Cologne Messe/Deutz Station (Köln Messe/Deutz) is Cologne's second most important railway hub, situated on the right bank of the Rhine. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the Koelnmesse exhibition centre and the famous Lanxess Arena, making it a key point for business travellers and city guests. Thanks to its convenient location opposite Cologne Cathedral, it offers one of the most picturesque views of the historic centre.
Important information for passengers: The station has a unique two-level structure, which can sometimes confuse first-time visitors. The upper level serves regional trains and S-Bahn city trains, while the lower level is designed for high-speed ICE trains and certain regional routes. The main entrance from Ottoplatz leads to the ticket counters and the main tunnel, while the exit towards the exhibition centre (Messe) is convenient for expo visitors. To transfer between levels, please use the stairs, escalators, or elevators, following the clear signage.
Contact Information
Official website: bahnhof.de (Köln Messe/Deutz section)
DB Information Service Phone: +49 30 2970 (general Deutsche Bahn hotline)
Address: Ottoplatz 7, 50679 Köln, Germany
Opening Hours: The station is open 24 hours a day (ticket counters and shops have individual schedules)
Luggage Storage: Automatic lockers (Schließfächer) of various sizes are available and operate 24/7
Accessibility: The station is equipped with elevators and ramps for passengers with reduced mobility; assistance from the Mobility Service is available upon prior request
How to Get There
Getting to Messe/Deutz Station is very simple, as it is fully integrated into the city's transport system.
Public Transport: The station is a major transfer hub. Metro (U-Bahn) lines 1, 3, 4, and 9 stop here, as well as numerous S-Bahn city trains (lines S6, S11, S12, S19). The trip from the Central Station (Köln Hbf) by S-Bahn takes just 2–3 minutes.
Walking Route: This is perhaps the most scenic way to arrive from the centre. A walk from Cologne Cathedral across the famous Hohenzollern Bridge (Hohenzollernbrücke) takes about 10–15 minutes. You can enjoy a panorama of the Rhine and the thousands of love locks on the bridge's railing.
Taxi: The taxi rank is located at the exit onto Ottoplatz square. A trip from the city centre takes about 10 minutes, depending on traffic.
Services and Amenities
Messe/Deutz Station offers a standard range of services for comfortable waiting and transfers.
Tickets and Information: The building houses a traveler service centre, DB Reisezentrum, and numerous machines are installed for self-service purchase of tickets for long-distance and local trains.
Comfort and Connectivity: The WIFI@DB network is available on the premises (free for a certain period or unlimited for specific tariffs). To charge gadgets, power outlets can be found in waiting areas or cafes. There are paid Sanifair toilets, where a high standard of cleanliness is maintained.
Luggage and Accessibility: Passengers can use automatic luggage lockers. For citizens with reduced mobility, there are elevators connecting the upper and lower level platforms, as well as tactile navigation.
Dining Options
Although Messe/Deutz Station is smaller than the main station, you will not go hungry here. The main focus is on quick snacks and takeaway coffee.
At the Station: The arcade features popular bakery chains (such as Kamps or Ditsch), where you can buy fresh pretzels, sandwiches, and pastries. There are also fast-food outlets, including McDonald's and pizzerias. The average cost for a coffee and a bun is around 5–7 Euros.
Near the Station: If you have time, exit onto Ottoplatz or take a walk towards the Deutz district. There you can find traditional German restaurants (Brauhaus), serving local specialties and hearty dishes. This is a great option for a full meal before a long journey. Note: Please check for Halal options individually as traditional local cuisine often features various meats.
Station History
The history of railway transport in this area began back in the mid-19th century, but Messe/Deutz Station acquired its modern appearance much later. The current station building with its characteristic dome was opened in 1913 (partially in 1914) and was originally called "Bahnhof Deutz".
The station was conceived as an important point to relieve the Central Station on the other bank of the Rhine. During the development of the transport network, it was modernized repeatedly. A crucial stage was the reconstruction in the early 21st century as part of the construction of the Cologne—Frankfurt high-speed line. This allowed the station to receive high-speed ICE trains, turning it into a fully-fledged "second gateway" to the city and ensuring convenient access to international exhibitions.
Traveler Tips
Transfers: The most important advice is to account for the time needed to move between levels. If your train arrives at the upper platform and the next one departs from the lower one (or vice versa), allow at least 7–10 minutes for the transfer to calmly use the elevator or stairs.
Tickets: If you are travelling only within the city (for example, from the airport or the Central Station), you need a VRS transport association ticket (category 1b). Do not forget to validate a paper ticket before boarding if it does not have a date and time printed on it.
Safety and Waiting: The station is safe, but in crowded places (especially during major exhibitions), keep an eye on your luggage. The station is open at night, but most shops close, so stock up on water in advance. If you have time before your train, it is better to spend it on the Rhine promenade a 5-minute walk away — the view of the cathedral from there is magnificent.
