Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit Cologne are late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–early October), offering mild weather and manageable crowds. Summer is the busiest season—warm, beer gardens in full swing, plenty of outdoor festivals and open-air events, but also higher prices and more tourists. Winter is colder but still draws plenty of visitors thanks to the Christmas markets (from late November) and Cologne Carnival in February, both major highlights if you don’t mind bundling up.

Information

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN)

Cologne Bonn Airport is around 15 km southeast of the city centre, and it takes about 15–20 minutes to get into town. The airport has its own train station directly under the terminals, with frequent S-Bahn and regional trains heading to Cologne’s main station. Buses also connect the airport with various parts of the city. Taxis and ride-shares are available outside arrivals.

Passport/Visa

Citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Germany, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle Eastern, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.

Public Transport

Cologne’s public transport is run by Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe (KVB) as part of the larger Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Sieg (VRS) network. The system includes trams, light rail (Stadtbahn), underground (U-Bahn), buses, S-Bahn and regional trains—all integrated under one ticketing system. For visitors, it's one of the easiest and most efficient ways to get around the city and nearby areas. Ticket options range from single rides to 24-hour, weekly and monthly passes. The KölnCard is a popular choice for tourists, offering unlimited travel within Cologne along with discounts to many museums and attractions for either 24 or 48 hours. There’s also the Deutschlandticket, a monthly pass valid for all regional public transport across Germany—great for longer stays or day trips, but less useful for a short city visit. For more information on fares, timetables, and routes, visit KVB's official website.

Taxi

Taxis in Cologne are widely available and easy to find, especially in central areas like the city centre, train stations, and near major attractions. They are typically white or cream-coloured vehicles with a yellow illuminated 'Taxi' sign on the roof. You can hail one directly from the street if the light is on, or head to designated taxi ranks. Booking by phone is also an option, with services like Taxi Ruf Köln available. For added convenience, ride-hailing apps such as Free Now and Uber also operate in the city. However, note that Uber's presence is more limited compared to other major cities like Berlin and Munich, and it often operates similarly to a traditional taxi service.

Post

Cologne’s postal services are run by Deutsche Post, with a mix of full-service branches and smaller postal counters tucked into shops across the city centre. Most larger branches are open Monday to Friday from around 9am to 6pm, and until midday on Saturdays; they’re closed on Sundays. Services include letters and postcards, registered and express mail, parcel shipping via DHL, and extras like postage stamps, packstation access, mail forwarding and customs forms. For travellers, the most convenient office is the one inside Köln Hauptbahnhof—open early until late and right next to the train lines.

Pharmacy

In Cologne, pharmacies are easy to spot by the red ‘Apotheke’ sign and are found throughout the city. Like elsewhere in Germany, most are independently owned rather than part of large chains. Notable examples in Cologne include Dom-Apotheke, located near the Cologne Cathedral, and Apotheke im Hauptbahnhof, situated within the city's main train station. Both are known for their comprehensive services and central locations, making them convenient options for travellers seeking pharmaceutical needs.

Best Time to Visit

Cologne