Terminals at Cologne/Bonn Airport: layout and orientation for drivers
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Cologne Bonn Airport is compact: two terminals close to each other and its own station right by the terminal area. For drivers, finding your way is correspondingly easy – if you know which terminal is yours. This guide explains the layout and what it means for parking, valet and shuttle.
Key facts at a glance
- Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, connected by a short walkway.
- Its own station with S-Bahn, regional and long-distance services.
- Check your terminal in advance – important for the car park and meeting point.
- Operations around the clock.
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 is the larger of the two buildings, where numerous airlines are handled. Here you will find check-in, baggage drop-off and access to security for flights from this terminal.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 is right next to Terminal 1 and can be reached via a short walkway. Various airlines are also handled here. Which airline checks in at which terminal can change – your current travel documents are what count.
The station
Köln/Bonn Flughafen station is in the immediate vicinity of the terminals. S-Bahn trains such as the S19, regional and long-distance trains stop here. For people picking up passengers who arrive by train, the station is an obvious meeting point.
How to find your terminal
- Check your booking confirmation or e-ticket.
- Look in your airline's app.
- Open the departures overview on koeln-bonn-airport.de.
For codeshare flights, the airline operating the flight is what counts.
What it means for parking
Parking yourself: the airport offers car parks and multi-storey car parks near the terminals; choose one near your terminal. Rates are on the airport website.
Valet: state your terminal when booking; the meeting point may depend on it – see Valet parking at Cologne/Bonn Airport.
Shuttle: the provider names the stop; see Shuttle parking at Cologne/Bonn Airport.
Getting to the terminals
Via the A59, airport exit, you reach the airport grounds; the signs lead to the terminals and parking areas. More: Driving to Cologne/Bonn Airport.
Walking distances and time in the terminal
The short distances are an advantage of Cologne/Bonn. Nevertheless, at holiday peaks queues form at baggage drop-off and security, even in the middle of the night when several holiday flights depart one shortly after the other. Your airline states the recommended lead time.
Picking up at the terminal
If you are picking up relatives, use the airport's parking areas or the forecourt – the airport's rules apply to stopping. Agree on a specific meeting point, for example at the exit of the arrivals level of the respective terminal, and track the flight status online. Especially with late arrivals, this saves unnecessary waiting.
Arrival
On your return, you usually arrive at the terminal your airline uses. The valet meeting point and shuttle pick-up point are in the confirmation. More: Returning: collecting your car at Cologne/Bonn Airport.
Konrad Adenauer Airport at a glance
Officially, Cologne Bonn Airport bears the name of the first Federal Chancellor, Konrad Adenauer. The airport is located in the Cologne district of Grengel in the south-east of the city, nestled between the Wahner Heide and the A59 motorway. Besides passenger traffic, air freight plays a major role; the cargo areas are separate from the passenger terminals. For travellers by car, the area around Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 is the most important, where the forecourts, multi-storey car parks and access to the station are concentrated.
Departures level and arrivals level
As at many airports, departures and arrivals are organised on different levels. On the departures level you will find check-in desks, baggage drop-off and access to security. On the arrivals level are the baggage belts, exits and meeting points for people picking up passengers. Valet meeting points and shuttle pick-up points may be on one level or the other – the exact details are in your confirmation. Pay attention to the signs on arrival so that you don't search on the wrong level.
Gates and routes after security
After security, you head to the gates, which are marked with letters and numbers. The distances at Cologne Bonn Airport are manageable. For flights outside the Schengen area, you also pass through passport control. The display boards show your gate and boarding time. Stick to the boarding time on your boarding pass; gates usually close a few minutes before departure.
Food and shops at any time
Because the airport operates around the clock, travellers are also on the move at night. However, not all restaurants and shops are open all the time. If you are flying in the middle of the night, plan for water and a snack in case the food outlet you want is closed. After security, you can refill an empty water bottle at water dispensers or in shops. The airport publishes information on opening hours on its website.
Orientation for first-time visitors
If you are at Cologne Bonn Airport for the first time, take your time. Download the site map from the airport's website beforehand or take a screenshot. Remember where your car park or meeting point is and how to get from there to the terminal. If in doubt, staff at the information desks can help. More tips for first-time travellers: Parking at Cologne/Bonn Airport for the first time.
If the terminal changes at short notice
Occasionally an airline changes terminal or a flight is moved at short notice. So check your app or the airport's departure board again on the day of departure. Because Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are close together, a change on foot is quickly done. If you have agreed a valet meeting point at a particular terminal, call the provider – the handover can usually be adjusted.
Conclusion
Cologne Bonn Airport is compact and easy to get an overview of. With the right terminal, the address from your booking in the satnav and a quick look at the site map, you will quickly get from your car to the gate – and back again just as quickly on your return.
Changing between the terminals
The walk between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 is short and covered. With a luggage trolley it can be done in a few minutes. This is practical if a fellow traveller is flying from another terminal or if you have chosen a multi-storey car park at the other terminal. Follow the signs; the access to the station and other facilities are also on the way. If you are travelling with a pushchair or wheelchair, use the lifts.
Where people picking up passengers wait
People picking up passengers wait on the arrivals level in front of the exits. For arrivals from abroad, it can take a while for travellers to get through passport control and customs. The display boards show whether a flight has landed and whether the baggage is already being delivered. This helps you estimate the waiting time. For longer waits, use the airport's multi-storey car parks, not the forecourt.
Information on site
The airport's information desks help with questions about orientation, services and opening hours. The website koeln-bonn-airport.de offers site maps, departure and arrival overviews and information on getting there. If you take a look beforehand, you will find your way around more quickly on the day of travel.
Getting around with a luggage trolley
Luggage trolleys are available at the multi-storey car parks, at the forecourts and in the terminal. Some can only be released with a coin or a token; keep a suitable coin ready. With a luggage trolley, use lifts instead of escalators. The distances from the valet meeting point to the terminal are short, so you can park the trolley again quickly.
That way, the route through Cologne Bonn Airport becomes routine even on your first visit – and even easier with every further trip.
Have a good trip from Konrad Adenauer Airport!
Assistance at the airport
If you need assistance, for example due to reduced mobility, you usually register for it through your airline. The airport publishes information on services on its website. Valet parking shortens the walking distances further.
All parking options at both terminals – and whether offers can be booked via Friend-Park – can be found on the page Parking at Cologne/Bonn Airport.
