Cologne Travel Answers

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I don't know if Lufthansa still runs those special trains, but even if they don't, it’s easy enough to get from Frankfurt airport to Cologne by train. The fast ICE trains run at least once an hour from the long distance train station (Fernbahnhof) at Terminal 1 of Frankfurt Airport. The trains go either to Cologne main station or to the Cologne Trade Fair, which is just across the bridge. Only a few trains take the detour to Cologne-Bonn airport. Caution: be sure your flight is to Frankfurt International Airport (FRA), not Hahn, because Hahn is in the middle of nowhere and has no rail connection at all.

Lufthansa has been doing this joint venture with Deutsche Bahn for years and I would not call it a "free ticket", rather, it is a total transportation package that is part of the overall price. The last time I used it, it covered certain major train stations only, and if this is still the case, it would take you from the Frankfurt / Main train station (at the airport) to Cologne Hbf (main downtown stationm).

Thanks! Good information! Is the main train station near the area across from the convention center?

The Cologne main train station is on the left bank of the Rhine River and the convention center is across the bridge on the right bank. It’s about a five or ten minute walk across the bridge without luggage, but there are also trains across the bridge every few minutes.

First of all make sure, that you know where to pick up your luggage in Frankfurt! You have to pick it up there. It will not be checked through/transported to Cologne. For many years there was a special pick up area close to the train station in the airport, where you had to pick it up. Thus ask LH staff, where you get it! It might have changed in the meantime. (last time I went via FRA to Cologne is 1,5 years ago) It is quite a distance to walk from arrival to "Fernbahnhof" (Long distance train station). There are signs you can follow, but as there is constant construction work in the airport, watch out! Having finally reached the "Fernbahnhof" you will notice many trains going to "Köln" - thats how Cologne is called in German - but your Lufthansa ticket is only good for the one, indicated on the ticket. Trains go to Köln HBf (Main station in the city center) or to Köln-Deutz (other side of the Rhein river and opposite the convention center.) If your train only stops at main station, go to platform 10/11 and take any S-Bahn (local train) leaving from track 10, cross the river and get off 2 minutes later at the next station (Köln-Deutz). You don't need a new ticket for that ride. Enjoy the stay and the beer!

Thanks so much! This is really helpful.

What if I don't have a paid train ticket? Can I get one at the terminal? Is there a chance it will be sold out?

If your flight is US(?)- FRA - QKL, the train ticket is included in the LH airline ticket. There are reserved seats in the train, the coach number and the seat are mentioned on your ticket! Thus you will not have a problem, if sold out or not. It sometimes is is a little narrow, when travelers come with bulky luggage. The airport code QKL stands for Cologne Train Station (Cologne airport is CGN). If your ticket is only to FRA, then you have to pick up your luggage at the "normal" baggage claim area/belt as indicated in the airport. Then you go to "Fernbahnhof". Look for the "Reisecenter" and a red "DB" sign. Here you get your ticket. There are slow trains to Köln alongside the Rhein river (cheaper and the trip takes approx. 2 h) and there are the high-speed trains (more expensive, trip of 55 min.) You can book the ticket also online on bahn.de/i/view/USA/en/index.... You start at "FRA" and go to "Cologne".

Don't fret about the trains being sold out between the Frankfurt airport and the Cologne station. Trains leave at least once an hour to Cologne. As others have indicated you have the option of the high speed train or the regular train to Cologne. Cost of the high speed train, depending on the time of the day, will be about double the cost of the slower train. We took the high speed train because it was covered by the rail pass. Cologne's train station is well laid out and easy to use. You need to cross the Rhine River bridge to get over to the convention center. The walk across the bridge will take you just a few minutes or you can take a cab which cost you under 10 euros. Be sure to take in the beauty of the Cologne Cathedral when you get out of the train station. It is right next to the station. See my and some of the other VTers Cologne pages if you have time here.

With the exception of the ICE Sprinter that links Frankfurt with Berlin, trains cannot sell out (seats can), so don't worry. You can, however, book your ticket online or print a schedule. As mentioned above, there are basically two routes, one is more scenic (IC train), the other one is faster (ICE train). Perhaps you can try both.