Cologne · Germany
Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN)
Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is located approximately 15 km southeast of Cologne city centre and 16 km northeast of Bonn. The airport consists of two passenger terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, situated side by side and connected by landside walkways. It serves domestic, regional European, and international passenger flights alongside major air cargo operations.
Terminals
- Terminal 1
- Serves airlines including Eurowings, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, and Swiss International Air Lines.
- Terminal 2
- Serves international carriers including Ryanair, Pegasus Airlines, Corendon Airlines, and Wizz Air.
Arriving
The arrival procedure at Cologne Bonn Airport varies depending on whether your flight originates within or outside the Schengen Area.
- Deplane and follow signage towards Baggage Reclaim ('Gepäckausgabe') and Exit ('Ausgang').
- Passengers arriving on non-Schengen flights clear passport control operated by the German Federal Police (Bundespolizei).
- Collect checked luggage from the designated carousel in the baggage reclaim area.
- Proceed through customs control (Zoll): choose the Green Channel for nothing to declare or the Red Channel if carrying goods over duty-free limits.
- Exit into the public arrivals hall to access ground transport, cash machines, and customer services.
Getting to the city
Train
Deutsche Bahn
The underground railway station (Köln/Bonn Flughafen) is located directly beneath the terminal complex. Frequent S-Bahn line S19 and regional trains connect to central Cologne.
- Time:
- roughly 15-20 minutes to Cologne Central Station (Köln Hbf)
- Typical cost:
- typically €3 - €4 for a single ticket
Train
VRS / SWB
Bus line SB60 links the airport directly with central Bonn, stopping right outside the arrivals area.
- Time:
- roughly 30-40 minutes to Bonn Central Station (Bonn Hbf)
- Typical cost:
- typically €8 - €10
Train
Deutsche Bahn
High-speed ICE services stop at the airport station, offering direct long-distance rail connections across Germany.
- Time:
- roughly 15 minutes to Cologne Hbf or 40 minutes to Frankfurt Hbf
- Typical cost:
- varies depending on booking time; higher than regional fares
Taxi
Licensed Local Taxis
Official taxi stands are located directly outside the arrivals level of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
- Time:
- roughly 15-30 minutes to Cologne city centre depending on traffic
- Typical cost:
- typically €35 - €50
Connections & transfers
Connecting between flights is efficient due to the adjacent layout of both terminals.
- Schengen-to-Schengen transfers generally remain within the secure departures zone.
- Non-Schengen connections require passing through passport control before reaching your departure gate.
- Passengers transferring between unrelated flights must retrieve checked baggage, enter the public area, and check in again.
Wi-Fi & staying connected
Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible across all public areas in both terminals.
- Select the network named 'AIRPORT FREE WIFI' on your mobile device.
- Open your web browser to accept the terms of conditions on the landing page.
- No payment or personal registration details are required for standard connection.
Money, cards & tipping
Banking, currency exchange, and automated teller machines are situated in both terminals.
- ATMs supporting international payment cards are located in landside and airside zones.
- Currency exchange counters operate landside for converting major foreign currencies.
- Card payments are widely accepted across Germany, though carrying a small amount of Euros in cash is practical.
Food & drink
Food and beverage options are available both before and after security.
- Landside halls feature bakeries, coffee shops, and fast-food options in both terminals.
- Airside departures provide sit-down eateries, cafes, and grab-and-go outlets.
- Vending machines offering snacks and drinks are located near most departure gates.
Lounges & rest
Airport lounges operate in the departures section for eligible or fee-paying passengers.
- The Cologne Bonn Airport Lounge is located in Terminal 1 airside after security.
- Access is available to business class travellers, lounge pass holders, or via pay-per-use entrance fees.
- Facilities include comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, and departure screens.
Airport hotels
Hotels are located directly on site and within short transit distances.
- The Moxy Cologne Bonn Airport hotel is located within walking distance between the two terminals.
- Additional airport hotels operate nearby, accessible via short taxi rides or public transport.
- Direct train links allow convenient access to central Cologne and Bonn hotel districts.
Baggage & customs
Baggage facilities include left luggage storage and airline lost property services.
- Luggage storage services are available in Terminal 2 landside.
- Report missing or damaged checked luggage to your airline's handling desk in the reclaim hall.
- An airport lost property office handles items misplaced within the public terminal spaces.
Family & accessibility
Family facilities are distributed across both terminal buildings.
- Baby-changing rooms are positioned adjacent to primary washroom facilities landside and airside.
- Children's play areas are available airside in departure zones.
- Lifts and accessible ramps connect all concourses, platforms, and baggage halls for pushchairs.
Facilities
- Underground Train Station
- Free Airport Wi-Fi
- ATMs & Foreign Exchange
- Luggage Storage
- Medical Care Centre
- Observation Deck
- Duty Free Shopping
Emergency & safety
Local emergency number: 112 (Medical / Fire), 110 (Police).
- In a life-threatening or fire emergency, dial 112 directly or alert any airport staff member.
- For lost passports or police assistance, visit the German Federal Police (Bundespolizei) station in Terminal 1 landside.
- First-aid services and emergency medical attention are available on-site 24/7.
Before you leave home
- Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
- Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
- Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
- Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
- Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
- Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
- Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
- Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.
Official sources
Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.
- Cologne Bonn Airport Official WebsiteOfficial airport source
- Bundeszollverwaltung (German Customs)Government source
- Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Sieg (VRS Public Transport Network)Official transit source
- Deutsche Bahn (German National Railway Operator)Official transit source
Guide last reviewed September 30, 2026
Airport information can change. Verify terminal assignments, schedules, fares, entry requirements and operating hours with the official provider before travel.
Land connected
Airport Wi-Fi is slow, time-limited and not private. A travel eSIM activates before you fly, so maps, ride-hailing and your booking emails work the second you switch off airplane mode.
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Build my trip planTravel information disclaimer: passport, visa and entry requirements change frequently and vary by nationality, route and purpose of travel. Everything published here is general guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements with the official government sources for your citizenship and your destination before booking and before travel.