Flights toCologne

Descend on an architectural wonder

Flight time from London

1 hr 15 mins

Distance from London

320 miles

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Flight Flight + hotel

Fly direct to Cologne with British Airways – our winter service takes off from 16 November 2018 from London Gatwick. In just over an hour you’ll approach this commanding city along the Rhine and just as quickly be captivated by its 2000 years of history, 86 effortlessly cool ‘veedel’ (neighbourhoods) and ‘lävve un lävve losse’ (live and let live) attitude.

Not only home to one of Europe’s most striking gothic cathedrals, Kölner Dom, there’s a thriving food scene developing along the riverside, six traditional Christmas markets to set the seasonal mood and ‘crazy days’ of carnival to experience. Travel light and take advantage of our hand baggage only fares, or book a city break package including standard economy flights, a generous baggage allowance and carefully selected hotels. Whether you’re looking for a cheap Cologne hotel or one that’s all about luxury, we’ll take care of you.

Flights to Cologne

Flights to Cologne are direct from London Gatwick (LGW) to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN). With Cologne flights scheduled four times a week during the winter months, you can select the best duration to suit your needs – whether for business or pleasure.

Find flights departing on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday from November to March – ideal if you’re heading out for a long weekend. And there are additional evening flights in November and December during the popular Christmas market season. You can rest assured that our economy (World Traveller) offers excellent value for money and our business (Club World) offers premium levels of comfort and service.

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Flight and hotel

Flight and car

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A flyer’s guide: Cologne flight tips

Everything you need to know about flying to Cologne with British Airways

When is it best to fly to Cologne?

British Airways offers flights to Cologne only in the winter months. This city comes alive at this time of year, with Christmas markets kicking off in spectacular style, and the ‘fifth season of the year’ (as Carnival is called) begins. The cheapest flights are at the beginning and the end of the winter.

How long does it take to fly to Cologne from London?

British Airways are one of the few airlines flying direct from London to Cologne. The non-stop flight from London Gatwick to Cologne takes around one hour and 15 minutes with British Airways.

What’s the best way for onward travel from Cologne Bonn Airport?

Our flights land in Cologne Bonn Airport – the international airport of Germany's fourth-largest city Cologne. The airport is located in the district of Porz, 9.2 miles south east of Cologne city centre and 9.9 miles north east of Bonn. We recommend hiring a car or catching a cab, as the tram and metro stations better cater for the outside suburbs rather than the city centre itself.

German Kölsch Beer in Cologne. © jotily

Which cabins can I book when I fly to Cologne?

Fly in Euro Traveller or Club Europe. In Euro Traveller, choose to fly with hand baggage only or pick a price that includes a 23kg checked baggage allowance and free seat selection 48 hours before you fly. In Club Europe, enjoy great service, extra baggage allowance and refreshments. The middle seats are removed from the row, giving you extra space to relax.

How many bags can I check in on my flight to Cologne?

Take advantage of British Airway’s generous baggage allowance. With standard economy or a flight + hotel package you can check in one bag each, weighing up to 23kg – in addition to a handbag or laptop bag and one other carry-on bag. If you’re travelling in business class you can check in two bags at 32kg each. Families travelling with young children in either class can also check in one car seat and one fully collapsible pushchair. Read our baggage guide to answer your specific queries.

Do I need a visa for Cologne?

If you’re travelling on a European Union (EU) passport you will not need a passport to visit Cologne. Those from countries outside the EU may need to apply for a visa in advance of your trip. For more information, check your visa requirements and apply by visiting the IATA Travel Centre.

The Great Saint Martin Church, Cologne. © SergiyN

Which cabins can I book when I fly with British Airways?

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Which cabins can I book when I fly with British Airways?

You can fly in Euro Traveller or Club Europe.

Our Euro Traveller (economy) cabins are a good budget option. Our Euro Traveller cabin offers a range of wallet-friendly fares:

Basic offers the cheapest fare, with hand-baggage only.
Plus includes a checked baggage allowance, and allows flight changes on departure day.
Plus Flex includes checked baggage plus a full refund for cancellations. Changes to flights can be made up to an hour before take-off.

Our Club Europe (business class) cabins are located at the front of the plane, with the middle seat kept free for extra legroom and added comfort. Enjoy great service, extra baggage allowance and complimentary refreshments.

Find out more about our travel classes

Cologne tips

Our Cologne hints and tips will have you feeling like a local in no time.

When to tip

In a sit down restaurant service may be included in your bill (marked as Bedienung), but if it isn’t then 5-8% is the norm for good service. Otherwise it’s typical to round up to the nearest Euro in a taxi or leave small change.

Local customs

Order a Kölsch and it will be served in a ‘stange’, which holds 200ml of beer. Place your beer mat (which is also your tab) on top of your empty glass, unless you want it replaced with a new one automatically.

Free attractions

Don’t miss Gerhard Richter’s graphic glass window and the golden shrine of the Three Wise Men in Cologne’s Cathedral. Or the Roman mosaic floor, comprising of over one million pieces, in the Römischer-Germanisches Museum.

Where to stay

Our carefully selected Cologne hotels have something for every traveller – whatever your budget. Flandrischer Hof is the perfect choice if you’re on a tighter budget. Pullman Cologne is ideal for sightseeing; or check in to Hotel Mondial Am Dom Cologne - Mgallery Collection for a stylish stay.

What to eat

It’s not all metre-long bratwursts washed down with Kölsch beer – despite there being more breweries here than any other European city. There are also more Michelin-stars than any other German city and its culinary diversity is celebrated in the growing number of food markets popping up.

Things to do

Cologne’s cathedral is as loved by the locals, as is it is by the crowds of visitors. So, go early and attempt the 533 steps up to the cathedral’s south tower for a closer look at the twin filigree spires and the distinctive gargoyles. Open daily; entry €4.