Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN/EDDK) – Gateway to the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Area
Cologne Bonn Airport (Flughafen Köln/Bonn) is one of Germany’s most important international airports, strategically located in North Rhine-Westphalia, the country’s most populous state. Positioned just 15 km southeast of Cologne’s city center and 16 km northeast of Bonn, CGN serves as a critical junction for both business and leisure travel across the vibrant Rhine-Ruhr region.
The airport is renowned for its 24-hour operation, a rare feature in Germany, making it an indispensable logistics hub. In 2024, CGN successfully welcomed over 10 million passengers—surpassing the double-digit million mark for the first time since 2019—and is forecasting continued growth in passenger and freight volumes.
Overview and Strategic Importance
As a major European transportation node, Cologne Bonn Airport plays a dual role:
- Passenger Hub: An operating base for major low-cost carriers like Eurowings, Ryanair, and Corendon Airlines, connecting travellers to over 120 destinations in nearly 50 countries.
- Cargo Powerhouse: Recognized as one of Europe’s top 10 cargo airports, CGN is the only German airport where all three major express service providers—UPS, FedEx Express, and DHL—operate dedicated hubs, solidifying its position as the logistical heart of the region.
The airport’s prime location offers travelers easy access to UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) and Bonn’s cultural landmarks, including the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven.
Terminals and Modern Passenger Facilities
Cologne Bonn Airport features two modern and efficient passenger terminals, Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2), which are conveniently located adjacent to one another and connected by a short, accessible walkway.
Terminal 1 (T1)
Terminal 1 is the older, U-shaped main building, primarily serving Eurowings, Lufthansa, and Austrian Airlines.
- Structure: It consists of Piers B and C, which feature five jet bridges each.
- Features: It offers a wide selection of shops and restaurants, including the REWE City supermarket. The terminal also hosts the popular Visitor’s Deck on its roof, offering fantastic views for aviation enthusiasts. T1 has a direct, seamless connection to the long-distance railway station.
Terminal 2 (T2)
Terminal 2 is a sleek, modern structure of glass and steel, typically used by low-cost carriers such as Ryanair.
- Structure: This rectangular building is equipped with eight jet bridges.
- Features: T2 also houses various dining and retail options, along with the Raum der Stille (Quiet and Prayer Room). It is also directly linked to the railway station via the basement level.
General Services and Amenities
- Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout both terminals.
- Lounges: Passengers can access exclusive waiting areas, including The Lounge Koeln-Bonn, available in both T1 (Concourse C) and T2 (opposite Gate D50), often accessible via pay-per-use, lounge memberships, or specific credit card programs.
- Security Services: The airport offers modern conveniences such as Self Bag Drop kiosks for easy check-in and the option to Book a Slot online to reserve a time slot for the security check queue, enhancing passenger flow.
- Accessibility: Comprehensive assistance services are available for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM). It is recommended to notify the airline at least 48 hours in advance of any special assistance requirements.
Transportation and Seamless Accessibility
CGN boasts excellent multimodal connectivity, linking the airport directly to the German rail network.
| Mode of Transport | Destination & Travel Time | Approximate Cost | Key Information |
| Train (Rail Station) | Cologne Central Station (Köln Hbf): 15 minutes | Approx. €3.00 | Served by S-Bahn (S13) and Regional Express (RE) lines, including high-speed InterCityExpress (ICE) connections to major German cities. |
| Bus | Cologne/Bonn City Centers: 20–30 minutes | Approx. €2.80 | Various local and long-distance bus routes available. |
| Taxi | Cologne City Centre: 20 minutes | Approx. €30–€35 | Convenient and fast option for direct service. |
| Car Rental & Parking | On-site | Variable rates | Major providers (Sixt, Hertz, Budget) are available. Over 12,000 paid parking spaces are offered for short- and long-term stays (P1, P2, P3). |
Airline Partners and Destination Network
Cologne Bonn Airport’s strong network focuses heavily on European, Mediterranean, and North African leisure destinations, while also maintaining robust connections to key international hubs.
- Major Commercial Carriers: Eurowings, Ryanair, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Corendon Airlines, and Pegasus Airlines.
- Focus Areas: The route network heavily favors popular tourist regions like Turkey, Spain, and Egypt.
- Cargo Leaders: FedEx Express, UPS Airlines, and Cargojet operate extensive freight networks from CGN.
Sustainability Initiatives and Future Outlook
Cologne Bonn Airport is actively pursuing a path towards sustainable aviation operations.
- Environmental Goal: The airport has committed to becoming climate-neutral by 2045 at the latest, through continuous investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and modern infrastructure.
- Economic Impact: As one of the largest workplaces in the region, employing around 15,000 people across 130 companies, CGN remains an essential economic driver for the entire Rhineland.
Useful Information
| Category | Details |
| IATA Code | CGN |
| ICAO Code | EDDK |
| Airport Hours | Open 24 Hours (Passenger and Cargo Operations) |
| Address | Waldstrasse 247, D-51147 Cologne, Germany |
| Information Desk | Available in both Terminals. T1 (between areas B and C); T2 (Departures Area D). |
| Phone | +49 2203 404001 |
| Official Website | www.koeln-bonn-airport.de |