Quick Answer
The best and most convenient way to travel from Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Leverkusen is by direct S-Bahn (commuter train). Take the S13 or S19 from the airport station (Köln/Bonn Flughafen) directly to Leverkusen Mitte. The journey takes 25-35 minutes and costs only â¬3-4 for a one-way ticket. It's fast, frequent, and requires no changes.
By Train (S-Bahn) from Cologne Bonn Airport to Leverkusen
The direct S-Bahn connection is the undisputed champion for this route, offering an optimal balance of speed, cost, and convenience. The airport's own train station is integrated into the terminal, making it a seamless start to your journey.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Find the Station: After baggage claim, follow the green and white signs for "S-Bahn" or "DB" (Deutsche Bahn). The station (Köln/Bonn Flughafen) is located on the lower level of Terminal 1/2, accessible via escalators/elevators.
- Buy Your Ticket: Use the red DB Ticket Machines or the VRS (Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Sieg) machines. Select "Leverkusen Mitte" as your destination. Payment is by card (EC, Visa, Mastercard) or cash. You can also use the DB Navigator App for mobile tickets.
- Board the Correct Train: Check the electronic departure boards for trains heading in the direction of "Düren". You want either:
- S13 (Direction: Düren via Köln Hbf)
- S19 (Direction: Düren via Brühl)
- Journey & Arrival: The ride takes 25-35 minutes. Trains run every 20 minutes during the day. Alight at Leverkusen Mitte. From there, you can connect to local trams, buses, or walk/taxi to your final hotel or destination.
| Service | Route | Frequency (Day) | Journey Time | First/Last Train from Airport* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S13 | CGN Airport â Cologne Hbf â Leverkusen Mitte â Düren | Every 20 min | ~30 min | ~4:00 / ~00:30 |
| S19 | CGN Airport â Brühl â Leverkusen Mitte â Düren | Every 20 min | ~28 min | ~4:20 / ~00:30 |
*Schedules can vary on weekends/holidays. Check the VRS website for real-time info.
Ticket Types & Fares
You are traveling within the VRS tariff zone. Key ticket options:
- Single Ticket (Einzelticket): â¬3.40 (adult, short-distance tariff). Valid for 90 minutes in one direction with transfers.
- 24-Hour Ticket (24-Stunden-Ticket): ~â¬9.50. Excellent value if you'll make more journeys later that day within the VRS network.
- Group Day Ticket (GruppenTicket): ~â¬18.50 for up to 5 people. Incredible value for families or small groups traveling together.
Important: The KölnCard is NOT valid for travel to Leverkusen. Always validate paper tickets before boarding by stamping them in the red machines on the platform.
By Bus & Alternative Public Transport
While the train is superior, bus options exist, primarily useful if your final destination is closer to a bus stop or if trains are disrupted.
Option 1: Bus to Cologne Main Station + Train
Take the Express Bus SB60 from directly outside Terminal 1/2 (stop: Köln/Bonn Flughafen Terminal 1/2) to Köln Hbf (Cologne Central Station). The bus ride takes ~15-20 minutes. From Köln Hbf, take any frequent regional train (RE, RB) or S-Bahn (S6, S11, etc.) to Leverkusen Mitte (approx. 10-15 min train ride). This is less direct and only recommended if you need to go to Cologne first.
Option 2: Local Night Bus (Late Arrivals)
For arrivals after the last S-Bahn (around 00:30), the Night Bus 161 operates. It runs from the airport to Leverkusen-Schlebusch. However, service is infrequent (hourly or less). Check current schedules on the KVB website. From Schlebusch, you'll need a taxi to reach most destinations in Leverkusen.
Verdict: The bus+train combo is viable but involves a change and isn't faster or cheaper than the direct S-Bahn. Use it as a backup plan.
By Taxi & Private Transfer
This is the door-to-door, premium option, but comes at a significant cost. Useful for groups, those with heavy luggage, or travelers arriving very late.
Taxis
- Availability: Official taxi ranks are located directly outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 arrivals halls.
- Cost: Expect to pay â¬45 - â¬65 for the 20-25 km trip to central Leverkusen. The meter starts at around â¬4.50. Fees include airport surcharges. Price increases at night, on Sundays, and holidays.
- Journey Time: Approximately 20-40 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic on the A1 or A59 motorways.
Pre-Booked Private Transfers
Services like KiwiTaxi or Welcome Pickups offer fixed-price, pre-paid rides. A standard car for 3-4 people costs â¬50-â¬70. Benefits include a meet-and-greet service with a name sign and fixed pricing, avoiding meter surprises.
When to Choose This: Only if your priority is maximum convenience over cost, you are a group of 3-4 splitting the fare, you have mobility issues, or you are traveling outside public transport operating hours.
Ticket Options & Cost Comparison Table
Below is a clear comparison to help you decide the best option for your budget and needs.
| Transport Mode | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Journey Time | Convenience / Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S-Bahn (S13/S19) | â¬3.40 | 25-35 min | Direct, frequent, station under terminal. TOP CHOICE | All travelers, solo, couples, budget. |
| Bus + Train (SB60 + RE) | â¬3.40 (same VRS ticket) | 40-50 min | Requires one change in Cologne. More steps. | Backup option if S-Bahn is disrupted. |
| Taxi (Metered) | â¬45 - â¬65 | 20-40 min | Door-to-door, 24/7. Price varies with traffic/time. | Late arrivals, groups of 3-4, high convenience seekers. |
| Private Transfer (Pre-booked) | â¬50 - â¬70 | 20-40 min | Fixed price, driver meets you at arrivals. | Families, first-time visitors, business travel. |
Money-Saving Tip: If there are 2-5 people traveling together, the VRS GruppenTicket for â¬18.50 is by far the cheapest option per person, even for just the airport transfer.
Traveler Tips & Local Advice
Beyond the schedules, here's practical wisdom for a smooth journey.
Luggage & Stations
- Airport Station: It has elevators and wide gates, but can be busy. Keep your ticket handy for barrier gates.
- Leverkusen Mitte: This is a modern, accessible station with elevators to the street level. Taxis are usually waiting outside the main entrance.
- Luggage on S-Bahn: There are dedicated multi-purpose areas for suitcases and strollers. Avoid rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) for a more comfortable ride with luggage.
Connectivity & Apps
- Essential App: Download the DB Navigator app. It provides live train times, platform info, and mobile ticketing.
- Wi-Fi: Free WiFi is available at the airport and on most modern DB trains (look for "DB WiFi" network).
For Late-Night or Early-Morning Flights
If you have an early morning flight from CGN, the first S-Bahns arrive at the airport around 4:00 AM, sufficient for flights from 6:00 AM onwards. For very late arrivals after 00:30, pre-booking a transfer is highly recommended to avoid long waits for scarce taxis or infrequent night buses.
Final Destination in Leverkusen
From Leverkusen Mitte:
- City Center/BayArena: A short walk or tram ride (Line 4).
- Bayer Cross Business Park/Chempark: Take Bus 203, 204, or 205 from the bus station adjacent to Leverkusen Mitte.
- To Cologne or Düsseldorf: Frequent S-Bahn and regional trains run from Leverkusen Mitte back towards Cologne or to Düsseldorf via Cologne.
FAQs: Cologne Bonn Airport to Leverkusen Travel
What is the cheapest way to get from Cologne Bonn Airport to Leverkusen?
The cheapest way is to take the S-Bahn (S13 or S19) from the airport's train station (Köln/Bonn Flughafen) to Leverkusen Mitte station. A one-way ticket costs around â¬3-4 with the VRS public transport network, and the journey takes approximately 25-35 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Cologne Airport to Leverkusen?
Yes, there are direct S-Bahn (commuter train) services. The S13 (to Düren via Cologne) and S19 (to Düren via Brühl) both run directly from Köln/Bonn Flughafen station to Leverkusen Mitte without requiring a train change, making it the most convenient option.
How long does the train from CGN Airport to Leverkusen take?
The direct S-Bahn journey typically takes between 25 to 35 minutes, depending on the specific service (S13 or S19) and time of day. Trains run frequently, usually every 20 minutes.
Where do I catch the train at Cologne Bonn Airport?
The airport train station (Köln/Bonn Flughafen) is located directly beneath Terminal 1/2. Follow the clearly marked "Train" (S-Bahn) or "DB" signs from the arrivals hall. It's a short walk via elevators or escalators.
Are taxis expensive from Cologne Airport to Leverkusen?
Yes, taxis are the most expensive option. The fare for the 20-25 km journey typically ranges from â¬45 to â¬65, depending on traffic, time of day, and exact destination in Leverkusen. Pre-booked private transfers have similar pricing.
Can I use a regional travel pass from the airport to Leverkusen?
Yes. Tickets for the VRS (Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Sieg) network cover the entire journey on S-Bahn and local buses. Consider a "24-Stunden-Ticket" (24-hour ticket) or a "GruppenTicket" for small groups if making multiple journeys. The KölnCard does NOT cover travel to Leverkusen.
What if my flight arrives late at night?
S-Bahn services run from early morning until around midnight. For flights arriving after the last train (approx. 00:30), your only public transport option is a night bus (e.g., line 161), which has limited frequency. Otherwise, a taxi or pre-booked transfer is necessary.
Is there a bus from Cologne Bonn Airport to Leverkusen city center?
There is no direct express bus. However, you can take a combination of buses. Option 1: SB60 bus to Cologne Main Station (Köln Hbf), then a regional train to Leverkusen. Option 2: Local bus 161 to Leverkusen-Schlebusch, then transfer. This is slower and more complex than the direct S-Bahn.