Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Cologne
S-Bahn line S19 and regional trains run from the airport station to Köln Hauptbahnhof in about 15 minutes. Taxis take about 20 minutes and cost roughly €30–40.
Best for most people: Train. It is fast, frequent and arrives at Cologne main station, right beside the cathedral.
All the options
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| train S-Bahn S19 or regional trains from Köln/Bonn Flughafen station (under the terminals) to Köln Hbf | about 15 min | several trains per hour | about €3–4 single | most of the day, from early morning to around midnight | Buy at machines or the DB/KVB apps. The Deutschlandticket is valid on S-Bahn and regional trains, not on ICE. |
| taxi Taxi rank outside Arrivals | about 20–25 min | about €30–40 to the centre | 24 h | Metered; most accept cards. |
*Approximate 2026 prices and times. Services change: check the operator before you fly, especially for late arrivals.
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Other airports
- Düsseldorf Airport (DUS), about 60 km north, has more long-haul flights and direct trains to Köln Hbf in about 30–45 minutes.
Tips
- Make sure the train is heading to Köln Hbf, not away towards Troisdorf.
- Validate paper tickets in the machine on the platform if they are not already time-stamped.
- During trade fairs, Messe/Deutz station is often more convenient than the main station.
- For Bonn, buses and trains also run from the airport.
Common questions
How much is a taxi from Cologne Bonn airport to the city centre?
Expect about €30–40 to central Cologne, depending on traffic and exact destination. Taxis are metered and most accept cards. The train is far cheaper and almost as fast. Use the official rank outside Arrivals; fares can be higher at night or with extra luggage, depending on the current tariff.
How long does the train take to Cologne main station?
About 15 minutes on the S19 or a regional train. Köln Hbf is right next to the cathedral, so many central hotels are a short walk away. Trains leave several times an hour and platform machines accept cards. Check the departure board, as some trains head away from Cologne.
Is the Deutschlandticket valid from Cologne airport?
Yes. The Deutschlandticket covers the S-Bahn and regional trains from the airport to Köln Hbf, as well as local buses and trams. It does not cover long-distance ICE or IC trains. Check validity rules before travel, as ticket conditions sometimes change.
Is there a train from the airport at night?
Trains run from early morning until around midnight. Late-night services are much thinner, so check last departures in the DB app if you land after 23:00. Taxis wait outside around the clock. A taxi takes about 20–25 minutes at night.
Compiled by TonyPlan from airport and transport-operator information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.