Cologne, or Köln in German, is one of Germany's oldest and liveliest cities, spread along the Rhine in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Its twin-spired cathedral dominates the skyline, and around it you will find Roman remains, Romanesque churches, world-class museums and a famous carnival that takes over the streets each winter. Travellers from Singapore look for flights to Cologne for trade fairs, study, Christmas markets and as a starting point for Rhine valley trips. This page covers Cologne Bonn Airport, the main airport for both Cologne and the former capital, Bonn.

About Cologne Bonn Airport

Location

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) sits in the Porz district on the south-eastern side of Cologne, between the two cities it is named after. It sits within a large nature reserve, the Wahner Heide, which surrounds the runways with heathland and woods. The central location means you can reach either city centre without a long transfer after landing.

Terminals

The airport has two passenger terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, linked by a walkway and sharing a railway station below them. Your e-ticket or airline check-in will show which terminal you depart from. Both have shops, cafés and lounges, and signs are clear in German and English.

Getting to and from the airport

The airport has its own railway station, with regional and suburban trains running to Köln Hauptbahnhof beside the cathedral and on to other cities in the Rhine-Ruhr area. Express buses connect the airport with Bonn, and taxis wait at both terminals. Car hire desks are available if you plan to drive through the Rhineland.

Direct and connecting flights to Cologne

There are no nonstop flights from Singapore to Cologne Bonn, so most itineraries connect through a European, Middle Eastern or Asian hub. Use the stops filter on Traveloka to compare one-stop options and check the layover time before choosing. Cologne Bonn is well served from many European cities, which makes a single connection fairly easy to find.

Frankfurt Airport and Düsseldorf Airport are also popular gateways, since fast trains link both with Cologne. Some airlines also sell tickets to Cologne's central railway station under the code QKL, where the last leg of the journey is by train rather than plane. If you see QKL in your search, it means the itinerary ends at Köln Hauptbahnhof in the heart of the city.

When to fly to Cologne

Cologne has a temperate climate. Summers are warm and pleasant for riverside strolls, winters are cool and grey, and spring and autumn bring comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. Rain can fall in any season, so pack a light jacket whatever the month.

From Singapore, the June and December school holidays are the busiest times to travel, and December is especially popular for the city's Christmas markets. Chinese New Year also sees many families head to Europe. Carnival season, which peaks in the days before Lent, and major trade fairs can push up demand for rooms and flights, so check the fare chart on this page and book early for those periods.

Popular places in Cologne

Cologne Cathedral

This Gothic masterpiece is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited landmarks in Germany. Climb the south tower for sweeping views of the Rhine and the Old Town, or step inside to see the shrine of the Three Kings.

Hohenzollern Bridge

Just behind the cathedral, this railway bridge is covered with thousands of love locks left by couples. Walk across for the classic postcard view of the cathedral and the river.

Old Town (Altstadt)

Narrow lanes, colourful houses and traditional brewhouses fill the Old Town along the Rhine. It is the heart of the city's social life and a great place to try local dishes.

Museum Ludwig and the Chocolate Museum

Museum Ludwig holds a major collection of modern art, including pop art and works by Picasso. By the river, the Chocolate Museum tells the story of cocoa and ends with a tasting from a chocolate fountain.

Rhine river cruises

Boat trips leave from the Old Town waterfront for short sightseeing cruises or longer journeys towards Bonn and the castles of the Middle Rhine.

Where to stay in Cologne

The Old Town and the area around the cathedral put you steps from the main sights and the central station. The Belgian Quarter and Ehrenfeld are popular with younger travellers for their independent shops, cafés and nightlife. Deutz, across the river, is ideal for trade fair visitors and offers great views back towards the cathedral. The Südstadt has a relaxed neighbourhood feel with plenty of local restaurants, while travellers on early flights may prefer to stay near the airport in Porz.

Food to try in Cologne

Himmel un Ääd

Meaning heaven and earth, this dish combines mashed potato, apple sauce, fried onions and black pudding. It is hearty, sweet and savoury at once.

Halve Hahn

Despite the name, which means half a chicken, this is a rye bread roll served with a thick slice of aged Gouda, mustard and onions. It is a classic snack in the city's brewhouses.

Rheinischer Sauerbraten

Beef marinated for days in vinegar and spices, then slowly braised and served with a sweet-sour raisin gravy, red cabbage and potato dumplings.

Reibekuchen

Crispy potato pancakes fried until golden, often served with apple sauce or on dark bread. They are a favourite at Christmas markets.

From the cathedral spires to the Christmas markets, Cologne rewards every visit. Compare flights to Cologne on Traveloka, set a Price Alert for your dates and keep your e-tickets and Easy Reschedule options in one app.