The KölnCard is the simplest way to take care of transport in Cologne and save a little along the way. For 24 or 48 hours it covers buses, trams, S-Bahn trains and regional trains in second class within the Cologne city area, including the hop across the river to Deutz and the KölnTriangle. On top of that it gives discounts, often up to 50 percent, at many museums, attractions, tours and restaurants. Partners include the Chocolate Museum, the Romano-Germanic Museum, guided city tours and several theatres, and the cathedral treasury gives KölnCard holders a reduced price, though the tower climb does not. There is an individual card and a group card valid for up to five people. Unlike an all-inclusive pass, the KölnCard does not include free entry, so it pays off for visitors who use public transport and visit two or three discounted sights. This page links to the KölnCard product on Tiqets.
How to use it: when you start using the card, the name of the holder, or for a group card one group member, and the start date and time are entered, and from then on it runs for 24 or 48 hours. The card is personal and must be carried with photo ID. Before your first journey, validate it in one of the stamping machines at stops or on board, as you would a regular ticket.
Is it worth it: a day ticket for the city zone costs a good share of the card price, so if you would buy one anyway, the discounts are close to a bonus. It makes most sense for visitors staying outside the old town, for example in Deutz or near the trade fair, and for anyone planning the Chocolate Museum, the treasury and a city tour in the same day or two. If you are staying by the cathedral and plan to walk everywhere, you may not need it.
Making the most of it: start the card on your busiest day, list the partner discounts you will actually use and show the card before you pay. Tiqets also sells it bundled with the Chocolate Museum, the zoo, TimeRide or the Farina Fragrance Museum.
What to expect
The experience
A 24 or 48-hour city card with unlimited public transport in the Cologne city area and discounts at partner attractions, tours and restaurants.
Best time
Activate it on your busiest sightseeing day, when you ride the most trams and visit the most partner sights.
How long
Valid for 24 or 48 hours from the time you start it.
Tips
Validate the card in a stamping machine before your first ride, carry photo ID and show the card before paying anywhere.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors staying outside the centre who will use trams and trains and visit a few discounted sights.
- Families
- The group card covers up to five people, which can work out well for families using public transport.
- Couples
- A group card for two can cover your tram rides across the river and a discount at the Chocolate Museum.
- Pair with
- The Chocolate Museum and the cathedral treasury, both with KölnCard reductions.
- Time needed
- One or two days.
Good questions
Does the KölnCard include public transport?+
Yes, it covers buses, trams, S-Bahn and regional trains in second class within the Cologne city area for 24 or 48 hours. Validate it before your first journey.
Does the KölnCard give free entry to attractions?+
No, it gives discounts, often up to 50 percent, rather than free entry. Partners include the Chocolate Museum, the Romano-Germanic Museum and guided tours.
Does the KölnCard work at Cologne Cathedral?+
It gives a reduced price at the cathedral treasury. The tower climb is not discounted.
Is there a group KölnCard?+
Yes, the group card is valid for up to five people travelling together. One member’s name is entered on it.
Is the KölnCard worth it?+
It is worth it if you will use public transport and visit two or three partner sights. If you are staying by the cathedral and walking everywhere, single tickets may be cheaper.
