Transportation

From Cologne/Bonn Airport (CGN)

The airport station is called "Köln/Bonn Flughafen". Follow signs to the platforms and take the RE6 regional train to "Köln Messe/Deutz" (for the conference venue) or "Köln Hauptbahnhof" (city center).

• Journey time: 12-15 minutes
• Tickets: Purchase at VRS (Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Sieg - the local transit operator) ticket machines in the airport or station, or via the VRS or DB (Deutsche Bahn) Navigator app. The DB app works throughout Germany and can also be used to purchase tickets in and around Cologne. Payment options include cash, credit/debit cards, and digital payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

🎭 November 11: Shuttle buses will be running from the conference venue to CGN airport, in addition to public train services. The frequency of shuttle busses will be shared closer to the event.

From Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

The airport's long-distance station "Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Fernbahnhof" is within walking distance from Terminal 1 or accessible by shuttle bus from Terminal 2. Take a high-speed ICE train to "Köln Messe/Deutz" or “Köln Hauptbahnhof”(from where it is a 15-20 minute walk to the conference venue).

• Journey time: 50-60 minutes
• Frequency: Approximately every hour
  Note: Some ICE services continue to "Köln Hauptbahnhof" (city center), while others terminate at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Tickets: We are offering discounted Deutsche Bahn (DB) event tickets for conference attendees. Take advantage of these reduced fares for your journey. A purchasing link will be available soon.

Alternatively, purchase tickets at Deutsche Bahn (DB) ticket machines, ticket counters, or via the DB Navigator app or DB website. Payment options include credit/debit cards, cash (at machines and counters), and digital payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Advance booking is strongly recommended.

Tip: Lufthansa Group offers air-rail connections that combine your flight with Deutsche Bahn's ICE high-speed train service, providing you with greater flexibility throughout your journey. More information here.

From Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)

The airport has its own station called "Düsseldorf Flughafen", accessible via SkyTrain from the terminals. Take a Regional Express (RE) train (direction Aachen or Koblenz) to "Köln Messe/Deutz" and “Köln Hauptbahnhof”.

• Journey time: Approximately 45 minutes
• Note: Some connections may require a change of trains.
• Tickets: Purchase at VRR (Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr) or Deutsche Bahn ticket machines in the station, or via the DB Navigator or VRR app. Payment options include cash, credit/debit cards, and digital payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Please note that SkyTrain tickets must be purchased before boarding the SkyTrain.

From Cologne/Bonn Airport (CGN)

• Taxi: Available at designated taxi ranks outside the terminal. Expect fares of approximately EUR 30-35 to Köln Messe/Deutz and EUR 35-40 to Cologne city center. Journey time: 20-25 minutes (traffic dependent).
• Uber/Bolt: Both services operate in Cologne. Request pickup from the airport via the respective apps. Fares are typically comparable to or slightly lower than traditional taxis.
  

🎭 November 11: This is a viable alternative to train and buses if pre-booked several days in advance to ensure availability. [Conv Bureau confirm]

From Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

• Taxi: Available but not recommended due to distance and cost. Expect fares of EUR 200+ to Cologne. Journey time: approximately 90-120 minutes (traffic dependent).
• Uber/Bolt: Available but similarly expensive for this long-distance journey. Train service is recommended.

🎭 November 11: Train services (ICE) from Köln Messe/Deutz to Frankfurt Airport should not be significantly affected by carnival celebrations, as crowds are concentrated in Cologne's city center.

From Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)

• Taxi: Available at designated taxi ranks. Expect fares of approximately EUR 80-100 to Köln Messe/Deutz. Journey time: 45-60 minutes (traffic dependent).
• Uber/Bolt: Both services operate. Fares are typically comparable to traditional taxis for this route.

The S12, S11, S6, S19, RE1, RE6, RB25, RB38, RE7, and RB24 trains all connect the city center/Köln Hauptbahnhof (central station) to Köln Messe/Deutz, from where it is a 15-20 walk to the conference venue. The ride takes circa 3 minutes, with trains running approximately every 5 minutes.

• Fare: Single ticket approximately EUR 3.68 | 24-hour ticket EUR 8.92
• Tickets: Purchase at VRS ticket machines or customer service points in stations, or via the VRS/DB Navigator app. Payment options include contactless card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit/debit cards, and cash.

For more information, visit the DB Regio website.

🎭 November 11: Avoid train services between Köln Hauptbahnhof and conference venue due to extreme crowding from carnival celebrations (early morning to late evening). Use the shuttle buses which will run from the city center to Cologne Messe (timings to be confirmed), pre-order taxis, Uber or Bolt, or consider walking.

• Taxi: Available throughout Cologne at designated taxi ranks, by phone booking or apps such as taxi.eu, FREE NOW or Taxi Deutschland.
• Uber/Bolt: Both services operate in Cologne. Request pickup via the respective apps. Expect short journey times between the city center and conference venue under normal conditions.

🎭 November 11: Taxis and ridesharing services may face significant traffic congestion in the city center due to carnival celebrations. Allow extra time or consider using the shuttle buses running from the City Center to Cologne Messe or walking instead.