Cologne Bonn Airport

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), named after Konrad Adenauer, is a unique aviation hub serving as the gateway to two significant German cities: the dynamic metropolis of Cologne and the elegant former capital, Bonn. It is one of the few airports in the country that operates on a 24/7 rhythm, handling flights around the clock, making it a key base for numerous low-cost carriers and cargo giants. Travellers are welcomed here by modern architecture featuring an abundance of glass and light, as well as the renowned German efficiency that transforms a transfer or wait into a comfortable part of your journey.

Airport Features and Advantages:

Ideal Transport Accessibility. The airport boasts its own railway station integrated directly into the terminal complex. From here, you can depart not only on the S-Bahn suburban train to the centre of Cologne (in just 15 minutes) but also on high-speed ICE trains to other regions of Germany without changing trains.

24-Hour Operation. Unlike many other German airports with strict restrictions on night flights, Cologne Bonn operates 24 hours a day. This ensures a vast selection of flights, including convenient night connections.

Observation Deck. For aviation enthusiasts, a large viewing platform (Besucherterrasse) is open, offering breathtaking views of the runways and the apron. It is an excellent place to pass the time before departure while watching the aircraft.

Below you will find contact information for Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), also known as Konrad Adenauer Airport, which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential queries.

• Official Website: You can always find the most complete and up-to-date information on the airport's official website: www.koeln-bonn-airport.de.
• Information Service Phone: For information regarding flights, services, and airport operations, please call: +49 (0) 2203 40-4001.
• Airport Address: Kennedystraße, 51147 Köln, Deutschland.
• Email: For most enquiries, the airport suggests using the contact form available on the official website in the contacts section.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the airport's official pages on Facebook (@koelnbonnairport) and Instagram (@colognebonnairport).
• Lost Luggage Information: If your belongings were lost on the plane, you must contact your airline's baggage tracing service. If you lost something within the terminal building, please contact the airport's Lost and Found office (Fundbüro).
• Passenger Support Service: For general questions and assistance at the airport, you can contact the main information service by phone.

Getting to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), located between Cologne and Bonn, is possible via several convenient methods. The choice depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and comfort preferences. Thanks to the excellently developed transport infrastructure, the journey to the terminals will not take much time.

Public Transport is the most popular and economical option. Directly beneath Terminals 1 and 2 lies the railway station. The S-Bahn suburban train line S19 runs regularly from Cologne Central Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof) to here. The journey takes only about 15 minutes. Regional trains (RE) connecting the airport with other cities in the region also stop at the station. The cost of a single ticket from the centre of Cologne is approximately 3 Euros (fare zone 1b). Additionally, the airport can be reached by bus No. 161, which connects it to the Porz Markt district.

Taxis and Transfers offer a more comfortable way to reach the airport, especially if you are travelling with heavy luggage or at night. A taxi ride from the centre of Cologne will take 20-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions and will cost approximately 30-40 Euros. Ride-hailing services such as Uber also operate in the city, which may be slightly cheaper. For maximum convenience, you can pre-book a private transfer that will meet you at a designated location.

If you plan to travel around Germany by car, you can arrive at the airport in a rental or private vehicle. The airport has a direct exit from the A59 autobahn, making it easily accessible. There are several multi-level car parks (P1, P2, P3) located on the premises with varying rates. Car park P1 is closest to the terminals and is the most expensive, while P3 offers more budget-friendly options for long-term parking. It is recommended to book a parking space online in advance to save money.

Cologne Bonn Airport has a simple and clear structure consisting of two passenger terminals — Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Both terminals are located in one large building and are connected, making movement between them quick and convenient. Passengers do not require special transport to transfer — a few minutes' walk through the public area to security control is sufficient.

Terminal 1 is the older of the two and has a characteristic U-shape. It is primarily used by Lufthansa Group airlines, including Eurowings, which is the base carrier here. The terminal is divided into departure zones (piers) B and C. Zone B serves flights within the Schengen area, while Zone C is intended for international flights outside Schengen. Despite its age, the terminal is well-equipped and offers passengers all necessary services: shops, cafes, and waiting lounges.

Terminal 2 is a modern rectangular building that primarily serves budget airlines, such as Ryanair, as well as a number of other international carriers. Thanks to its simple and logical layout, navigation through Terminal 2 is intuitive. There is also a full range of services here for a comfortable wait before your flight.

The airport layout is organised on a classic principle. Arrival zones are located on the lower level of both terminals, while departure zones, check-in counters, and security checkpoints are on the upper level. Beneath the terminal building lies the railway station (Bahnhof Köln/Bonn Flughafen), from where you can easily reach the centres of Cologne, Bonn, and other cities in Germany. This makes the airport extremely convenient for travellers using public transport.

For check-in and pre-flight security screening, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before Schengen flights and 2.5-3 hours before international flights. In peak seasons and hours, it is better to allow extra time. Orienting yourself in the airport is easy thanks to clear signage in German and English. Top tip: verify in advance which terminal your airline flies from so you can head straight to the correct check-in counters.

The history of Cologne/Bonn Airport dates back to the 1930s when a military airfield was built on its site. After the Second World War, the facility was rebuilt and expanded by British forces. A new chapter in its biography began in 1951, when it was officially opened for civil flights, laying the foundation for a future major transport hub in Germany.

A landmark event in the airport's development was the opening of the new Terminal 1 in 1970. Its design, developed by architect Paul Schneider-Esleben, was a real breakthrough in airport terminal design. The star-shaped building with short paths from check-in to the boarding gate was innovative for its time and is still considered an architectural gem.

During the years when neighbouring Bonn was the capital of West Germany, the airport held a special status, receiving government flights and international delegations. It was during this period that it was given the official name — Konrad Adenauer Airport, in honour of the first Chancellor of West Germany, who was a native of this region. This name remains to this day.

At the turn of the millennium, Cologne Bonn Airport underwent another transformation, becoming one of the first and largest hubs in Europe for budget airlines. This led to the need for further expansion: in 2000, the modern and functional Terminal 2 was opened, specially designed to service low-cost carrier flights, which significantly increased passenger flow.

One of the most interesting facts is that Cologne Bonn is one of the few airports in the country operating around the clock without restrictions on night flights. This is due to its dual specialisation: in addition to serving millions of passengers, it is one of Europe's most important air cargo hubs, where logistics giants such as UPS and FedEx are based.

Cologne/Bonn Airport, one of the key airports in Germany, offers passengers a wide range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. Here you will find numerous cafes, juice bars, and restaurants to suit every taste — from a quick snack to a full dinner. For shopping enthusiasts, Duty Free shops are open featuring perfumes, confectionery, and souvenirs, as well as boutiques of famous brands and travel essentials stores.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for departure. Numerous sockets and USB ports are provided for charging gadgets. Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can utilise the services of VIP lounges. They offer a secluded atmosphere, snacks, beverages, and fresh press; access is available for premium class passengers as well as for a fee for all interested travellers.

For financial matters, bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points operate within the terminals. In case of need, passengers can seek medical assistance — the airport has a pharmacy and a medical centre ready to provide first aid.

Travellers with children will appreciate the specially equipped nursing rooms and play areas where young passengers can have a fun time. For passengers with reduced mobility, a free assistance service is provided, which is recommended to be booked in advance through the airline. The airport is fully adapted for convenient movement in wheelchairs.

Business travellers can rent conference halls and meeting rooms in the airport's business centre, equipped with everything necessary for meetings. If you have a long layover or an early flight, there are several hotels located directly on the airport grounds and in the immediate vicinity, offering comfortable rooms for rest.

At Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), passengers have access to a wide selection of venues to suit any taste and budget. Whether you are looking for a quick snack before departure or a full lunch, you will easily find a suitable option in both terminals.

In Terminal 1, both in the public zone (landside) and the departure zone (airside), numerous cafes and restaurants are located. For those in a hurry, coffee shops and bakeries such as Starbucks or Kamps are ideal, where you can grab fresh pastries, sandwiches, and drinks to go. For a more substantial meal, you can visit restaurants offering international and German cuisine. In the departure zone after security control, there are also venues where you can relax before your flight with a refreshing beverage.

Terminal 2 also offers excellent options. Here you can find popular fast-food chains, for example, McDonald's and Burger King, which often operate around the clock or until late at night, which is convenient for passengers on night flights. Besides fast food, there are restaurants with à la carte service where you can have a leisurely lunch or dinner. Look for signs featuring traditional German dishes to experience the local gastronomy.

Most establishments strive to cater to various dietary needs. Many cafes and restaurants offer vegetarian, vegan, and seafood options, as well as gluten-free dishes. While Halal certification may vary by outlet, vegetarian choices are widely available; it is recommended to check the menu or ask the staff for precise information. Prices at the airport vary from budget options in fast-food chains to mid and high price ranges in full-service restaurants. The opening hours of most cafes and restaurants are tied to the flight schedule: they open early in the morning and close after the departure of the last aircraft.

Travelling through Cologne/Bonn Airport can be easy and pleasant if you know a few useful tips. To avoid unnecessary haste and stress, we recommend arriving at the airport well in advance: at least 2-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before flights within Germany and Schengen countries. Whenever possible, complete online check-in — this will save you precious time at the counters.

At security control, be prepared in advance to remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage. All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent resealable bag. This is a standard rule, but adhering to it significantly speeds up the screening process for all passengers.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: window seats will offer you magnificent views, especially if you are flying during the day, while aisle seats provide more legroom and the ability to stand up without disturbing neighbours. Hand luggage rules may differ between airlines, so be sure to check the allowable weight and dimensions on their official website before leaving for the airport.

For passengers with a transfer, Cologne Bonn Airport is quite convenient thanks to its well-thought-out layout. Follow the "Transit" signs to quickly find the way to the required gate. If you are arriving from a country outside the EU, you will have to pass through customs control. Be prepared to answer questions about the purpose of your trip and declare goods if their value exceeds established limits.

To save money, use public transport. S-Bahn trains (line S19) are the fastest and most budget-friendly way to get to the centre of Cologne or Bonn. If you are travelling in your own car, book parking online in advance, as this is often significantly cheaper. Another tip: bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security control to avoid spending on drinks.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline's counter. Remain calm and clarify information regarding further actions. Remember that in Europe, passenger rights are protected by regulation EU 261/2004, which provides for the provision of food, drinks, and, if necessary, a hotel during long delays. While waiting, you can explore the range of goods in Duty Free shops or relax in one of the cafes.