Cologne Transport

Getting around in Cologne is never a problem, as the well-developed bus, tram and subway system makes it convenient to do so. However, the city centre’s main attractions are within a short walking distance of each other and aside from using the S-Bahn to and from the airport, it’s most likely that you’ll only use the U-Bahn to hop the short distance between Neumarkt and the main shopping square of Rudolfplatz, or perhaps a little further, on to the nightlife of the Univiertel.

By Metro

Cologne’s public transport network (VRS) via bus, tram or subway is the most convenient way to get around the city. The U-Bahn is Cologne’s underground railway system, and includes tram sections that run at street-level. Tickets can be purchased inside the subway stations at counters or at ticket machines, which are to be found  inside the vehicles. Daily or three-day passes are worthwhile if you plan to travel often throughout the city.

By train

The S-Bahn is Cologne’s overground light railway network. Many workers of the rail system speak English, and the ticket/timetable machines are available in English.  Not all the trains have ticket vending machines, and be sure to buy a ticket at the station, as tickets for all trains must be purchased in advance.

By bus

Buses serve as a reliable way to get around the city, and offer economical daily and three-day passes. The ‘Köln Welcome Card’ gives unlimited travel on all public transport, and entitles reduced-price admission to most attractions and excursions. All travel-only tickets can be bought from automated ticket machines at the stations or from bus drivers, as the buses also have vending machines.

Taxis

There are about 1,200 taxis in Cologne, of which the majority belong to ‘Taxiruf Köln’, and they are dispatched from there. These cabs are operated by numerous companies that have thousands of taxi drivers. Taxis are easy to find, and the trip to central Cologne from the airport takes about forty minutes, depending on traffic. But there’s a plethora of taxi stands (TS) scattered around the city, most of which have taxis available day and night.

Taxis: 221 19410

Tourist services

A trip by subway/tram line number 13 which encircles the larger part of the town, takes close to 45 minutes. Most tourist attractions are located inside the number 13 line’s track or immediately beyond it, and most sights are located within walking distance in the inner city. The Cologne Tourist Office offers a wealth of information about activities around the city. Phone: +49 221 30400; http://www.koelntourismus.de

National directory enquiries in English: 11837

From the airport

Express bus number 170 goes to Cologne city centre from the airport every 15 to 30 minutes. There’s a 24-hour taxi service at the airport. Otherwise, a brief walk to the underground station between Terminals 1 and 2 will get you to the S-Bahn trains that run to the Köln Hauptbahnhof central station. If you choose to take a taxicab, there are normally enough cars near the exits at arrivals. You can avoid waiting time by walking upstairs to the departures where taxis are also available.

Airport facilities

As you’d expect from any modern airport, Köln-Bonn International comes fully equipped with facilities which include duty-free shops, banks, ATMs, a supermarket and delicatessen, restaurants, bars, fast-food outlets, snack bars and cafes. The airport is also very disabled traveller-friendly. The toilets are wheelchair-accessible and a lift for wheelchairs is located in Terminal 1.

Passengers delayed at the airport can take a break at the visitors’ terrace and view the 'planes landing and taking off. The airport also offers guided tours from Monday to Friday. The tourist information and help desk located in the Departures area, between areas B and C in Terminal 1, and in the Departures area D in Terminal 2 is on hand to help with any enquiry.