£28+ Cheap flights to Cologne

When to book a cheap flight to Cologne

The city’s seasonal temperature makes a holiday in Cologne a diverse and unique experience no matter when you book flights to Cologne. If you visit between December and February, you’ll experience chilly temperatures, whereas, June, July and August are the hottest months, with a typical rainy spell in June. The shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) usually stay mild and temperate, with less showers or extreme hot or cold temperatures, a great time to pick up cheap flights to Cologne and accommodation.

The warmer months between May and August are the most convenient times to really enjoy being outside in the city and a great time to book flights to Cologne. The sun will be shining, days are long, and rainfall levels are at a minimum, making it easy to explore the city on foot. Be careful to choose dates on the bookends of this season though, because rainfall becomes more frequent in the middle.

If you plan of visiting Cologne during one of its hottest months, July, be sure not to miss Kölner Lichter, which transforms the city into a magnificent sea of colours through Germany’s biggest high-altitude fireworks display. Thousands of visitors come to watch this spectacular show, whether from the banks of the river Rhine or on board one of the many river cruises where you can also enjoy some delicious food.

Winter is known as Cologne’s quieter season due to the cold temperatures and increased rainfall, it is therefore easier to find cheap flights to Cologne and deals on accommodation during this period. Be sure to pack warm clothing and an umbrella if you travel at this time. Bear in mind that there is a couple of exceptions to this quieter season, including Christmas, New Year and Carnival. Carnival takes place in February, with a number of events, including Women’s Carnival Day, Rose Monday and Ash Wednesday. The streets come alive during this colourful event, with parades, fancy dress gatherings, masked balls, performances and much more.

City overview

As soon as you step off your flight to Cologne, you’ll have no choice but to be absolutely absorbed in the rich history and the beautiful architecture that lines the city’s streets. Around every corner is another colour 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, post-war 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.

Getting around Cologne

Buses and trams can take you all over Cologne. Save some money by purchasing a day pass or group pass at one of the 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.    

Getting from the airport

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is the main airport which serves the Cologne. It is just over 9 miles (15 km) from the city.

Cologne 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 15km (9 miles) from Cologne and 16km (10 miles) 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.