By Train -- Cologne is a major rail hub, so reaching the city from anywhere in Germany or the rest of Europe is easy. Frequent daily trains arrive from Berlin (trip time: 5 1/2 hr.), Frankfurt (trip time under 1 hr.), and Hamburg (trip time: 4 1/2 hr.). The Cologne Hauptbahnhof (main train station) is in the heart of the city. For schedules, call Deutsch Bahn at tel. 11861 or visit www.bahn.com.

By Plane -- Cologne’s airport, Konrad-Adenauer-Flughafen Köln/Bonn (tel. 02203/40-40-01; www.airport-cgn.de), is located 14km (9 miles) southeast of the city. Direct flights arrive from most major European cities. The fastest and simplest way to get into the city is by taking an S-Bahn train (S-13) from the airport train station directly to the Cologne main train station. The trip takes 20 minutes; the fare is 3€. A taxi from the airport to the city center costs about 30€.

By Car -- Cologne is easily reached from major German cities. It’s connected north and south by the A3 Autobahn and east and west by the A4 Autobahn.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.