Cologne Bonn Airport

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), also known as Konrad Adenauer Airport, serves both Cologne and Bonn in western Germany. Located approximately 15 km southeast of Cologne city center and 25 km north of Bonn, it is a major hub for Eurowings and handles significant low-cost carrier traffic.

The airport has two terminals located directly beside each other:

• Terminal 1: The older terminal with a distinctive U-shaped main building and star-shaped piers B and C. Used by Eurowings, Lufthansa, and Austrian Airlines. Features direct connection to the railway station.
• Terminal 2: A modern glass and steel building to the north of Terminal 1. Used by Ryanair and most other airlines. Also connected directly to the railway station via basement level.

Important: The terminals are not connected airside. All transfers between terminals require exiting security and re-screening.

Both terminals operate over three levels: Level 1 for Arrivals, Level 3 for Departures. The airport train station sits between the two terminals, providing direct rail connections to Cologne and Bonn.

Cologne Bonn Airport is located 15 km southeast of Cologne city center and 25 km north of Bonn city center. The integrated train station makes rail the fastest option to both cities.

Typical travel times:

• Cologne Central Station (Koln Hbf): 14-16 minutes by S-Bahn, 10-11 minutes by RE/ICE
• Cologne city center by taxi: 15-20 minutes
• Bonn Central Station (Bonn Hbf): 27 minutes by bus (SB60), 20-30 minutes by taxi
• Dusseldorf: 60-75 minutes by train

Uber & Bolt

Both Uber and Bolt operate at Cologne Bonn Airport.

• Pickup location: Follow signs to rideshare pickup zones outside arrivals (locations shown in app)
• Note: In Germany, Uber operates with licensed taxi drivers or private hire vehicles
• Fares to Cologne center: EUR 25-35 depending on traffic and demand
• Fares to Bonn center: EUR 35-50 depending on traffic

Taxi

Licensed taxis queue outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 arrivals, available 24/7. All taxis are metered and accept credit cards.

Destination	Fare	Time
Cologne Central Station	EUR 25-35	15-20 min
Cologne city center	EUR 27-40	15-25 min
Bonn city center	EUR 35-45	20-30 min
Dusseldorf	EUR 90-120	45-60 min

Taxi rate structure: Base fare EUR 4.00, EUR 2.10 per km (first 7 km), EUR 1.90 per km thereafter.

Tip: Public transit is significantly cheaper. Taxis make sense for groups or late-night arrivals when trains are less frequent.

The airport train station (Flughafen Koln/Bonn) is located between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, accessible via escalators from arrivals.

S-Bahn (S19) to Cologne

The S-Bahn line S19 connects the airport directly to Cologne Central Station.

To Koln Hauptbahnhof:

1. Follow signs to "Bahn/Train" from arrivals
2. Take S19 direction Duren
3. Exit at Koln Hbf (14-16 minutes)

Ticket Type	Price
Single adult (fare zone 4)	EUR 3.60
Day ticket	EUR 8.80
KolnCard (24 hours, includes attractions)	EUR 9.00+

Frequency: Every 20 minutes (weekdays), every 30 minutes (weekends/holidays) Operating hours: Trains run throughout the night with reduced frequency (every 30-45 minutes overnight)

Regional Express (RE) and ICE

Faster Regional Express trains also connect to Cologne Central Station.

• RE trains: 11 minutes to Koln Hbf, twice per hour
• ICE trains: 10 minutes to Koln Hbf, more expensive (EUR 8+)

Use the same ticket as S-Bahn for RE trains within the VRS network.

Bus SB60 to Bonn

The Airport Express SB60 connects directly to Bonn Central Station.

To Bonn Hauptbahnhof:

1. Find bus stop at Terminal 1 basement level
2. Take SB60 direction Bonn Hbf
3. Journey time: 27-32 minutes

Ticket Type	Price
Single adult	EUR 9.70

Frequency: Every 30 minutes (weekdays), every 30-60 minutes (weekends) Operating hours: 04:47-00:17 daily

Cologne Bonn Airport offers three main parking facilities.

On-site Parking Rates

Facility	Hourly	Daily	Weekly
P1 (closest to T1)	EUR 7	EUR 43	EUR 119+ (online)
P2 (T2/central)	EUR 6	EUR 43	EUR 69+ (online)
P3 (economy)	EUR 4	EUR 36	EUR 39+ (online)

Tips:

• Book online at cologne-bonn-airport.com up to 24 hours before arrival for savings up to 40%
• Drop-off: First 10 minutes free in short-term area, then EUR 8 for 15 minutes
• Sunday/Holiday special: EUR 3 flat rate between 9:00 and 19:00 in P1, P2, or P3
• EV charging: Available in P2 (level 6) and P3 (level 0), no blocking fees for first 24 hours

Off-site Parking

Third-party providers offer parking from EUR 25/week with shuttle service. Book through comparison sites like Parkos.

The airport offers dining options in both terminals, though selection is more limited than larger hubs.

Terminal 1

• Standige Vertretung: German cuisine, popular for currywurst and regional specialties
• McDonald's: Fast food
• Burger King: Fast food
• Starbucks: Coffee and snacks
• Segafredo: Italian coffee
• KAMPuS by Kamps: German bakery chain, pastries, sandwiches, salads

Terminal 2

• La Piazza: Italian restaurant, recommended for pasta
• Burger King: Fast food
• Various grab-and-go options

Lounges

• The Lounge: Hot and cold buffet, coffee, alcoholic beverages. Day pass EUR 35.

Budget tip: Food options are limited after security. Grab snacks before clearing security or purchase from landside shops.

Free WiFi is available throughout Cologne Bonn Airport.

Detail	Information
Network name	AIRPORT FREE WIFI or CGN Free WiFi
Registration	Name/email required
Time limit	Unlimited
Speed	Adequate for browsing and email

Connect to the network and open your browser to access the registration page.

SIM card options at the airport are limited. Consider purchasing in the city for better selection and prices.

Airport Options

• Capi - The Travellers Electronics Company (Terminal 1): Travel electronics including SIM cards
• Travelex (Terminal 1): May stock basic prepaid SIMs

Major German Carriers

Provider	Typical Prepaid Price	Data
Deutsche Telekom (MagentaMobil)	EUR 10-15	3-5 GB
Vodafone	EUR 10-15	3-5 GB
O2	EUR 10-15	3-5 GB

Better alternatives:

• Purchase from MediaMarkt, Saturn, or carrier stores in Cologne city center
• Consider eSIM options (Airalo, Holafly) pre-loaded before arrival
• EU roaming is included on all German SIM cards for travel within the EU

Germany uses the Euro (EUR). While Germany is becoming more card-friendly, cash is still commonly preferred, especially in smaller shops and restaurants.

ATM Locations

ATMs (Geldautomaten) are available throughout both terminals:

• Terminal 1: Departures area (Pier B and C)
• Terminal 2: Arrivals and Departures areas
• Sparkasse Koln Bonn and ReiseBank ATMs available
• Available 24 hours

Currency Exchange

• ReiseBank (T1 Departures, Pier B): Open daily 7:00-20:00
• Travelex (T1 and T2)

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw EUR from ATMs using a no-fee debit card (Wise, Revolut, etc.)
• Cards are widely accepted in Cologne and Bonn, though some smaller establishments prefer cash
• Avoid airport exchange counters due to unfavorable rates

Shopping options at CGN are more limited than major European hub airports.

Duty Free

Setur Duty Free operates the main duty-free shops across both terminals since 2023, offering:

• Perfumes and cosmetics
• Spirits and tobacco
• Sweets and confectionery
• Designer accessories

Important: Duty-free purchases are only available for travelers to non-EU destinations. Intra-EU passengers can shop at "Travel Value" prices.

Other Shops

• R&F Travel Retail: Wines, spirits, fragrances, confectionery
• Press and book shops
• Fashion and accessories stores

Note: Shopping options are limited after security. The airport is functional but not a shopping destination.

Cologne Bonn Airport has limited lounge options compared to larger hubs.

The Lounge Koln-Bonn (Terminal 1)

• Location: Airside, C Gates (Concourse C), international flights only
• Access: Priority Pass, DragonPass, LoungeKey, Diners Club, day pass (EUR 35)
• Hours: 05:00-22:00 daily
• Amenities: Hot and cold food, bar, showers, workstations
• Note: Located in the former Lufthansa Business Lounge space

The Lounge Koln-Bonn (Terminal 2)

• Location: Airside after passport control, Concourse D, opposite Gate D50
• Access: Priority Pass, DragonPass, LoungeKey, day pass
• Hours: Operating hours vary
• Notes: For non-Schengen flights only

Lufthansa Business Lounge

• Location: Terminal 1
• Access: Lufthansa Business Class, Star Alliance Gold, Miles & More Senator
• Notes: Check current operating status as availability may vary

Important: There is no airside connection between terminals. If departing from Terminal 2, you can only access the Terminal 2 lounge.

Several hotels are located at or near Cologne Bonn Airport.

At the Airport

Moxy Cologne Bonn Airport

• Located directly adjacent to Terminal 1 and the train station
• 3-star Marriott property, 250 rooms
• Restaurant "Seven Hills", rooftop terrace, fitness center
• From EUR 80/night
• No on-site parking (use airport P1/P2)

Leonardo Hotel Cologne Bonn Airport

• Approximately 300 meters from the terminal
• Free shuttle service to/from airport
• Business-friendly amenities
• From EUR 70/night

Near the Airport

• Holiday Inn Express Cologne Bonn Airport: Free shuttle, from EUR 65/night
• ibis Cologne Airport: Budget-friendly, from EUR 55/night

City Center Options

For overnight stays, consider staying in Cologne city center (15 minutes by train):

• Better restaurant and nightlife options
• Easy morning connection to airport
• Wide range of hotels at all price points

Cologne Bonn Airport serves two distinct cities, each with unique attractions. The airport's location makes both equally accessible.

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Travel Time	Route
Cologne Cathedral (Kolner Dom)	15-20 min	Train to Koln Hbf, cathedral is adjacent
Cologne Old Town (Altstadt)	20 min	Train to Koln Hbf, walk 5 min
Bonn Beethoven House	35-40 min	Bus SB60 to Bonn Hbf, walk 10 min
Bonn Museumsmeile	40-45 min	Bus SB60, then tram or walk
Rhine Valley	60-90 min	Train via Koln or Bonn

Cologne Highlights

• Cologne Cathedral (Kolner Dom): UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gothic masterpiece with 157-meter twin towers. Free entry, tower climb available.
• Old Town (Altstadt): Historic quarter along the Rhine with traditional Kolsch beer halls
• Museum Ludwig: Major modern art museum near the cathedral
• Chocolate Museum: Interactive museum on Rheinauhafen peninsula
• Romano-Germanic Museum: Roman artifacts and mosaics

Bonn Highlights

• Beethoven-Haus: Birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, world's largest Beethoven collection. Open Wed-Mon 10:00-18:00.
• Museumsmeile (Museum Mile): Bundeskunsthalle, Kunstmuseum Bonn, Haus der Geschichte (German contemporary history)
• Former Government District: Historic buildings from Bonn's time as West German capital
• August Macke Haus: Expressionist painter's preserved studio

Rhine Valley

The UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley is accessible for day trips:

• Drachenfels: Castle ruins with Rhine views (40 min by train + cog railway)
• Koblenz: Where Rhine meets Moselle (1 hour by train)
• Rhine river cruises: Depart from Cologne or Bonn

Layover Recommendations

• 3-hour layover: Not recommended to leave airport due to re-screening time
• 5-hour layover: Quick visit to Cologne Cathedral (15 min each way by train)
• 7+ hour layover: Explore Cologne Old Town, cathedral, and a Kolsch beer hall

Local Specialties

• Kolsch: Cologne's unique local beer, served in small 0.2L glasses
• Himmel un Aad: "Heaven and Earth" - black pudding, mashed potatoes, apple sauce
• Rheinischer Sauerbraten: Marinated beef roast, regional specialty
• Halver Hahn: Rye roll with aged Gouda (despite the name, no chicken)

Practical Tips

• KolnCard: Includes public transit and museum discounts (from EUR 9/24 hours)
• Cash: Many smaller shops and restaurants in Germany prefer cash
• Shops: Most shops close by 18:00-20:00 on weekdays; limited Sunday hours
• Tipping: Round up or add 5-10% for good service; not obligatory