How to get around Cologne using public transport

Check out how to get around Cologne and use the convenient public transport in the largest city in northern Germany.

Cologne is the 4th largest city in Germany with over one million people. It is a great day trip option for anyone traveling through the Netherlands, as it is close to Brussels and Amsterdam. In fact, it was between these two that I ended up making my stopover here.

Despite the city being large, most tourist attractions can be visited on foot. On the other hand, depending on where you are staying, or even if you are coming from the airport, you will need to use public transport to get around, but don't worry, it works very well in Germany.

In this article, I explain better how to get around cologne using public transport in the city: subway, tram, bus, train, shared car, Uber and bicycle.

The means of public transport in Cologne are:

Subway (Tram)

Like the metro in Porto, the Metro in Colonia is partly underground and others are at street level. It's a cross between a tram and a train. In my opinion, this is the best way to get around the city.

Tickets can be purchased at ticket counters or at vending machines. The amount varies according to the distance travelled.

Cologne's metro system is divided into zones. The cheapest ticket, for up to 4 stops, costs €2. To check the number of stops needed for your trip, just check the maps at the stations. Another way to save, is to buy 4 tickets together, which can be used by more than one person and has a discount!

There is also the option of individual passes that are valid for 24 hours, with an unlimited number of trips.

Check below all Cologne metro fares and the map with the zones, to move around, pay attention to the colors. For up-to-date rates, check the KVB website.

Note: The vending machines only accept coins e credit cards. It is necessary validate the ticket at the beginning and end of the trip. You can also buy tickets inside the tram.

Bus

Cologne has dozens of bus lines. Tickets are the same as metro/tram and can be purchased from the driver. However, most likely you will not need this means of transport to get around Cologne. My tip is to use Google Maps, it makes the routes in real time, including indicating if there are delays in the lines.

Train

A Cologne Central Station, connects more than 1300 trains daily. Including high-speed systems between major cities in Germany and Europe such as London, Brussels, Paris and Amsterdam.

Bike share

A great way to get around Cologne in Germany, in addition to being healthy, is cycling. There are several rental services in the city. The most popular is NextBike, where you rent a bike to get from one point to another. Being able to pick up and leave the skinny one at any station. To use the service, simply register for free on the website or application. Unlock and use. Prices start at €1 for 30 minutes.

Another bike rental service in Cologne is Radstation Köln. The price to rent a bike for three hours is €6 and the day pass is €12. It is close to Central Station.

shared cars

Cologne's carpool service is a great way to get around the area if you're traveling with more people. Its operation is similar to renting shared bikes. By registering and having permission to drive in Germany (Passport + PID), you will be able to use one. Cars are electric and the two companies in town are Car2Go and DriveNow.

Walking

The best way to get around Cologne, Germany is by walking.. Besides not costing anything, you get to know the city better. Most of the sights are close to each other and do not require public transport.

How to get from Cologne Airport to the center

For those arriving at Cologne Airport, which is located between the city of Cologne e Bonn, the best option is to take a train. The journey is made by S-Bahn line 1 (high-speed train) and takes just 14 minutes to Cologne Central. The fare follows the zone pattern, and at the time of writing this article costs €2,50.

Another option, much more expensive, is to take a taxi or Uber. If you choose the second one, you can use the code anselmoj34ui and win your next trip!

Last but not least, don't forget to make your Travel insurance, because if there's anything that can put an end to your trip, it's needing medical care far from home and having no one to count on. And while there are plenty of policyholders out there, I highly recommend Word Nomads, a serious insurer that won't let you down when I need it the most, I say that because I already wanted to save a few reais and when I needed it my insurance didn't cover the procedure (I told you here)!

To plan your trip

Here on the blog, we always recommend planning your trip in advance, as in addition to saving money by booking in advance, you also get the best places to stay at your destination. Furthermore, the days when you had to call to book a hotel or even wait to arrive at your destination to rent a car are long gone. We currently have a multitude of online tools that allow you to plan your trip in an easy, fast and safe way!

Below you can check a list of the main services available, which we use and trust! There is and by booking through these links, you also help us, as we earn a small commission, however, you pay nothing more for that and you even get a discount on some. Help the blog that helps you ;)!

• Accommodation: Book your accommodation on Booking , and take advantage of the promotions and benefits of free cancellations that the site offers (this is where I almost always make my reservations).
• vehicle rentals: Use the website of Rental Cars and book your vehicle anywhere in the world in Brazil and avoid paying IOF, in addition you can pay by credit card in up to 12 interest-free installments!
• Tours and tickets: Avoid queues and get a discount by purchasing your ticket in advance with Get Your Guide.
• Travel insurance: do with the Word Nomads and travel with peace of mind (I never travel without insurance).
• Book your flight: Search prices with Jetradar, and find the best prices!
• Transfer money abroad: Use Wise and send or receive money from abroad without paying fees and bureaucracy. If you haven't used the service yet, use the link here on the blog to first transfer is free!