# Cologne Airport Transfer Guide (CGN) Practical guide to getting from Cologne Bonn Airport to the city. Real pricing, honest transport advice. **Airport:** CGN **City:** Cologne **Country:** Germany **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/cgn **Last updated:** 2026-03-26 --- ## Main Guide ### Quick answer Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is about **15km from Cologne city center** and **16km from Bonn**. The S-Bahn (S13) takes you to Cologne Hauptbahnhof in about **15 minutes** for **3.20 EUR**. A taxi costs **30-45 EUR** and a private transfer about **35-55 EUR**. The train is excellent here — fast, frequent, and cheap. Unless you have special needs (family, lots of luggage, late night), take the S-Bahn. 👉 AirportTransferPortal offers fixed-price transfers on this route, which removes uncertainty on arrival. --- ### What actually happens after landing CGN has two terminals. Terminal 1 handles most airlines, Terminal 2 is mainly used by low-cost carriers (Eurowings, Ryanair). Both terminals are connected by a short walkway. The airport train station (Koln/Bonn Flughafen) is connected to Terminal 1 via a covered walkway — about 5 minutes on foot. From Terminal 2, add another 5 minutes. Follow the train symbols. Taxis wait outside both terminals at marked ranks. For pre-booked transfers, drivers wait in the arrivals hall. --- ### Transport options explained honestly **S-Bahn S13** — The best option for most travelers. Runs every 20 minutes between the airport and Cologne Hauptbahnhof. Takes about **15 minutes**, costs **3.20 EUR** (Preisstufe 1b). Also stops at Messe/Deutz. Trains run from about 4:30 AM to midnight. **RE/RB Regional trains** — Faster connections to Bonn (about 20 minutes) and other cities along the Rhine. Same station as the S-Bahn. Costs depend on distance. **Taxi** — Reliable, metered. To Cologne center: **30-45 EUR** depending on traffic and exact destination. To Bonn center: **30-40 EUR**. German taxis are regulated — no scams. **Private transfer** — Pre-booked car at **35-55 EUR** to Cologne, **35-50 EUR** to Bonn. Fixed price, driver waiting at arrivals. **Bus** — Local buses connect to nearby areas but aren't useful for Cologne or Bonn city center. The train is better in every way. **Rental Car** — Available at the airport. The A59 and A3 motorways provide quick connections, but parking in Cologne's old town is expensive and limited. --- ### Realistic pricing expectations | Destination | Distance | Taxi estimate | Transfer estimate | |---|---|---|---| | Cologne Hauptbahnhof | 15 km | 30-40 EUR | 35-50 EUR | | Cologne Messe / Deutz | 13 km | 28-38 EUR | 32-45 EUR | | Cologne Altstadt (Old Town) | 16 km | 32-42 EUR | 35-50 EUR | | Bonn Hauptbahnhof | 16 km | 30-40 EUR | 35-50 EUR | | Bonn Bad Godesberg | 22 km | 40-55 EUR | 42-58 EUR | | Dusseldorf | 65 km | 90-120 EUR | 80-110 EUR | | Aachen | 85 km | 110-140 EUR | 100-130 EUR | *S-Bahn to Cologne Hbf: 3.20 EUR. Regional train to Bonn Hbf: ~6.50 EUR.* --- ### Late night arrivals The last S13 to Cologne leaves around midnight. After that, you're limited to taxis or pre-booked transfers. Night buses exist but are impractical from the airport. CGN handles a lot of low-cost and charter flights that arrive late — the taxi rank stays active. German taxis have minimal night surcharges (1-2 EUR extra). A late-night taxi to Cologne center costs about the same as daytime. --- ### Families and luggage The S-Bahn is manageable with luggage — there's space for suitcases and the trains aren't as packed as Frankfurt's. With a stroller and multiple bags, it gets tricky though. For families, a taxi or transfer makes the 15km ride much easier. Request a minivan if you need child seats and extra space. A minivan transfer to Cologne runs about **50-70 EUR** — very reasonable for a family. --- ### Where you meet the driver **S-Bahn:** Follow train signs from either terminal to the airport train station. It's a covered walkway, about 5 minutes from Terminal 1. **Taxi:** Ranks are directly outside the arrivals exits of both terminals. **Transfer:** Drivers wait in the arrivals hall of your terminal with a name sign. They'll contact you with exact meeting instructions before your flight. --- ### Decision helper **Take the S-Bahn if:** You're heading to Cologne city center, traveling light to moderate luggage, and arriving before midnight. At 3.20 EUR and 15 minutes, it's one of the best airport rail links in Germany. **Take a taxi if:** You have lots of luggage, it's late, or you're going somewhere not near a train station. **Book a transfer if:** You're a family, need child seats, traveling in a group, heading to Bonn or beyond, or want a fixed price with zero thinking. **Take the regional train if:** You're heading to Bonn — it's faster and cheaper than a taxi. 👉 This is the lowest-friction option after a long flight. --- ### Summary --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: How long does it take to get from Cologne Bonn Airport to Cologne city center?** The S-Bahn takes **15 minutes** to Cologne Hauptbahnhof. By taxi or transfer, expect **20-30 minutes** depending on traffic. **Q: How do I get from Cologne Bonn Airport to Bonn?** Take a **regional train (RE/RB)** from the airport station to Bonn Hauptbahnhof — about **20 minutes** and **6-7 EUR**. A taxi costs about **30-40 EUR**. **Q: Which terminal is for Ryanair at Cologne Bonn Airport?** Ryanair and most low-cost carriers use **Terminal 2**. It's a short walk from Terminal 1 and connected to the train station via Terminal 1. **Q: Is there a direct train from Cologne Bonn Airport to Dusseldorf?** Not directly. Take the **S13 to Cologne Hbf** and change to an ICE or RE to Dusseldorf. Total time: about 45-60 minutes. A taxi or transfer to Dusseldorf costs 90-120 EUR. **Q: How much is a taxi from Cologne Bonn Airport?** To Cologne center: **30-40 EUR**. To Bonn center: **30-40 EUR**. German taxis are metered and regulated. Tips of 5-10% are customary. --- ## Additional Guides ### Arriving late at Cologne Bonn Airport: your real options **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/cgn/late-night CGN handles plenty of low-cost and charter flights that arrive late. Ryanair and Eurowings evening flights often land after 10 PM. Here's what works. ## Transport schedule at night | Transport | Last service | Resumes | |---|---|---| | S-Bahn S13 to Cologne | ~00:00 | ~04:30 | | Regional trains to Bonn | ~23:30 | ~05:00 | | Night bus N26 | Through the night (hourly) | Limited stops | | Taxis | 24/7 | Always available | | Pre-booked transfers | 24/7 | Always available | ## Catching the last S-Bahn The last S13 to Cologne Hauptbahnhof departs around midnight. If your flight lands by 11 PM and you have no checked bags, you can make it. With checked luggage and passport control, anything landing after 10:30 PM is risky. **Tip:** Check the exact last departure time on the DB Navigator app — it varies slightly by day of week. ## After midnight: taxis The taxi rank stays active for late flights. Expect to find cars waiting when a flight lands. German taxis have minimal night surcharges — maybe **2-3 EUR extra** on the trip. Late-night taxi to Cologne: **32-42 EUR** (slightly more than daytime due to surcharge, but less than daytime with traffic). The roads are empty, so the ride is actually faster — about 15-20 minutes. Late-night taxi to Bonn: **32-42 EUR**. ## After midnight: pre-booked transfer The reliable choice. Your driver: - Tracks your flight — delay adjustments automatic - Waits at arrivals — no searching for transport at midnight - Fixed price — same as daytime, some companies add 5-10 EUR night supplement Transfer to Cologne at night: **35-55 EUR**. Transfer to Bonn: **35-55 EUR**. ## Night bus N26 Bus N26 runs through the night between the airport and Cologne, but it's hourly, stops at many points, and takes significantly longer than a taxi. It's there as a last resort, not a convenient option. ## During Carnival Cologne Karneval (usually February, Weiberfastnacht through Rosenmontag) means the city is chaotic at night. Taxis are harder to find, everything is more crowded. If you're arriving during Carnival week, **definitely pre-book a transfer.** The S-Bahn also gets packed with costumed revelers. ## Airport hotels If you land very late and don't want to deal with getting into the city: - **Leonardo Hotel Koln Bonn Airport** — at the airport, walking distance - **Holiday Inn Express** — near the airport, shuttle available Rooms from about 80-120 EUR. Could make sense if you have an early morning ahead. ## Safety The airport area is safe at night. Well-lit terminal, security present. Cologne city center is generally safe too, though the area around Hauptbahnhof can feel a bit edgy late at night (same as most German cities). ## Our recommendation If you can catch the last S-Bahn: take it. If not, the taxi rank is your fastest option. Pre-book a transfer for maximum certainty, especially during Carnival season or holiday periods. The cost difference between a taxi and transfer is negligible at this distance. --- ### Cologne Bonn Airport: Taxi or private transfer? **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/cgn/taxi-vs-transfer With the S-Bahn being so good at CGN, taxis and transfers are really for people with specific needs. Here's when each makes sense. ## Price comparison | Destination | Taxi | Transfer | |---|---|---| | Cologne Hauptbahnhof | 30-40 EUR | 35-50 EUR | | Cologne Altstadt | 32-42 EUR | 35-50 EUR | | Bonn Hauptbahnhof | 30-38 EUR | 35-50 EUR | | Bonn Bad Godesberg | 40-55 EUR | 42-58 EUR | | Dusseldorf center | 90-120 EUR | 80-110 EUR | For short rides to Cologne or Bonn, taxis are **5-10 EUR cheaper**. For longer trips to Dusseldorf or Aachen, transfers often win because fixed pricing avoids traffic-related meter increases. ## When the taxi wins - **Quick city trips** — walk out, get in, go. No pre-booking needed - **1-2 people with normal luggage** — simple and slightly cheaper - **You know exactly where you're going** — just give the address - **Daytime arrivals** — plenty of taxis, no waiting German taxis are among the most regulated and reliable in Europe. CGN's taxi rank is well-organized. Mercedes sedans, clean vehicles, professional drivers. ## When the transfer wins - **Family with child seats** — request in advance, guaranteed fit - **Group of 4+** — minivan transfer beats squeezing into a sedan or splitting into two taxis - **Heading to Dusseldorf, Aachen, or beyond** — fixed price for the longer ride - **During Carnival** — Cologne's Karneval (February) means packed trains and surge pricing on ride-hailing. A pre-booked transfer avoids the chaos - **Trade fair periods** — when Koelnmesse has major events, everything's busier and pricier - **Late night certainty** — guaranteed car after the S-Bahn stops ## The S-Bahn elephant in the room Let's be real: for most travelers going to Cologne or Bonn city center, the **S-Bahn (3.20 EUR, 15 minutes)** or **regional train** makes both taxis and transfers unnecessary. You'd only choose a taxi or transfer when: - You have heavy/bulky luggage - You're traveling with small children - It's very late at night - Your hotel is far from a train station - You're going somewhere the train doesn't serve well ## Vehicle quality CGN taxis: mostly **Mercedes E-Class** sedans and vans. Clean, comfortable, well-maintained — standard for German airports. Transfers: similar Mercedes/BMW vehicles, sometimes newer. Not a significant quality difference. ## Our honest take If the S-Bahn works for your situation, take it — no question. If you need a car, the taxi is slightly cheaper for simple city rides. Book a transfer when you have specific needs: child seats, group transport, long distance, or events/carnival periods when Cologne gets chaotic. --- ### Cologne Bonn Airport with kids: getting to your hotel easily **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/cgn/family-and-kids Cologne is a great city for families — the cathedral, the chocolate museum, the Rhine promenade. Getting from the airport with kids just needs a little planning. ## The S-Bahn with kids The S13 to Cologne takes 15 minutes and costs 3.20 EUR per adult. Kids under 6 ride free. A group day pass for up to 5 people is about 11 EUR and covers all local transport. With one child and a rolling suitcase: totally fine. The trains have space and the ride is short. With a stroller, two suitcases, and two kids: it's doable but annoying, especially the walk from the terminal to the station (about 5-8 minutes through covered walkways). ## Taxi with kids The taxi rank is right outside arrivals. Quick, easy, and at 30-40 EUR to Cologne, it's reasonable. German taxi drivers are professional and the cars (mostly Mercedes) are spacious. **The child seat issue:** German taxis rarely carry child seats. German law technically exempts taxis from child seat requirements for short trips, but many parents aren't comfortable with that. If car seat safety matters to you, book a transfer. ## Private transfer with kids The smart choice for families with young children: | Family setup | Vehicle | Child seats | Price to Cologne | |---|---|---|---| | 2 adults + 1 child | Sedan | 1 | 35-50 EUR | | 2 adults + 2 children | Minivan | 2 | 50-70 EUR | | 2 adults + 3+ children | Large minivan | As needed | 60-80 EUR | Benefits over a taxi: - **Child seats guaranteed** — specify the type when booking - **Minivan space** — room for strollers, bags, and kids who need room - **Driver helps with luggage** — no wrestling bags while holding a toddler's hand - **Fixed price** — no meter stress during an already stressful family journey ## Airport tips for families - **Terminal 2 (low-cost flights)** is more basic than Terminal 1 — fewer amenities but also fewer crowds - **The walkway to the train station** is covered but long-ish with kids — about 5-8 minutes of walking - **Restrooms and changing facilities** are in both terminals - **If connecting to Bonn:** the regional train is easier than a taxi with the family. Kids under 6 free, comfortable trains, 20 minutes ## Cologne with kids: where to stay Your transfer destination affects cost: - **Near the Dom / Altstadt** — walkable, central, lots to see. Transfer: 35-50 EUR - **Deutz / Messe area** — modern hotels, close to the Rhine. Transfer: 32-45 EUR - **South city (Sudstadt)** — quieter, family-friendly neighborhood. Transfer: 35-50 EUR ## Our advice For families with kids over 6 and light luggage: the **S-Bahn is great** — cheap, fast, and the kids might enjoy the train. For families with younger children, car seats needed, or heavy luggage: **book a minivan transfer** at 50-70 EUR. The price difference is worth the convenience. --- ### How much does it cost to get from Cologne Bonn Airport to the city? **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/cgn/cost-to-city Cologne Bonn Airport sits between two major cities, and costs depend on where you're heading. Here's the full breakdown. ## To Cologne ### S-Bahn S13 — 3.20 EUR The cheapest and fastest option. The S13 runs every 20 minutes and takes **15 minutes** to Cologne Hauptbahnhof. Buy tickets from machines at the platform — they accept cards and cash. This is Preisstufe 1b in the VRS tariff zone. For two people: 6.40 EUR. A group day pass (up to 5 people) costs about **11 EUR** and covers unlimited travel in the zone all day. ### Taxi — 30-45 EUR | Cologne destination | Taxi fare | |---|---| | Hauptbahnhof / Dom | 30-40 EUR | | Altstadt (Old Town) | 32-42 EUR | | Messe / Deutz | 28-38 EUR | | Ehrenfeld | 30-40 EUR | | Cologne South (Sudstadt) | 33-43 EUR | ### Private transfer — 35-55 EUR | Vehicle | Price to Cologne center | |---|---| | Sedan (1-3 pax) | 35-50 EUR | | Minivan (4-6 pax) | 50-70 EUR | | Business sedan | 50-70 EUR | ## To Bonn ### Regional train — 6-7 EUR RE/RB trains run from the airport station to Bonn Hauptbahnhof in about **20 minutes**. Cheaper and faster than a taxi for the center of Bonn. ### Taxi — 30-40 EUR | Bonn destination | Taxi fare | |---|---| | Bonn Hauptbahnhof | 30-38 EUR | | Bad Godesberg | 40-55 EUR | | UN Campus / Bundesviertel | 35-45 EUR | ### Private transfer — 35-55 EUR Same pricing as Cologne — the distances are similar. ## Cost comparison table | Group size | S-Bahn to Cologne | Taxi to Cologne | Transfer to Cologne | |---|---|---|---| | 1 person | 3.20 EUR | 30-40 EUR | 35-50 EUR | | 2 people | 6.40 EUR | 30-40 EUR | 35-50 EUR | | 3 people | 9.60 EUR | 30-40 EUR | 35-50 EUR | | 4 people | 11 EUR (group pass) | 35-45 EUR* | 50-70 EUR (minivan) | | 5 people | 11 EUR (group pass) | Two taxis needed | 50-70 EUR (minivan) | *Four people with luggage is tight in a standard taxi. Notice how the **group day pass** makes the S-Bahn insanely cheap for groups — 11 EUR for up to 5 people, plus unlimited local transport all day. ## The Deutschlandticket option If you have a **Deutschlandticket** (49 EUR monthly pass for all local/regional transport in Germany), it works on the S-Bahn and regional trains from CGN. Many tourists buy one for a multi-city trip — it covers everything except ICE trains. ## Hidden costs - **No tolls** on roads to Cologne or Bonn - **Rush hour taxis** cost more due to waiting time in traffic — Cologne's ring road (A1/A3/A4 junction) gets congested - **Parking** in Cologne old town: 2-4 EUR per hour, 15-25 EUR per day - **S-Bahn fine:** If you board without a valid ticket, the fine is **60 EUR**. Always buy before boarding. ## Bottom line The S-Bahn at 3.20 EUR is one of the best deals at any European airport. Fast, cheap, reliable. Taxis are reasonable at 30-45 EUR for a door-to-door ride. Cologne Bonn Airport isn't expensive to get out of regardless of what you choose. --- ## Check before you land 👉 This route is actively served by AirportTransferPortal with fixed-price booking available before arrival. Check real vehicles and prices before your flight. Booking takes a few minutes and ensures someone is waiting when you arrive. --- ## Operational Note This guide reflects real operational conditions, pricing ranges, and traveler experience at Cologne (CGN). Transfer availability is supported by AirportTransferPortal's verified supplier network. --- ## Attribution Published by AirportTransferPortal (airporttransferportal.com), a global airport transfer marketplace operated by Funny Tourism Ltd.