Hello. Thank you for feedback to a previous post. We have pretty much narrowed down our plan we will be spending the first half of our trip in the Cologne area then the second half along the Romantic road. It has been recommended that we fly into Cologne and out of Frankfurt. This is more costly and often requires a layover. How difficult is it to get to Cologne from Frankfurt airport? (I have a rail pass). My travel agent really seems to be encouraging against round trip to Frankfurt and says to fly directly to Cologne for the first leg. Any feedback appreciated !
Posted by
Paradise
7047 posts
It's very easy - especially with a railpass - to make a swift exit from FRA's "Fernbahnhof" (long-distance station) to Cologne's main station. Sample journey 2 days from now: 55 minutes on the ICE train at 9:09 am, with another direct journey at 10:09, and others throughout the day. If your plane is late, your pass allows you to hop on any later train that same day at whatever time you reach the Fernbahnhof.
Journeys to Cologne Messe-Deutz station (across the river from Cologne's center) from the FRA Fernbahnhof are also available throughout the day.
FRA is a bigger, busier, and possibly more confusing airport than CGN. But people routinely use FRA to get to Cologne. I don't see a problem with your plan, myself.
If you were to fly into CGN, Cologne's airport, you would still have to catch a train to reach the center (only 16 minutes for this trip.)
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8037 posts
The airport there is really Cologne-Bonn, it is not a large airport, but is serviced by British Airways (American Airlines partner) and Lufthansa (United partner).
To be honest, if I could get direct flights in and out of Frankfurt for cheap, I would do round-trip to there, and hop the train to Cologne. It is just under an hour by train (the fast ICE train, which actually is fast due to good track in that area and no construction). The problem then becomes timing your train ticket after an international flight. The trains run directly from the airport to Cologne, it would be faster than a layover and second flight.
You could also use slower regional trains, even using then to go along the Rhine.
You mention a rail pass, what pass do you have? That may make a difference.
Posted by
Dublin, CA
3 posts
We just did this on our trip at the beginning of the month - it is quite simple to get to Cologne from Frankfurt airport. We took an ICE train directly to the Cologne Hbf, which had no stops and was about an hour ride. Cologne Hbf is very convenient to the sites in Cologne, it is right next to the cathedral. There was also the option to take a slower regional train in case your rail pass doesn't cover the ICE trains (I believe the Deutschland ticket doesn't, for example). Check out the DB website to see what will be available when you land.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
4 day inter rail ticket? Still finalizing itinerary with travel agent
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8037 posts
With the Interrail pass, if you already have it, you could use a day to get to Cologne at no additional cost, except if you would like to make a seat reservation. It also allows you to hop on the first convenient train, without worrying about how much time to allow between landing and getting to your train, and the risk of delay.
I take it then you are resident in Europe then? Otherwise, if in the US or Canada you would need a Eurail pass. Where are you flying from? I and most others were assuming the US, for which getting to Cologne by air is a very indirect route.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Hi. I am flying from Inited States
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8037 posts
You would then need a Eurail ticket, not an Interrail pass.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Thank you!! We almost had the wrong pass!! Does anyone know if the euro rail passes cover the fast ice trains ?
Thank you again! So helpful.
Posted by
Paradise
7047 posts
Eurail pass for Germany: ICE trains are covered. Choose between a flexi-pass (specific number of days within a month) or a continuous pass (specific number of days in a row.)
https://www.eurail.com/en/eurail-passes/one-country-pass/german-rail-pass