Car Hire Cologne Airport

In Germany you drive on the right, overtaking on the left. With a well-maintained road network and clear signage, it’s easy to navigate your way around Cologne – even if you’re completely new to the area.

Leave the airport along the A59 and head north-west on the A559 to find yourself in Cologne in 15 minutes. This 15km drive takes you straight into the heart of this architectural wonderland.

Central Cologne is a Low Emissions Zone. These were introduced in 2014 across many German cities – including Hanover, Berlin and Munich – to reduce air pollution. However, there’s nothing you need to worry about. All our vehicles are fitted with the required green sticker to enter the zone — saving you any hassle.

Find your way around using the Koelner Ringe, a four-lane street which runs for 6km around the western and northern quarters of the city. There’s on-street parking aplenty here – with prices ranging from €1.50 to €3 per hour.

To explore the city of Bonn, leave the airport and join the southbound A59. The city is split by the Rhine, with numerous bridges crossing the waterway on the 565, 562 and 56 roads. If you’re interested in heading further into Germany, take the A1 all the way to Hamburg. It’ll take around four hours and you can call at Münster and Bremen along the way.

Cologne-Bonn Airport’s central location puts many other areas of Germany within reach. The autobahn connects you to the cities of Dusseldorf and Frankfurt, located just a couple of hours away.

Keep your eyes peeled for speed signs on the autobahns. Generally the speed limit is 130km/h – but this can change on busier sections. On urban roads it’s 50km/h – increasing to 100km/h on rural roads out of town.

As a laid-back but forward-thinking city, Cologne will surprise and delight you with its welcoming charm and fun-loving spirit. Discover all the great things to see and do when you hire a car in Cologne with this guide.

Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral – or the Kolner Dom as it’s known by the locals – is an iconic part of the city’s identity and one of the most visited landmarks in Germany. It towers way above the surrounding buildings and rooftops, with its distinct two towers defining Cologne’s skyline. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, it’s an awe-inspiring sight to behold, featuring intricate Gothic stonework and stained-glass windows.

There’s so much history to discover here. Cologne was bombed heavily during the Second World War, but its cathedral survived. You can learn more about the role it played during the conflict when taking a guided tour. Cologne Cathedral also provides one of the most breathtaking views of the city. Visit the platform at the top and take all the panoramic shots you like – it’s a stunning place to gaze out across the cityscape at any time of day.

Keep feeding your curiosity in the colourful Old Town area, where you can amble around the historic streets. You’ll find a hotchpotch of colourful old houses at the Great Saint Martin Church, where it’s again worth pausing to take a few snaps – such is the majesty of the building.

Riverside romancing

One of the most loved things about the city of Cologne is its gorgeous location on the banks of the Rhine river. Whether you want to cycle along the banks, enjoy a delicious picnic in the sunshine or even take a dip in the water at one of the designated beach stops, here you’ll find plenty of opportunities to soak up waterside life. A cruise along the Rhine is an idyllic way to enjoy Cologne’s charms at a steady pace.

The city is one of the main trading links for cargo between the cities of Cologne, Basel and Amsterdam, so you’ll see many ships heading up and down the Rhine.

Carpe Diem

Cologne is a city that celebrates life to the full. With a liberal, fun-loving culture at its heart, you can really let your hair down here.

While Berlin is Germany’s premier nightlife spot, Cologne is a strong contender for second place. A vibrant student city, Cologne feels young, energetic and artsy, with stimulating creative vibes and hip venues lining the streets. From luscious evening dinners at high-end bistros to trendy brunch hot spots, soak up the culture by getting your fill of food and drink on your trip.

Bonn-voyage

Bonn tends to be overlooked as a city – despite being the birthplace of composer Ludwig van Beethoven. The capital of West Germany until 1990, Bonn is very much a must-visit location. It packs a wealth of culture and charm into its small city streets.

The Bonn Museum Mile is home to some of the best museums in the country. From the Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republic of Germany, to the German Science and Technology Museum and the House of Contemporary German History – you really are spoilt for choice if you want to learn how this great nation came to be.

Just outside of the city, you’ll find the luxurious, fairytale-like Drachenburg Castle. With its turrets and towers, it whisks you back in time to the 19^th-century – and all for just €7.

Explore the delights of the wonderful Rhine region when you touchdown at Cologne-Bonn Airport. With a hire car, you can explore all the most beautiful areas of this incredible part of Germany.