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How to get from Cologne Airport to the City Centre

Cologne, located on the Rhine River in western Germany, is a vibrant 2,000-year-old city and the region’s cultural hub. It is known for its famous Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in northern Europe and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Cologne is also famed for its stunning Old Town, great nightlife and the famous Kolsch beers.

When travelling to the beautiful city, you will be landing at Cologne Bonn airport. You have two transportation options to get to Cologne city centre from there; you can take a taxi or a train. Taking a Cologne airport taxi or private transfer is the most comfortable and easiest way to get around, taking only 15 minutes to reach the city centre. Alternatively, for travellers on a budget, the S-Bahn train travels directly from Cologne airport to the city centre in 14 minutes.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Cologne at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups €56 15min
Taxi €25 15min 24/7
Train €6 14min 24/7

How to get from Cologne Bonn airport to the city centre by taxi

Taking a taxi or private transfer from Cologne Bonn airport to the city centre is always a great option. Taxis are safe and reliable, and offer 24/7 door-to-door services in the comfort of a private vehicle, taking 15 minutes to reach Downtown Cologne.

Taxi fare from Cologne airport to the city centre

Taxis in Cologne calculate their fares using a taximeter based on the time and distance travelled to your exact location. Your 15-minute taxi ride should cost around €25, depending on traffic conditions. Please note that there are no time differences for day, night or weekend trips.

Cost

€25

Trip Duration

15 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Cologne Bonn International Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

You can find the taxi ranks at Cologne Bonn International Airport directly in front of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Cologne airport to Cologne city centre is the best way to travel. Taxis offer 24/7 door-to-door transportation whilst taking care of your personal belongings and loved ones.

However, if you want to travel at a set rate fee, with a local English-speaking driver, you can pre-book your Cologne airport transfer with Welcome Pickups.

Editor’s Note

Please note that there are no price differences for day, night or weekend trips in Cologne or Bonn.

Useful Tips

Most taxi drivers in Cologne prefer to be paid in cash; however, if your driver accepts card payment, you will be subjected to a €1 supplement.
It’s not required to tip your taxi driver in Cologne, but it is always appreciated. Most travellers just round up the end fare to the highest value.
Ensure that the taximeter has been turned on and reset before starting your journey to Downtown Cologne.

How to get from Cologne Bonn airport to the city centre by train

A great alternative for travellers on a budget is to take the S-Bahn. The train provides direct transportation from Cologne Bonn airport to the city centre in just 14 minutes. Moreover, the train is available 24/7 and runs frequently.

How much is a train ticket from Cologne airport to city centre?

A one-way ticket on the S-Bahn costs €3 and is valid for 90 minutes. You can purchase your tickets online or at Cologne airport train station’s vending machines.

Cost

€3

Trip Duration

14 Min.

The S-Bahn runs ever 10 minutes from Monday to Friday, and every 30 minutes on weekends.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The S-Bahn from Cologne Airport to Cologne city centre is available 24/7.

Where do I get the train from?

You can find Cologne Bonn airport’s train station after you exit the Arrival Halls. Simply follow the signs directing you to the station.

Convenience

Taking the train from Cologne airport to the city centre is a great travel alternative for those on a budget. Trains are direct, available 24/7, and avoid heavy Cologne street traffic.

Nevertheless, once you reach Cologne Central Station, you will have to find another way to get to your hotel; this can be tedious when travelling with children and/or heavy luggage.

Editor’s Note

Please note that regional and Intercity trains are available for the same route; however, they are more expensive and less frequent.

Useful Tips

Discounted tickets are available for children under the age of 6 years old, for the price of €1.60.
It is good to know that the train is available 24/7 from Cologne airport to Cologne city centre.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Cologne. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Read more

Prices

DAYTIME
€50.0
NIGHTTIME
€60.0
Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

What’s the cost of a taxi from Cologne airport to the city centre?

Taxis in Cologne calculate their fares using a taximeter. Thus, your 15-minute cab ride to Downtown Cologne should cost around €25, traffic dependant.

How do I get from Cologne airport to the city centre?

There are two transportation options to get from Cologne Bonn airport to the city centre; you can take a taxi or private transfer which takes 15-minutes or the S-Bahn train which takes 14 minutes.

How far is Cologne airport from the city centre?

Cologne International Airport is located a short 14.5 km away from Downtown Cologne, so it takes just 15 minutes to reach by taxi or car.

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