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Cologne Bonn Airport CGN Airport Traveler Guide

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CGN Airport Insights & Guide

Key CGN Airport Topics:

Getting to Know CGN Airport

Discover Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), your entry to Cologne's charm and efficiency. Known for its unique rooftop viewing terrace, CGN delights travelers with a panoramic view of airfield operations, making it a memorable start or end to your journey. This concise guide equips you with essential information for a seamless travel experience, covering everything from flight status, terminal details, to amenities. Dive into our guide for a hassle-free visit, and for broader airport insights, explore the Comprehensive Airport Guide on iFly.

iFly Tip: Find out what to pack for your kids to ensure a smooth flight by visiting our Flying with Children page.

The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is the main terminal and has 13 gates, while Terminal 2 has 8 gates. Major airlines such as Lufthansa, Eurowings, and Ryanair operate from Terminal 1, while Terminal 2 is mainly used by low-cost carriers such as Wizz Air and Pegasus Airlines.

When arriving at the airport, passengers can follow the signs to their respective terminals. Once inside the terminal, there are plenty of amenities available such as restaurants, cafes, and shops. Passengers can also find information desks, currency exchange offices, and baggage storage facilities in both terminals.

If you have a layover at CGN, there are lounges available in both terminals that offer comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and drinks, and free Wi-Fi. Terminal 1 also has a prayer room for passengers who need a quiet space for prayer or meditation.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

At Cologne Bonn Airport, there are two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. These terminals are connected by a covered walkway, which takes approximately 10-15 minutes to walk. There is also a shuttle bus available for passengers who have difficulty walking or have heavy luggage. The shuttle bus runs every 10-15 minutes and is free of charge.

If you need to transfer between terminals, follow the signs towards the covered walkway or shuttle bus. The walkway is clearly marked and easy to navigate. Alternatively, you can ask for assistance at one of the information desks located in both terminals.

Tips from CGN Frequent Flyers

To help make your experience at Cologne Bonn Airport as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from CGN-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:

Navigating the Terminals

"If you're flying out of Terminal 1, remember that it's the main hub for major airlines like Lufthansa and Eurowings. The signage is pretty clear, but if you ever get confused, the information desks are really helpful." — Maria K., Cologne, Germany, December 2023

"I always use the interactive map on my phone to navigate through the terminals. It's a lifesaver, especially when I'm in a rush to find my gate or grab a bite before boarding." — Thomas H., Bonn, Germany, February 2024

Getting To/From the City

"The S-Bahn is the most efficient way to get to Cologne's city center. It's quick and affordable, but make sure to check the schedule, especially during late hours." — Jens P., Leverkusen, Germany, March 2024

"For early flights, I recommend booking a taxi in advance. It saves a lot of hassle and ensures you get to the airport on time." — Anja M., Bergisch Gladbach, Germany, May 2024

Parking

"I prefer using the long-term parking lots which offer shuttle services. It's a bit further from the terminals but much more economical for extended trips." — Max S., Siegburg, Germany, April 2024

"If you're picking someone up, use the cell phone waiting area. It's convenient and you can avoid the congestion at the terminal entrances." — Lena R., Troisdorf, Germany, June 2024

Inside the Airport

"For a quick meal, Kamps bakery in both terminals offers a great selection of fresh sandwiches and pastries. Perfect for a quick bite before boarding." — Oliver F., Hürth, Germany, July 2024

"If you have some time, the Duty Free Heinemann in Terminal 1 is worth a visit. They have a wide range of products that make for great gifts or personal treats." — Sophie W., Frechen, Germany, August 2024

Avoiding Delays and Stress

"Always check the flight status online before heading to the airport. It helps avoid unnecessary stress if there are any delays or gate changes." — Lucas B., Wesseling, Germany, September 2024

"I find the lounges in both terminals to be a great escape from the hustle and bustle. They offer comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi, which is perfect if you need to catch up on work or just relax." — Julia L., Brühl, Germany, October 2024

iFly Tip: Get through security faster with tips from our wait times guide.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At the airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at designated areas outside of the terminals. Curbside parking is restricted to active loading and unloading only, and vehicles left unattended may be towed or fined. It is recommended to use the short-term parking areas if a longer stay is needed.

For those waiting to pick up arriving passengers, there are cell-phone waiting areas located near both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. These areas allow drivers to wait in their vehicles until their passenger has arrived and is ready to be picked up. This helps to alleviate congestion and keep traffic flowing smoothly around the airport.

Parking Facilities & Options

If you're flying out of Cologne Bonn Airport, you'll have several parking options to choose from. The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking in several lots and garages located near the terminals. Terminal 1 has a parking garage with over 4,000 spaces, while Terminal 2 has an outdoor parking lot with over 2,000 spaces. There are also additional parking lots located further from the terminals with shuttle service available.

If you're waiting to pick up a passenger, the airport also has a cell phone waiting area located near the terminals. This area allows you to wait in your car until your passenger has arrived and is ready to be picked up.

For those with disabilities, the airport offers designated handicapped parking spaces in all of its parking lots and garages. These spaces are located near the terminal entrances for easy access.

If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking lots are available near the airport. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport and can be a more affordable option for longer trips.

Transportation Options

When arriving at Cologne Airport, travelers have a variety of ground transportation options to choose from:

  • Car Rentals: Cologne Airport offers several car rental facilities located in the arrivals area of Terminal 2. Major providers such as Avis, Europcar, and Hertz are available. These facilities are easily accessible by following the signs within the terminal. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak travel times, to ensure availability.
  • Taxis: Taxis are readily available outside both terminals, with designated drop-off areas. Fares are based on a metered system, and a ride to the city center typically costs between €25-€35. Booking a taxi ahead of time during off-peak hours is recommended to avoid delays.
  • Ride-Share Services: Services like Uber and Lyft are available at Cologne Airport. Pickup areas are located outside both terminals. Be sure to check with your chosen provider for any specific guidelines regarding luggage and passenger capacity.
  • Airport Shuttles: Several companies operate shuttle services to and from the airport. These services typically operate on a fixed schedule and can be booked in advance or upon arrival. Pickup areas are located outside both terminals, and fares vary depending on the provider and destination. Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot, especially during busy periods.
  • Public Transportation: The S-Bahn train system provides a budget-friendly option for travelers. The S-Bahn station is located adjacent to Terminal 2 and offers direct access to Cologne and Bonn. Tickets can be purchased at the station or online, with fares starting at €3. The S-Bahn provides a convenient and efficient way to reach your destination.

iFly Tip: Curious about TSA PreCheck? Our guide has all the answers you need.

Airport Hotels

Looking for a comfortable and conveniently located hotel near the airport? Our guide provides an overview of some of the best hotels in close proximity to the airport, ranging from budget-friendly options to more luxurious choices. These hotels offer a variety of amenities to cater to different needs and preferences. Some provide complimentary airport shuttle services, well-equipped fitness centers, on-site restaurants and bars, and even soundproofed rooms for a peaceful stay. Many of these hotels are within a short distance of popular attractions, making them ideal bases for exploring the city. Discover more about these CGN Airport Hotels.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Cologne Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers to enjoy. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, there are plenty of options to choose from.

For a taste of local German cuisine, head to Brauhaus Früh am Dom, located in Terminal 2. This restaurant serves traditional dishes such as schnitzel and sausages, along with their own brewed beer. Another great option is Kamps, a bakery chain that offers fresh bread, sandwiches, and pastries. You can find Kamps in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

If you're looking to do some shopping, there are several stores to browse through. In Terminal 1, you'll find Duty Free Heinemann, which offers a wide range of tax-free products including cosmetics, liquor, and tobacco. For fashion and accessories, check out the Hugo Boss store in Terminal 2.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at CGN can be found using iFly's interactive map.

Passenger Services

  • Free Wi-Fi: CGN Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal, ensuring travelers can stay connected during their time at the airport.
  • Lost and Found: If you misplace an item during your journey, lost and found services are available at the information desk in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
  • Children's Play Area: To keep young travelers entertained, CGN Airport features designated play areas for kids to burn off some energy before their flight.
  • Special-Needs Services: The airport offers wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and other services for passengers with special needs. It’s recommended to notify your airline in advance if you require any assistance.
  • ATM: Several ATMs are available throughout the airport, providing access to banking services while you’re at the airport.
  • First Aid Station: In case of a medical emergency, a first aid station is located in Terminal 1. Airport staff are also available to assist with arranging transportation to a nearby hospital if needed.
  • Airport Lounges: CGN Airport features several lounges, including the Lufthansa Business Lounge and the Airport Business Lounge. These lounges offer amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, beverages, snacks, and comfortable seating areas to relax before your flight. Access may be available for a fee or through membership programs.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it's important to stay up-to-date with the status of your flight departure. Fortunately, there are several ways to check the flight status at the airport in Germany.

One of the most convenient ways to check flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

In addition to the FIDS, passengers can also be alerted about departure delays, cancellations, or gate changes via the use of airline mobile phone apps. Many airlines offer mobile apps that allow passengers to receive push notifications, text messages, or emails about any changes to their flight status.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at Cologne Bonn Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Airport Facts & Stats

  • Location: Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is located in Cologne, Germany.
  • Terminals: The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, both equipped with modern facilities and amenities.
  • Airlines Served: Major airlines serving CGN include Eurowings, Ryanair, and Turkish Airlines. For a full list of airlines, visit the CGN Airlines Served page.
  • Passenger Traffic: Cologne Bonn Airport handles approximately 12 million passengers annually, with around 33,000 passengers daily.
  • Daily Flights: The airport sees an average of 200 daily flights.
  • Top Destinations: The most popular destinations from CGN are Palma de Mallorca, Istanbul, Antalya, Berlin, and Munich.
  • Hub Status: CGN serves as a hub for Eurowings, FedEx Express, and UPS Airlines.

Airport History

The airport, located in Germany, has a rich history dating back to the early 1930s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1938 - The airport was opened as a military airfield by the German Luftwaffe.
  • 1945 - After World War II, the airport was taken over by the British Royal Air Force and used as a military airfield.
  • 1950s - The airport was opened to civilian air traffic and started to grow rapidly.
  • 1970s - The airport underwent major renovations and expansions, including the construction of a new terminal building.
  • 1990s - The airport became a hub for low-cost airlines and saw a significant increase in passenger traffic.
  • 2000s - The airport continued to expand and modernize, with the addition of new runways and the renovation of existing facilities.
  • 2010s - The airport became a major cargo hub, handling over 800,000 tons of cargo annually.
  • 2020 - The airport was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a significant decrease in passenger traffic.

Today, Cologne Bonn Airport remains an important hub for both passenger and cargo traffic in Germany and Europe.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Cologne Bonn Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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Cologne Bonn Airport Q&A

Eurowings flights operate out of Terminal 1.
The S-Bahn train system is the most economical and fastest way to reach Cologne's city center from the airport.
Yes, the airport offers long-term parking lots with shuttle services to the terminals.
Yes, the airport features a rooftop terrace that provides a great view for watching planes.
For early or late flights, it is recommended to pre-book a taxi to avoid any stress during off-peak hours.
Yes, lounges are available in both terminals, offering comfortable seating, snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi.
Terminals 1 and 2 are connected by a covered walkway and a free shuttle bus service.
Terminal 2 offers dining options such as Brauhaus Früh am Dom, serving traditional German cuisine.
Lost and found services are available at the information desks in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
The airport offers wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms; it's recommended to notify your airline in advance for any special needs assistance.

Find more help here for your journey through the airport