Stress-Free Cologne Airport Taxi
Cologne is one of the busiest and most historically significant cities in Germany. Beating the crowds when you land at Cologne Airport is an absolute must if you’re looking for a relaxing start to your vacation. That’s why we recommend taking a fast and private Cologne Airport taxi directly to the door of your hotel.
Although private taxis come in several sizes, most Cologne Airport taxis are white with a large ‘TAXI’ sign on top of the vehicle. Taxis are available from the Cologne Airport taxi stand 24 hours a day and offer convenient door-to-door rides. A taxi from Cologne Airport to the city center takes approximately 15 minutes, while a visit to the neighboring city of Bonn takes only about 20 minutes. Taking a reliable Cologne Bonn Airport taxi will take the stress and uncertainty out of your airport transportation.
How Much Does a Taxi Cost?
| Start |
Destination |
Distance (km) (Estimated) |
Mode of Transport (ÖPNV*) |
Average Travel Time (ÖPNV*) |
Taxi Available |
Price (Taxi, Estimated) |
| Cologne Airport (CGN) |
Cologne City Center |
~15 |
S-Bahn (S19) or Bus 161 |
~20 Minutes |
Yes |
€40 |
| Cologne Airport (CGN) |
Bonn |
~25 |
Train (RE8) or Bus SB60 |
~35 Minutes |
Yes |
€65 |
| Cologne |
Bonn |
~35 |
Train (RB26, S23) or Bus |
~45 Minutes |
Yes |
€78 |
| Cologne |
Dormagen |
~30 |
S-Bahn (S11) or Bus |
~40 Minutes |
Yes |
€72 |
| Cologne Central Station |
Brühl |
~26 |
S-Bahn (S18) or Regional Train |
~30 Minutes |
Yes |
€60 |
Notes:
The indicated distances and travel times refer to the direct flight path or the fastest route by car.
- Actual values may vary depending on traffic conditions.
Public Transport: Public transport services are available but may require multiple transfers depending on the airport.
Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN):
- This is the primary airport serving Cologne and Bonn, offering frequent taxi and public transport options.
- Public transportation from the airport includes direct train and bus connections.
Additional Information:
The airports in Cologne and Bonn provide convenient connections to nearby destinations with various transport options.
Car rentals and taxis offer the most flexibility but may be more expensive than public transport.
Using public transportation is a budget-friendly alternative, though it might involve longer travel times and transfers.
What Are the Cologne Taxi Prices?
Cologne taxi fares are calculated using a taximeter based on both time and distance. During light traffic, fares are determined by distance, whereas in heavy traffic, the meter switches to a time-based tariff. Unlike some cities, Cologne taxi fares remain the same at night and on weekends, with longer trips benefiting from lower per-kilometer rates.
Cologne Taxi Pricing:
Base fare: €4.00
Fare 1 (up to 7 km): €2.10 per km
Fare 2 (8 km onwards): €1.90 per km
Price per minute: €0.50
For example, taking a taxi from Cologne Airport to the city center costs around €40 and takes approximately 15 minutes. A trip from Cologne city center to Bonn takes around 35 minutes and costs approximately €78.
Additional Charges:
Extra fees may apply for:
- Calling a phone-dispatched taxi
- Paying by card (€1 surcharge)
- More than 4 passengers (€1 per additional passenger)
- Using toll roads during the journey
How to Get a Cologne Taxi
With over 1,000 taxis in Cologne operating day and night, finding a ride is easy. You can hail a cream-colored taxi on the street by looking for an illuminated "TAXI" sign, indicating availability. For a more convenient service, you can call a taxi dispatch, use a Cologne taxi app, or pre-book a ride with a private company. If you're in the city center, you can also walk to an official taxi rank, commonly found at popular tourist locations, shopping areas, Cologne Central Station, and Cologne Airport.
How to Get a Taxi from Cologne Airport
Cologne Airport has two official taxi ranks: one outside the departures hall in Terminal 1 and another outside the arrivals hall in Terminal 2. Both ranks operate 24/7, offering seamless transportation to the city center and beyond. All Cologne Airport taxis use meters, and a ride from the airport to the city center typically costs around €40.
How to Get a Taxi from Cologne Central Station
Cologne Central Station is one of Germany’s busiest train stations, equipped with a dedicated taxi rank for onward journeys. Taxis are available 24 hours a day, with a long queue of cream-colored cars lined up outside the station exits. During rush hours, additional taxis can often be found waiting in the nearby parking lot. All taxis from this rank operate using a taximeter.
How to Get a Taxi from Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral is an iconic landmark, but it does not have a dedicated taxi rank due to its proximity to Cologne Central Station. To get a taxi, simply walk 100 meters to the station's parking lot after crossing Trankgasse Road, where you’ll find a line of waiting Cologne taxis.
Using a Taxi App in Cologne
For a more personalized experience or when traveling from a remote location or in bad weather, using a Cologne taxi app can be a great option. Available apps include Taxi EU, Uber, and Free Now. However, during peak hours, you may experience price surges and extended wait times.
If you’d like to avoid unpredictable fares and long waits, you can pre-book your Cologne taxi with a trusted company like Welcome Pickups for a fixed-price transfer and a hassle-free experience.
Why Book a Cologne Taxi in Advance?
If you're short on time in Cologne or traveling with a larger group, finding a taxi on the spot can be time-consuming and frustrating. Additionally, with fluctuating local taxi fares, budgeting for your trip becomes difficult.
Fortunately, you can avoid these issues by pre-booking your Cologne taxi with a private company like Welcome Pickups. Welcome offers:
- Fixed fares with pre-payment options
- English-speaking, professional drivers
- Guaranteed on-time pickups
- 24/7 customer support for a hassle-free experience
Cologne Taxi Tips
1. Always ensure that the taximeter is turned on and reset before starting your ride.
2. Not all Cologne taxi drivers speak English. To avoid miscommunication, track your journey or show your driver your destination on Google Maps.
3. Cologne taxi drivers may not carry change for large Euro bills on short rides, so it’s best to have smaller denominations.
4. Most taxis prefer cash payments. If a driver accepts card payments, there may be a €1 surcharge.
5. There are no extra charges for night or weekend trips, but longer journeys tend to be more cost-effective.
6. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Many passengers simply round up the fare as a small tip.
Wheelchair-Accessible Taxi in Cologne
Unfortunately, regular taxis in Cologne cannot accommodate electronic wheelchairs. However, some specialized companies provide this service.
The most reliable wheelchair-accessible taxi company in Cologne is Beecab. You can contact them at +49 221 6905 6666. It is highly recommended to book and confirm your trip details and requirements at least 24 hours in advance to ensure availability.
Cologne Taxi Safety and Complaints
Cologne taxis are generally safe and reliable. However, if you experience any issues, such as an overcharge or unprofessional behavior, you can file a complaint directly with the taxi company you used. Most taxis display the company’s contact information on the side of the vehicle.
To support your complaint, always ask for a receipt at the end of your trip, take note of the taxi number, and if possible, take a photo of the driver’s ID.
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