Hi all... STILL trying to figure things and save more $$$ but i think i am on the right track. Considering adding Cologne and Aachen just to see/ photograph the cathedrals, and perhaps take a tour if the timing is right. If i stay in one place, is the other doable as a day trip? Would rather not have to pull up stakes if i didn't have to. And speaking of those two cities, which airport is best?
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7042 posts
They're only 35 min apart by train so certainly doable as day trip. I've not been to Aachen but I loved Cologne, I found lots to see and do there besides the cathedral. Don't know much about those two airports but I think the Cologne-Bonn airport is closer to the city of Cologne than the Maastricht-Aachen airport is to Aachen. Someone who knows them will probably chime in here.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19106 posts
Getting between the cities by rail is not a problem. There are twice-hourly, direct (no change) regional trains connections between Köln (or Koeln, Cologne) and Aachen in just under an hour or faster, more expensive, infrequent ICEs in just over half an hour, also direct.
The ICE is 22,-€ one way; the regional connection is 17,-€ one way, but buy a price level 7 Tageskarte (all day, hop on/off pass) for 28,50€ single, 41,-€ for up to five people, good on any regional train or S-Bahn.
Both Köln and Aachen are in the same Verkehrsverbund (transit district), Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Sieg.
The Köln Cathedral is right next to the train station.
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
795 posts
Stay in Cologne if you can. It is well worth a few days and yes, you can do Aachen as a day trip.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32867 posts
Super easy day trip either way.
When you are in Aachen near the Cathedral try the spa water from tap on the fountain on the main street. Hold your nose.
We like Aachen and Maastricht and Koeln, but probably Aachen the most.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
8951 posts
Really enjoyed Aachen. The cathedral is magnificent and I found the museum to be well worth the time. That said, I am a real fan of Charlemagne and grab any chance I can to see exhibits about him.
Come back and let us know how you liked Aachen and Cologne.