Cologne Bonn Airport Live Departures
Cologne Airport Departures and Check-in Information
Offering flights to more than 120 destinations across Europe, North Africa, and beyond, Cologne Airport (CGN) is the ideal starting point for your next holiday. Departures from Cologne Airport can choose between checking in at your airline’s counter in person, using the self-service kiosks, or online check-in.
If you check-in online or at a kiosk on arrival, you will need to print your own boarding pass and bag tags. When you take your bags to the Self Bag Drop Counter, simply scan the QR code or your boarding pass, select the airline, and place each bag on the conveyor belt separately. Note that this service is currenly only offered by Eurowings, Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines, and Ryanair.
Certain airlines, such as Eurowings, also allow you to check in and drop off your bags the night before, to help you save time on the day of your flight.
Terminal 1
Location – The Departures Hall is located on the upper floor, next to Arrivals.
Terminal 2
Location – The Departures Hall is located on the upper level.
When to arrive at Cologne Airport?
Check-in times vary between airlines, which is why it’s important for passengers to confirm the time specifically for their flight. Nevertheless, airline counters generally open up 2 hours in advance, and close 40 minutes before a flight, regardless of whether you’re flying within the Schengen Zone or not. During the holidays, we recommend allowing up to 3 hours, as lines can be significantly longer.
What’s next?
Located in the central area of Terminal 1, the security gates separate the Cologne Airport Departures and Check-in Hall from the passenger-only area. Regardless of which terminal you check in at, you’ll need to pass through here on the way to your boarding gate.
Before reaching the X-ray scanner, place any loose items in your jacket or bag*, and in turn, put them in one of the tubs provided. Electronics will need to removed from your carry-on bag and placed into a tray, as well as any liquids, aerosol, or gels (LAGs).
The LAG rule states that any container over 100 mL should be discarded or packed in your checked luggage, and the most you can carry is 1 liter.
Security lines generally move quite quickly at Cologne Airport (3-6 minutes), but if you’re in a hurry or would rather maximize your time spent in the boarding area, you can book a free time slot using the CGNGateWay.
*Each passenger is to permitted to carry one lighter and one E-cigarette.
What to do in Departures at Cologne Airport?
Enjoy a fresh cold beer at Brewgate, a schnitzel sandwich at Bistrot Grab & Go, pick up some bargains at Setur duty-free, or wind down at The Lounge. However you decide to spend your time waiting to board, the Cologne Bonn Airport Departures area has plenty to choose from.
Additional facilities include smoking areas, an observation deck, children’s play areas, free WiFi, toilets, and charging points.
*Before making any purchases, check the duty-free allowances of the country you are traveling to.
For more details on what you can find in the airport, check out our comprehensive Cologne Airport Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive at Cologne Airport?
The recommended arrival time for both Schengen and non-Schengen destinations is 2-3 hours. The exact time you should arrive will be advised by your airline.