even if I miss a train.

Once you reach the airport train station, you'll need to buy your ticket from the vending machines at the station. You can simply get a Single Journey ticket (that takes you from the airport to the city only) or a 24-Hour ticket if you plan to take public transport a few more times.

You can usually use these ticket in Cologne for 90 minutes so there's no need to grab another ticket if you're hopping on trams or buses to reach your hotel.

There are other options like the Week Ticket and Month Ticket too.

But, if you have a KölnCard that you got in advance, you can just use that since that entitles you to free unlimited public transport rides.

The fare from the airport to Köln-Hauptbahnhof is approximately €3, or it's entirely free if you have a KölnCard!

Cologne Airport to City Centre by Regional Express (RE) Trains

For a slightly shorter journey time, there are the Regional Express (RE) Trains.

These trains offer a faster route that connects the airport with the city efficiently and quickly.

The RE6 train takes a direct route to the city, but there are other RE trains that take you to the city center with a stop in between.

It's best to check your final route with an up-to-date journey planner, such as the DB Navigator App or the KVB App.

It's worth noting that the journey only takes about 13 minutes because these express trains make fewer stops compared to some other forms of public transportation.

To take an RE train, simply purchase your ticket (see ticket purchasing process from the S-Bahn section above) from one of the ticket machines.

Then head to the Flughafen Köln/Bonn train station conveniently located in the middle of the passenger terminals at Cologne-Bonn Airport.

Tickets also cost around €3, or free if you have a KölnCard.

Cologne Airport to City Centre by Intercity-Express (ICE) Trains

The Intercity-Express (ICE) is the quickest airport-to-Cologne train, taking just 10 minutes, and it's pricier from €9.90 per person. [1]

Paying €6 more just to shave off a few minutes from your travel time (compared to the S-Bahn or RE trains) doesn't seem worth it.

ICE trains make more sense if you're traveling longer distances, such as between cities, e.g. from Cologne to Düsseldorf, or even Amsterdam.

Also keep in mind that you can't use the KölnCard for ICE trains.

Cologne Airport to City Centre by Bus

Taking a bus to the city is a little less straightforward and takes a longer time. From Terminal 1, you can take bus 161 to Porz Markt station, which arrives every 30 minutes. The ride takes about 16 minutes for 11 stops.

From Porz Markt, U-Bahn No. 7 takes you to Neumarkt in 24 minutes and 14 stops. Hop onto U-Bahn No. 18 to reach Cologne Central Station in just two stops. These trams come by every 10 minutes.

Of course, that's if you are heading to the central station. If your hotel is in another part of the city, you should be able to find a tram or bus to take you there with ease from Porz Markt.

Simply use the KVB app to map out your route, or ask any of the friendly KVB staff on-site at the airport.

But as you can tell, taking the bus to Cologne Central Station will take substantially longer time than grabbing the S-Bahn or RE train straight from the airport. In addition, it costs around €3, which is the same as the train-only fare (or free with the KölnCard).

If you're heading straight to the city center, you're better off saving time and hopping onto a train in my opinion.

Cologne Airport to City Centre by Taxi

Taking a taxi to the city is convenient and a lot more comfortable. The journey is a tad longer than taking the train (typically around 20 minutes) and depends on traffic, but it's definitely more comfortable. 

Don't get me wrong, the trains in Germany are pleasant and clean, but a taxi allows you to ride in peace without having to deal with tickets or changing routes. The cherry on top is getting dropped off at the doorstep of your hotel – perfect if you have large suitcases or small children.

The taxi fare from the airport to Cologne city center is approximately €50.

Of course, both the travel time and cost may vary based on your final destination in the city.

Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have taxi stands where you can just hop in a waiting taxi. Alternatively, you can order a taxi via an app like taxi.eu.

Getting from Cologne Airport to City Centre by Uber

Yes, Uber does work in Cologne. With just a few taps on your smartphone, you can request a ride and be on your way in no time.

If you don't speak German, then using Uber allows you to simply set your pick-up and drop-off points in the app, so you don't need to communicate with the driver to tell them where you want to go.

In Germany, Uber doesn't let just anyone with a car become a driver like in some places. Instead, it works more like a way to book regular taxis from licensed taxi companies.

Keep in mind that Uber's fares may not always be the cheapest. There are alternative ride-hailing apps, such as Bolt and FreeNow in Cologne. It's always a good idea to compare prices between the apps before booking your ride!

Cologne Airport to City Centre by Rental Car

If you're planning to rent a car for your time in Cologne, you can rent one directly from the airport. Then drive to your hotel to drop off your bags, or leave your luggage in the car and start exploring right away.

As convenient as Cologne's public transport system is, renting a car has many perks.

Doing day trips to other towns like Bonn or Aachen, or the Phantasialand theme park? A car gets you there faster so you have more time for exploration. You can also make pitstops that a tram or bus wouldn't, which I really like.

There are several rental companies and cars to choose from at the airport, but I always book mine online in advance here. This is so I avoid scenarios where I'm left with no suitable cars at all.

Once you have picked up your rental car, it's an easy drive into the city center using the highways. The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Cologne Airport to Cologne Centre by Private Transfer

Private transfers are surprisingly affordable, especially when you're traveling in a group. By pre-booking your transfer, you can ensure that a reliable English-speaking driver will be waiting for you at the airport.

This eliminates the need to navigate public transportation or hail a taxi.

One of the advantages of private transfers is their ability to accommodate larger groups or families with luggage. With spacious vehicles available, you can travel together without worrying about cramped spaces or multiple trips.

Additionally, private transfers offer door-to-door service, saving you time and eliminating the hassle of transferring between different modes of transportation.

Another benefit of choosing a private transfer is the flexibility it offers in terms of pick-up and drop-off locations. You have the freedom to choose where you want to be picked up from and dropped off at, making it convenient for your specific travel needs.

With private transfers, you can enjoy a stress-free journey from Cologne Airport to Cologne City Centre.

Arriving at Cologne Airport Late at Night

Cologne Airport is open 24/7, so if you're arriving very late, especially with low-cost airlines, you can still rely on the RE and S-Bahn trains because they operate throughout the night, with trains coming roughly every half an hour to 45 minutes.

If you prefer not to wait for the next train, then taxis, Uber, or private airport transfers are also available at any time during the night.

Pro Tip: Cologne Card

We've talked about the Cologne Card or KölnCard quite a bit, but we really want to emphasize how budget-friendly and cost-effective it is.

This handy tourist pass gives you the freedom to travel around the city for 24 or 48 hours. It includes free access to public transport and offers discounts of up to 50% at various Cologne attractions, museums, restaurants, guided tours, and shops.

If you're staying in Cologne for a few days and plan to use public transport to explore the city, getting the Cologne Card is a smart choice. Plus, it covers bus and train travel to and from the airport!

Conclusion: Getting from Cologne Airport to City Centre

In conclusion, there are several convenient transportation options to get from Cologne Airport to the city center. I recommend taking the S-Bahn trains or regional express trains for a quick and affordable journey.

Buses and taxis are also widely available for those looking for other modes of transport.

Additionally, rental cars and private transfers offer flexibility and convenience.

Choose the option that suits your needs and enjoy exploring Cologne upon arrival!

Key Takeaways

• S-Bahn trains (S13 and S19) are a fast and reliable option to travel from Cologne Airport to the city center, with a journey time of approximately 16 minutes.
• Regional Express (RE) trains (RE6) provide a direct route to downtown Cologne in about 13 minutes, making fewer stops.
• Bus No. 161 connects the airport to Porz Markt district, offering an affordable way to reach the city center and access other bus and train lines.
• Taxis, Uber, rental cars, and private transfers are also available for convenient transportation to your hotel's doorstep.

FAQs

1. What are the transportation options for getting from Cologne airport to the city centre?

The transportation options for getting from Cologne airport to the city centre include the S-Bahn trains, Regional Express (RE) trains, public buses, taxis, car rentals and private transfers.

2. How long does it take to travel from Cologne airport to the city centre?

The travel time from Cologne airport to the city centre depends on the mode of transportation chosen, but it typically takes around 15-30 minutes.

3. How much does a taxi ride cost from Cologne airport to the city centre?

The cost of a taxi ride from Cologne airport to the city centre can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is usually around 50 euros.

4. Are there any direct bus routes from Cologne airport to the city centre?

No, there no direct bus routes that connect Cologne airport directly with the city centre. You'll have to take bus 161 to Porz Markt station, and transfer to another bus or tram.

5. Can I use public transportation tickets for traveling between Cologne airport and the city centre?

Yes, you can use public transportation tickets such as single-use tickets or day passes for traveling between Cologne airport and the city centre. If you have the KölnCard, you're entitled to free unlimited rides on public transport.