Parking at Cologne/Bonn Airport: questions we are often asked

Cologne Bonn Airport has peculiarities that raise questions: round-the-clock operation, a location between two cities, its own long-distance railway station. Here are the questions travellers ask most often about parking – with short answers and links to the detailed guides.

Around the clock – what does that mean for me?

My flight leaves at 5:00. Will my parking provider be open then?

That depends on the provider. Check the opening hours before booking. More: Early flight from Cologne/Bonn.

I land at 1:00 at night – will I get my car?

If your provider returns cars at that time or offers a night service, yes. Clarify this in advance. More: Night flights and parking at Cologne/Bonn Airport.

Does the night cost extra?

With some providers, surcharges apply for handovers outside opening hours. More: Parking costs at Cologne/Bonn Airport.

Getting there and orientation

I live on the left bank of the Rhine – what should I watch out for?

The Rhine crossing in rush-hour traffic. More: Driving to Cologne/Bonn Airport.

Terminal 1 or 2 – does it matter if they are so close together?

Yes, for choosing the car park and the valet meeting point. More: Terminals at Cologne/Bonn Airport.

I'm coming from Aachen or the Siegerland – which route?

Via the Cologne motorway ring to the A59. More: Getting to Cologne/Bonn Airport from the region.

Parking and service

Is the car worthwhile when there is a long-distance station?

With light luggage from Cologne or Bonn, the train is often practical. At night, with family or from the surrounding region, many take the car. Overview: Parking options at Cologne/Bonn Airport.

Valet or shuttle?

More: Valet or shuttle at Cologne/Bonn Airport.

How do I document the handover in the dark?

With light and close-up photos. More: Vehicle handover at Cologne/Bonn Airport.

Will my motorhome fit?

That depends on the provider. See frequently asked questions about large vehicles.

Am I flying with a holiday airline or a scheduled airline – does that make a difference?

Not directly for parking, but for the schedule: holiday flights often depart very early or late. So check the provider's opening hours particularly carefully.

What if I'm stuck in a traffic jam on the Cologne ring?

Inform the provider and, if time is short, contact the airline. See frequently asked questions about delays on the way.

Booking and cancellation

From when does the 24-hour deadline count?

From the booked start of the service – i.e. the start of parking, not the departure. More: Cancelling or changing a car park at Cologne/Bonn Airport.

When should I book?

As soon as the flight is confirmed. More: Reserving a car park at Cologne/Bonn Airport.

Around carnival, trade fairs and holidays

I'm flying on Women's Carnival Day or Rose Monday – is there anything I should bear in mind?

On the carnival days, numerous streets in Cologne and Bonn are closed, trains are full and traffic shifts to alternative routes. Allow significantly more time for the journey and check beforehand whether your usual route is affected. Operations at the airport itself run normally; the challenge lies in getting there. The return on Ash Wednesday can also be busier because of returning traffic.

During major trade fairs in Cologne – is the airport busier then?

During major trade fairs in Köln-Deutz, many visitors arrive via the airport. This mainly affects the arrivals level, taxis and hire cars. For departing passengers, the access roads and multi-storey car parks may be busier. If you fly during trade fair periods, book your car park early and allow a little more time. Koelnmesse publishes the trade fair dates on its website.

When are the NRW summer holidays – and why does it matter?

The dates of the school holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia are published by the state's Ministry of Education. At the start of the holidays, a particularly large number of families set off at the same time, and providers' car parks are booked up earlier. If you fly in the first days of the holidays, it is best to book right after booking your flight. More: Reserving a car park at Cologne/Bonn Airport.

About the car

Can I have my electric car charged during my trip?

Some providers offer charging as an additional service. Whether this is possible and what it costs is stated in the offer description. Photograph the battery level at handover so that you can compare on return. Without a charging service, it is advisable to arrive with enough charge for the drive home.

Will my car be moved during the parking period?

With valet, the driver takes your car from the meeting point to the parking location and back. On the site it may be moved for repositioning. Beyond that, the car should not be driven. Compare the mileage on return with your handover photo. If it differs significantly, speak to the provider directly.

What happens if my car won't start after the trip?

Especially after long trips in winter, the battery may be weak. Ask the provider for a jump start; many have a jump starter on site. Alternatively, your automobile club or your manufacturer's breakdown service can help. Have the battery checked before a long trip if it is already older.

Can I leave luggage in the car?

In principle, you can leave items you don't need on the trip in the boot. But valuables, documents and electronics do not belong in the car. With valet, the driver should be able to see that nothing valuable has been left behind. On longer trips it is better to take food with you so that it does not spoil in the car.

About the return

My flight lands earlier than planned – what should I do?

Call the provider and ask whether the car can be made ready earlier. Many providers are happy to arrange this if they are informed in good time. If you entered the flight number in the booking, the provider may see the earlier landing itself.

I've lost my parking receipt – what now?

Usually the booking number from the confirmation email and your number plate are enough to identify the car. Bring ID so that the provider can check that you are authorised. A screenshot of the confirmation on your phone avoids such situations.

My luggage hasn't arrived – how long will the provider wait?

Report the loss at the baggage desk before leaving the secure area and at the same time inform the parking provider that it will take longer. Most providers wait if they know. Without a message, misunderstandings can arise.

About trains and alternatives

Do trains run to the airport at all hours?

Cologne/Bonn Airport station is served regularly during the day. In the late night hours and very early in the morning, however, the service is limited. Check the connections for your time in advance in the timetable. If you fly or land in the middle of the night, you are often more independent with the car.

Can I drive to the station and then continue by train?

That is possible, but rarely worthwhile if your destination is the airport. It makes more sense to drive directly to a provider's car park or the valet meeting point. For travellers from far-away places without a good rail connection, driving all the way to the airport is usually the better choice.

Is a taxi cheaper than parking?

That depends on the distance and the length of the trip. For short trips from central Cologne or Bonn, a taxi can be an alternative. For longer trips or journeys from the surrounding region, parking is often cheaper, because the outward and return taxi journeys add up.

Can I find a parking space at the airport without a reservation?

At quiet times usually yes, especially in the airport's multi-storey car parks. During the NRW holidays and trade fairs, however, things can get tight. A reservation gives you certainty and can be cancelled free of charge at Friend-Park up to 24 hours beforehand.

Friend-Park

Where can I find offers for Cologne/Bonn?

On the page Parking at Cologne/Bonn Airport.

I offer parking spaces near the Wahner Heide – can I become a partner?

Yes, via the Become a partner form.