Arriving by plane
General information
The closest international airports from Cologne are the airports of Cologne/Bonn (CGN), Düsseldorf (DUS) and Frankfurt/ Main (FRA). There are train connections running frequently from all airports to Cologne Central Station (Köln Hbf), which are recommended to use.
Nevertheless, it is also possible to order a cab via +49 221 2882 (Cologne) / +49 211 211 211 (Düsseldorf) or to take an Uber to travel from the airports of Cologne/Bonn and Düsseldorf to the city center of Cologne.
Train ticket purchase
Regional train tickets (RE or S-Bahn) are best purchased at the ticket machine at the airport on the day of arrival, but can also be purchased online via bahn.de or vrs.de. Please note, that tickets for the regional trains within the city of Cologne are already included for the 24th and 25th of May 2024 in your conference fee. You will receive those at the check-in counter in all suggested hotels (please check the accommodation page).
Intercity train tickets (ICE or IC) are best purchased beforehand via bahn.de, but can also be purchased at the ticket machine upon arrival.
From Cologne/Bonn Airport
To get from Cologne/Bonn Airport to Cologne Central Station, you can take the regional train lines RE6, S19 or RB27 towards Cologne Central Station (Köln Hbf). The journey takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. A single ticket costs € 3.20 (Price-Category 1b).
From Düsseldorf Airport
To get from Düsseldorf Airport to Cologne Central Station, you can take the express train ICE or the regional train lines RE1, RE5 or RE6 from Düsseldorf Airport towards Cologne Central Station (Köln Hbf). To reach the train station at Düsseldorf Airport, you first need to board the sky train there. This takes about 5 minutes and is free of charge. The total journey takes approximately 35 to 50 minutes, depending on the connection. A single ticket for the regional train costs € 12.80 (Price-Category 5) while the price for the ICE varies by demand.
From Frankfurt Airport
To get from Frankfurt Airport to Cologne Central Station, it's best to take the train. From Frankfurt Airport, you can catch an intercity train (ICE or IC) heading towards Cologne Central Station (Köln Hbf) or Cologne trade fair (Köln Messe/Deutz). You will need to board from the train station 'Frankfurt Fernbahnhof' at Frankfurt Airport, the station for long-distance trains. The journey takes approximately one hour for the express ICE connection and around two hours for the regular ICE.
Arriving by train
From within Europe, Cologne is conveniently accessible by train via its two major train stations Cologne main station (Köln HBF) and Cologne trade fair (Köln Messe/Deutz).
Transportation within Cologne
The easiest and most convenient way to get around Cologne is by walking, public transportation or via cab/ Uber.
A 2-day pass for all public transportation within Cologne is already included with your conference fee. With the 2-day pass you are able to use all regional trains (S-, RB- and RE- lines), trams and buses within the city of Cologne free of charge and as often as you want.
The tickets will be handed to you upon check-in in case you reside in one of our recommended hotels or otherwise during the conference registration.
Cabs can be ordered at your own cost using the Uber app, calling +49 221 2882, or via the Taxi-Ruf App.
Travel to the EMAC Conference in Bukarest
Please note, that the EMAC conference (along with the EMAC doctoral colloquium) will take place in the week after the Marketing Strategy Consortium in Bucharest, Romania. The doctoral colloquium will start on the 26th while the main conference will start on the 28th of May 2024. All airports offer flight connections to Bucharest Airport (OTP). Non-stop flights are available from Cologne/Bonn Airport (WizzAir), Düsseldorf Airport (Eurowings), and Frankfurt Airport (Lufthansa, TAROM).
