Practical information for visiting Cologne: airport details, getting around the city, visa requirements, money and tipping, safety, and answers to common questions from first-time visitors to Germany’s fourth-largest city.
Cologne Airport and Arrival Information
Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is 15km southeast of the city center. The S-Bahn line S19 runs from the airport station (Terminal 1) to Cologne Hauptbahnhof (main station) every 20 minutes, taking 14 minutes. A single ticket costs EUR 3.50 (VRS zone 1b). The train also stops at Köln Messe/Deutz. Taxis cost EUR 30-40 and take 20-30 minutes.
The airport handles European flights including budget carriers Eurowings and Ryanair. For long-haul flights, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) connects via high-speed ICE train in 50 minutes (EUR 25-40 when booked in advance on bahn.de). Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) is 40 minutes by regional train. The main train station (Hauptbahnhof) is directly next to the Cathedral in the city center.
Getting Around Cologne
The Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe (KVB) runs trams (Stadtbahn) and buses. A single ticket (EinzelTicket) costs EUR 3.50 for city zone 1b, valid for 90 minutes. A 24-hour pass (TagTicket) costs EUR 9.60 for one person, EUR 14.80 for up to 5 people (GruppenTicket). The KVB app allows mobile ticket purchase. The tram network is extensive: lines 5, 16, and 18 run north-south, lines 1, 7, 9, 12, and 15 east-west.
The main hub is Neumarkt and the Hauptbahnhof. Trams run every 5-10 minutes during daytime on main lines. Night service (Friday-Saturday and before holidays) runs hourly. Most attractions are walkable within the Altstadt. Cycling is popular: KVB rental bikes (Call a Bike by Deutsche Bahn) cost EUR 1 per 30 minutes with registration in the DB app. Taxis start at EUR 4.50 plus EUR 2.20 per km. Uber operates normally throughout the city.
Cologne Visa Information
Germany is part of the Schengen Area. Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea
many other countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. From 2025, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will require online pre-registration (EUR 7, valid for 3 years) for visa-exempt travelers. EU/EEA citizens have unrestricted entry. Always carry identification (passport or national ID card). Border controls within Schengen are generally absent but spot checks occur on trains from neighboring countries.
Money and Tipping in Cologne
The currency is the Euro (EUR). Germany remains more cash-oriented than other Western European countries. Many restaurants, bars, and smaller shops do not accept credit cards or require a minimum spend (often EUR 20-30). Carry EUR 50-100 in cash. ATMs (Geldautomaten) are plentiful.
Tipping is expected as a small round-up: in restaurants and cafes, round up to the nearest EUR 1-2 or add about 5-10% for good service. For a EUR 18.50 meal, pay EUR 20 and say “Stimmt so” (keep the change). In bars and for Kölsch, round up to the nearest EUR 0.50-1 per drink. Taxis: round up EUR 1-2. Hotel porters: EUR 1-2 per bag. The VAT (Mehrwertsteuer) of 19% is always included in displayed prices.
Safety in Cologne
Cologne is generally safe with typical Western European crime levels. The main risk is pickpocketing around the Cathedral, the main train station (Hauptbahnhof), and crowded Christmas markets. Keep wallets in front pockets and bags zipped and forward-facing. The area around the Hauptbahnhof and Breslauer Platz has visible drug activity and homelessness but is not physically dangerous.
The Altstadt bar zone on weekends (especially Friesenstraße and Zülpicher Straße) sees alcohol-related fights. The Kölner Ring road is safe during the day but can feel sketchy late at night. Emergency number is 112 (ambulance/fire) or 110 (police). Tap water is safe and excellent quality. German police speak English and are helpful to tourists.
Suggested Hotels in Cologne
Excelsior Hotel Ernst
A family-run five-star hotel opposite the Cathedral since 1863, with Michelin-starred dining, marble bathrooms, and a tradition of hosting royalty. Best for luxury travelers who want old-world European service with direct Cathedral views. Check rates and availability
25hours Hotel The Circle
A design-forward mid-range hotel in the Belgian Quarter with retro-futuristic rooms, a rooftop bar with panoramic views, and excellent modern German dining. Best for style-conscious travelers and couples who want a hotel with personality in a lively neighborhood. Check rates and availability
Station Hostel for Backpackers
A budget hostel near the main train station with dorm beds from EUR 18, a communal kitchen, and a bar serving local Kölsch. Best for backpackers and solo budget travelers who want the cheapest accommodation within walking distance of the Cathedral. Check rates and availability
Frequently Asked Questions About Cologne
How many days should I spend in Cologne?
Two full days covers the Cathedral, the Altstadt breweries, Museum Ludwig, and the Chocolate Museum. Three days allows exploration of the Belgian Quarter and Ehrenfeld, plus a Rhine cruise. Add an extra day if visiting during Christmas market season (late November to December 23) to visit all the markets.
What is the best area to stay in Cologne for first-time visitors?
The Altstadt near the Cathedral or Heumarkt. You can walk to all major attractions, the breweries are on your doorstep, and the main train station is 2 minutes away. See our Cologne neighborhoods guide for area comparisons.
Do I need advance tickets for the Cathedral tower?
No. Tower tickets are purchased at the entrance on the south side of the Cathedral. The queue can reach 30-45 minutes in summer afternoons. Go early (9:00 AM opening) or late (within 1 hour of closing) for shorter waits. The 533 steps are narrow and there’s no elevator – skip this if you have mobility issues or claustrophobia.
Is Cologne a good base for day trips?
Yes. Bonn (Beethoven’s birthplace) is 25 minutes by train. Düsseldorf is 30 minutes. The Rhine Valley castles (Bacharach, St. Goar) are 1.5-2 hours. Aachen (Charlemagne’s cathedral) is 50 minutes. Brussels and Amsterdam are reachable by high-speed train (1h50m and 2h40m respectively). The train station is centrally located, making day trips simple.
What is the Kölsch serving system and how do I stop getting refills?
Kölsch is served in 0.2-liter glasses by waiters (Köbes) who automatically replace your empty glass. To stop, place your coaster (Bierdeckel) on top of your glass. The Köbes will not ask if you want another, they simply bring one until you signal to stop. Pay when you’re finished. Each glass costs EUR 2.00-2.40 and the Köbes marks your coaster with pencil strokes to track your count. Some breweries serve the first glass without asking, so be ready with your coaster if you don’t want one.
For climate data to plan your trip timing, see our Cologne weather by month guide. For event dates and festival planning, read our Cologne events and festivals article.
