The Rhine metropolis of Cologne, famous for its Gothic cathedral, and neighboring Bonn, Germany's former capital, reachable by high-speed ICE train.

About Cologne / Bonn

Cologne (Köln) is Germany's fourth-largest city and one of its most vibrant, centered around the magnificent Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose twin Gothic spires rise 157 meters beside the central train station. The city is famous for its Kölsch beer culture, Carnival celebrations, and the Eau de Cologne fragrance that bears its name.

The Altstadt (Old Town) along the Rhine features the Romano-Germanic Museum, the Chocolate Museum, and dozens of traditional brewhouses (Brauhäuser). The Belgian Quarter and Ehrenfeld are the city's trendy neighborhoods for dining and nightlife. Cologne's central station (Köln Hbf) is directly adjacent to the cathedral.

Bonn, 30 km south of Cologne, served as West Germany's capital from 1949 to 1990. It houses several UN institutions, Beethoven's birthplace, and the Museum Mile. Both cities are served by the same ICE trains from Frankfurt Airport's long-distance station.

Nearby Landmarks

Cologne Cathedral Rhine River Chocolate Museum Beethoven House (Bonn) Old Town

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost Not practical (use train)
Time Not practical

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Train (ICE (InterCity Express))

Cost €30-70
Time 60 minutes
Frequency Every 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Follow signs to Fernbahnhof (long-distance train station) at Frankfurt Airport. Buy an ICE ticket to Köln Hbf or Bonn Hbf at the DB counter or machines. Board the ICE train (about 50 min to Cologne, 30 min to Bonn).

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi Not practical (use train) Not practical Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Train €30-70 60 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

ICE trains from Frankfurt Airport to Cologne run until approximately 11 PM, with some later IC services. After that, a few night trains pass through, or you can take the RE (regional express) which runs later. A taxi for 190 km would be extremely expensive (€250+) and is not practical.

Luggage Tips

ICE trains have overhead racks and luggage shelves between seats. First-class cars have more space. There are also large luggage areas at the ends of each car. At Köln Hbf, luggage lockers are available in the station basement (€4-7).

Accessibility

Frankfurt Airport's Fernbahnhof (long-distance station) has elevator access to all platforms. ICE trains have wheelchair spaces in designated cars—book through Deutsche Bahn or ask staff. Köln Hbf has elevators and DB mobility service. Pre-book assistance 24h ahead.