Navigating To Cologne Bonn Airport: A Quick Guide

how to reach cologne bonn airport

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is an international airport located about 15 kilometres from the city centre of Cologne, Germany. It is one of the busiest airports in Germany, serving around 12.5 million passengers annually. The airport is well-connected to the city centre by various modes of transport, including trains, buses, taxis, and rental cars. In this guide, we will explore the different options available to help you choose the most convenient and cost-effective way to travel to the city centre.

Characteristics Values
Airport Name Cologne Bonn Airport
IATA Code CGN
Location Porz district, about 15 kilometres southeast of Cologne and 16 kilometres northeast of Bonn
Transport Options Train, Bus, Taxi, Car, Shuttle
Train Options S19, RE8
Train Cost €3.40-€7
Train Time 15-16 minutes
Bus Options 161, SB60
Bus Cost €2.80-€3.60
Bus Time 15-30 minutes
Taxi Cost €27-€45
Taxi Time 15 minutes

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By train

Cologne Bonn Airport has excellent connections to local and long-distance public transport. It has its own underground train station with an integrated S-Bahn, located in the immediate vicinity of both terminals.

To reach Cologne Central Train Station from Cologne Bonn Airport, you can take the S19 train, which runs day and night. The S-Bahn train runs every 10 minutes between Monday and Friday and every 30 minutes on weekends. The journey takes around 13 to 19 minutes, stopping in several other areas along the way. Tickets can be purchased using the VRS app or at one of the vending machines in the airport's train station.

If you are travelling from Cologne Central Station to the airport, you can take a direct train that departs every 15 minutes. The journey takes approximately 12 to 16 minutes and costs $4-$24.

You can also travel to the airport from other stations in Cologne. For example, you can take the ICE International train from Cologne Central Station to the airport in 16 minutes for €20.

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By bus

Cologne Bonn Airport has its own long-distance coach station, which is conveniently located next to Terminal 2. Bus companies such as Flixbus, BlaBlaCar, Eurolines, and CityBus Express provide connections to destinations across Europe.

If you are travelling to Bonn, you can take the SB60 bus line, which departs from Cologne Bonn Airport and arrives at the Bonn bus station in around 30 minutes. Tickets cost around €3.60 each way, and you can pay the driver directly, although it is recommended to have cash or a card on hand. You can also book your bus ticket in advance through Busbud, where prices start at $7.

For those continuing their journey outside of Cologne/Bonn, long-distance coaches are available at the airport. These coaches can take you to other destinations from the airport, and you can also take a bus from the Cologne main bus station.

Please note that the number of buses from Cologne/Bonn Airport to Bonn varies depending on the day of the week, and some buses have layovers while others are direct routes. The last bus to Bonn from the airport is at 00:56, and the next one departs at 04:24, so there is a three-hour gap to be mindful of.

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By taxi

Cologne Bonn Airport is located approximately 15 kilometres southeast of Cologne's city centre. The airport is easily accessible by taxi, with several options available for travellers.

Finding a Taxi

Taxis are readily available at the airport, with a designated taxi lane on the arrivals level in front of the building. Official taxis at the airport are identifiable by their distinctive branding and licensing, and you can also use the SIXT app to call a taxi. It is recommended to choose a taxi from the official taxi ranks to avoid potential overcharging by unauthorised drivers. If you prefer to book a taxi in advance, you can use websites like AirportTransfer.com or monTransport.com, which offer the option to compare prices and book in a few simple steps.

Travel Time and Fares

The travel time from the airport to Cologne city centre is approximately 15 to 30 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic conditions. It is important to note that travel times may vary, especially during peak hours or seasons, so it is advisable to plan accordingly and allow for potential delays. Taxi fares in Cologne are typically calculated using a meter based on the distance and time of the journey. In light traffic, a taxi from the airport to the city centre will cost around €40.70 for a sedan-style car, but fares may be higher for larger vehicles.

Advantages of Taking a Taxi

Taking a taxi from Cologne Bonn Airport offers several benefits. It provides a direct and comfortable journey to your destination, especially if you have heavy luggage. Taxis are available 24/7 and can accommodate different group sizes, with options ranging from high-end sedans to minibuses and coaches. Additionally, taxi drivers in Cologne are known for their professionalism and extensive knowledge of the city and surrounding areas.

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By shuttle

Cologne Bonn Airport is located approximately 15 kilometres southeast of Cologne and 16 kilometres northwest of Bonn. It is well-connected to both cities by various ground transportation options, including shuttle services.

One shuttle option is Flibco, which offers an economical, comfortable, and practical transfer solution to Charleroi and Frankfurt Hahn Airport. In Germany, Flibco connects Frankfurt with Hahn Airport.

Another shuttle option is AirportTransfer.com, which provides private transfer taxi services to and from the airport. This service offers hassle-free transportation from your hotel to the airport or from the airport to your hotel. It saves you from waiting for a taxi or bus, especially if you have heavy luggage.

Additionally, SIXT ride offers an airport transfer service with benefits such as flight tracking, complimentary waiting time, and transparent pricing. The driver will wait for up to 60 minutes at no extra cost, and you can book a taxi through their app.

These shuttle services provide convenient and efficient ways to travel to and from Cologne Bonn Airport, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey for passengers.

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By car

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is located in the Porz district, about 15 kilometres southeast of Cologne and 16 kilometres northeast of Bonn. The airport is well-connected by various modes of transport, including car.

If you are travelling by car, there are multiple car rental services available at the airport, such as Hertz, Sixt, and Europcar, located in Terminal 2. Day rates start at around €40, depending on the car and rental company. It is important to note that parking in the city centre can be challenging, so it is recommended to ensure your accommodation includes a parking option.

With a rental car, you can easily explore nearby attractions such as Bonn and Dusseldorf, or even venture out to the romantic Rhine Valley. The freedom of having a car allows you to travel at your own pace and customise your itinerary.

If you are driving your own car or a rental, you can conveniently access the airport via the A59 motorway. Simply follow the signs to "Flughafen" (Airport) from the motorway exit "Flughafen Köln/Bonn". The airport is well-signposted, making it easy to navigate.

Upon arrival at the airport, you will find several parking options available. You can book a parking space online directly at the airport, starting at €39 per week. This option ensures that you have a guaranteed parking space for your vehicle during your travels.

Other transport options:

In addition to travelling by car, there are several other transport options available to reach Cologne Bonn Airport. These include:

  • Train: The S19 train line connects the airport to Cologne Central Station (Koln Hauptbahnhof) in approximately 15 minutes. Trains run regularly throughout the day, offering an affordable and efficient way to travel.
  • Bus: Buses, such as line SB60, provide a cost-effective way to get to the city centre. While they may take slightly longer than trains, they are incredibly affordable, with tickets priced at around €2.80.
  • Taxi: Taxi services are available outside the terminal, offering a convenient and comfortable ride to your destination. The average fare to Cologne is around €27-€45, depending on traffic conditions.

Frequently asked questions

The fastest way to get to the city centre is by taxi. The journey takes around 15 minutes and costs around €40.

Yes, you can take the S19 train from the airport to Cologne Central Station. The journey takes 15-16 minutes and costs between €3.40 and €7. Trains depart every 10-30 minutes.

You can take the SB60 bus from the airport to the Bonn bus station. The journey takes 30 minutes and costs around €3.60. Alternatively, you can take the RE8 train to Bonn-Beuel and then take the 62 bus to Quirinusplatz. This journey takes 42 minutes and costs around €8.

You can also rent a car from companies like Hertz, Sixt and Europcar, which are located at Terminal 2. Day rates start at around €40.

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