$169+ Cheap flights to Cologne, Germany

As soon as you step off your flight to Cologne, you’ll have no choice but to be absolutely absorbed in the rich history of the country, and the beautiful architecture that lines the city’s streets. Around every corner is another color or majestic, towering establishment, and across the street is usually its counterpart – equally beautiful and just as intriguing. 

There is no shortage of diversity here. Ancient Roman walls, postwar buildings, and medieval churches complete the perfect cityscape in Germany’s fourth largest city. Once you’re done seeing the sights and absorbing the classic air of German history, head to one of the beer halls, which are said to rival those in Bavaria. Whether you’re looking for art, sports, nightlife, beer, or authentic cuisine, you’ll find all of it here, when you book a flight to Cologne.

Cologne, Germany climate

The seasonal temperature here makes booking a flight to Cologne a diverse and unique experience no matter when you go. If you come in the winter, you’ll experience temperatures in the 40s, fewer sunny days, and a bit more rainfall. Summer brings the heat, with a typical rainy spell in June. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall usually stay mild and temperate, with less showers or extreme hot or cold.

Best Time to Fly to Cologne, Germany

The best time to book flights to Cologne is in May, when the sun is shining, days are long, and rainfall is kept at a minimum. You’ll be able to walk through the city and see everything without extreme heat or cold, making outdoor excursions easily spontaneous.

Peak Season: 

The warmer months between May and August are the most convenient times to really enjoy being outside in the city, so if you’re looking to explore on foot, book flights to Cologne. Be careful to choose dates on the bookends of this season though, because rainfall becomes more frequent in the middle.

Off Peak: 

Although winter is known as Cologne’s quieter season due to the cold temperatures and increased rainfall, it’s easier to find deals on accommodations and cheap flights to Cologne if you travel during the off season. Be sure to pack warm clothing and an umbrella.

Getting around Cologne, Germany

Buses and trams can take you all over Cologne. Save some money by purchasing a day pass or group pass at one of the orange ticket machines. Don’t forget to validate it after you board. Taxis are plentiful, and you can either hail them on the street or call ahead for one. Renting a bike can be a cheap and convenient way to get around as well.   

Cologne, Germany Travel Information

Museum Ludwig: With the long list of museums and cultural establishments you’ll have to pick from when you book a flight to Cologne, this place should be at the top. An awesome collection of contemporary art, Museum Ludwig starts its exception aesthetic impressions from the outside in. Its jarring façade and wavy roof line is a piece of artwork all on its own. Inside, European and Postmodern art hang from every wall, as well as shining examples of American Pop Art kings like Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol. From avant-garde to German expressionism, to the wonderful and unlikely musing of Picasso, this place has it all.

Kolner Dom (Cologne Cathedral): For religious enthusiasts planning flights to Cologne, you should make sure to check out the Kolner Dom (Cologne Cathedral). Known as the spiritual and geographical heart of the city, the Kolner Dom is also the largest cathedral in the entire country. Mysteriously untouched throughout WWII even though its neighborhood was demolished, the structure is subject to quite a bit of legend. As the story goes, Allied forces refused to bomb the church because they used it as a landmark when bombing other areas of the city. Whether that’s true or not, we’re happy it’s still around.

Museum Festival: For the perfect way to see all of the museums offered on your travel to Cologne, take advantage of the sporadic Museum Festival days, when every single museum in the city opens its doors to take part in the day-long, large-scale rotation of museums. Shuttle buses to and from every establishment leave on the hour (and on the 90 minute mark), so getting to and from each one is easy. Extra lectures and guided visits at each place are the best ways to see it all – especially in smaller, lesser known ones like the Carnival Museum and the Chocolate Museum.

Nightlife: Anyone on a flight to Cologne wants to experience that German nightlife, always known for dipping into sunrise. Cologne is no exception to its German siblings like Berlin and Munich. Here, though it’s not just about three-story clubs with house jams and techno beats: Nightlife in Cologne is a much broader subject, covering performing art as exquisitely as a pub crawl. With a huge emphasis on punk rock and exhibitionism, live music and live art are around every corner – just pick up a copy of the Kolner, which will answer all of your “when and where” questions.

Cologne, Germany airport overview

Cologne-Bonn Airport (CGN), so-named because it is located between the two beautiful west German cities, is the sixth-largest airport in Germany, and offers good connections to a wide array of attractive European and North African destinations.

Flights to Cologne-Bonn Airport are operated by several low-cost carriers, including Germanwings, TUlfly, easyJet and Wizz Air, so be on the lookout for great deals on flights to exotic destinations such as Cape Verde and Marrakech.

For those looking to travel around Germany, Cologne-Bonn Airport is a wonderful access-point, just 9 miles (15km) from Cologne and 10 miles (16km) from Bonn. Both are celebrated international cities, full of plenty of things to see and do, and the airport is also far less busy than Munich, Berlin or Frankfurt.