Getting There & Away: Bonn

Air Travel to Bonn

Major Airports Near Bonn

Several airports serve the Bonn region.

Closest and Largest Hubs

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN): Approximately 20 km north. Regional hub with European and some intercontinental flights.
Düsseldorf Airport (DUS): About 80 km north. Larger international airport with more direct long-haul connections.
Frankfurt Airport (FRA): Approximately 170 km south-east. Germany's largest and Europe's busiest. Major global hub for Lufthansa.

Airlines & Flight Options

A range of airlines operate from these airports.

Carrier Information

CGN: Eurowings, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Turkish Airlines, some Lufthansa routes. Main European connections.
DUS: Lufthansa, Eurowings, Condor, British Airways, KLM, Air France. Extensive European network, some North American/Asian direct flights.
FRA: Numerous global airlines, Lufthansa being the main carrier. Widest range of direct flights from major global hubs (e.g., New York, Tokyo). For flight deals, check Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Price Fluctuations

Highest prices during peak summer (June-August) and holidays. Better value in shoulder seasons (April-May, Sep-Oct). Lowest fares in low season (Nov-Mar, excluding Christmas).

Airport Facilities

All major airports (CGN, DUS, FRA) have duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, car rental desks, currency exchange, ATMs, and lounges. FRA is very large; allow ample time.

Airport Transfers

CGN: SB60 express bus to Bonn Hbf (~30 min). DUS: Train to Düsseldorf Hbf, then to Bonn Hbf (1-1.5 hr). FRA: ICE train to Siegburg/Bonn, then tram/S-Bahn to Bonn Hbf (1-1.5 hr).

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Buses

Bonn Hauptbahnhof is a key hub. Deutsche Bahn (DB) operates regional (RE, RB) and high-speed (ICE, IC) trains across Germany and Europe. Direct ICE connections to Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Berlin, Munich. The DB Navigator app is useful for schedules and tickets.
Long-Distance Buses: FlixBus is a major operator, connecting Bonn to many cities at lower prices (longer journeys). Buses depart near Bonn Hbf.
Border Crossings: Germany is in the Schengen Area. Travel by land from neighboring Schengen countries usually has no passport checks at the border.
Road Conditions: German roads are well-maintained. Drivers are generally disciplined. Be aware of cyclists in urban areas. Winter tires are legally needed in certain conditions.

Self-Driving Considerations

Requirements: Valid national driving license. International Driving Permit (IDP) suggested for non-EU citizens (required for stays over six months). Passport and major credit card also needed.
Roads & Fuel: Excellent road network, including Autobahns (some sections without speed limits). Petrol (Benzin) and Diesel widely available.
Parking: Can be expensive/difficult in city centers. Use multi-storey car parks (Parkhäuser) or park-and-ride (P+R) facilities on outskirts.
Environmental Zones (Umweltzonen): Bonn city center is one. Vehicles need a "green sticker". Rental cars typically have this. Consider DiscoverCars.com or Hertz for rentals.

Sea & River Arrivals

Ferry Services

Bonn is an inland river city, not a seaport. River transportation is mainly for leisure. KD (Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt AG) offers scenic river cruises connecting Bonn with cities like Cologne, Königswinter (Drachenfels), Linz, and Koblenz. These are for sightseeing.

River Transport Options

Within Bonn, river transportation consists mainly of tourist cruises and sightseeing boats. No regular commuter ferries for daily transport within the city.

Connections to Land Transport

River cruise terminals and boat docks are usually located near the city center, making public transport (trams, buses) easily accessible.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Timing

Prepare for your departure from Bonn for a smooth exit.

Departure Essentials

Germany does not levy specific exit fees or taxes on departing travelers.
Airport Departure: For international flights, arrive 2-3 hours before departure. For domestic/Schengen flights, 1.5-2 hours is usually sufficient. Factor in time for check-in, baggage drop, security.
Train/Bus Stations: No formal check-in for trains. Arrive 15-30 minutes before departure to find your platform/bus.

Airport & Station Facilities

Facilities assist departing travelers.

Services for Departures

All major airports and train stations offer waiting areas, restrooms, shops for last-minute purchases, and dining options.
Tax Refund Services (VAT Refund): For non-EU residents, VAT refunds are for eligible purchases. Keep receipts.
At major airports, get VAT refund forms stamped by customs officials before checking luggage. Then process your refund at a designated tax-free booth. This process can take time.

Pre-Departure Checklist

Confirm flight/train times, gather all documents, plan airport/station arrival time.

Baggage & Security

Be aware of airline baggage limits. Follow security screening instructions.

Last-Minute Tips

Double-check personal belongings. Have local currency for minor expenses.

Getting There & Away