Cologne-Bonn to London flights

Most departures from Cologne Bonn reach London in about 1 hour and 20 minutes, landing at Heathrow or Stansted. Eurowings flies from Terminal 1, and Ryanair serves Stansted. Cheap flights from Cologne Bonn to London start from £16.

For those requiring a connecting flight, common stopover hubs include Munich (MUC) and Vienna (VIE). London's other airports include Gatwick, Luton and London City. Choosing the right arrival airport depends on your final destination, as London City Airport (LCY) is close to the financial district, while London Gatwick (LGW) serves the southern suburbs.

When departing for London, you will use Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), located south-east of the city centre in the Porz district. The airport features two main terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which are connected by a landside walkway, making transfers between them quick and easy.

To reach the airport from central Cologne, you can take the S19, RE6, or RE8 train lines, which run directly to the airport station every 15 minutes. Alternatively, the A59 motorway provides a direct route for taxis and private cars, typically taking around 15 minutes from the city centre.

Travel from London Heathrow (LHR) into the city is fastest via the Heathrow Express, which reaches Paddington Station in 15 minutes. For a more budget-friendly option, the Piccadilly line on the Underground connects all terminals to central London. Taxis and private hire vehicles are available at designated ranks outside each terminal.

If you land at London Stansted (STN), the Stansted Express train departs every 15 minutes for Liverpool Street, with a journey time of about 47 minutes. National Express coaches also run frequently to Victoria Coach Station. From London Gatwick (LGW), the Gatwick Express provides a direct 35-minute link to London Victoria, while local trains serve London Bridge and Blackfriars.

For all public transport in London, including the Bus network and the Tube, it is most convenient to use a contactless payment card or an Oyster card, as cash is not accepted on buses.

Entry requirements for London

When travelling from Cologne to London, you are entering the United Kingdom from outside the Schengen Area. You must present a valid passport for the duration of your stay; EU national ID cards are generally no longer accepted for entry. Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit, you may need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you fly.

Upon arrival, you will pass through border control. Citizens of several countries, including the EU, can use the ePassport gates for faster processing if they have a biometric passport. Ensure you check the latest UK government requirements regarding customs declarations for goods brought from Germany.

London offers a vast array of world-famous sights, from the historic Tower of London and Westminster Abbey to the modern Tate Modern. You can enjoy panoramic views of the capital from the London Eye or the summit of The Shard. Many of the city's finest cultural institutions, such as the National Gallery and the British Museum, are free to enter.

Beyond the central landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, explore the green spaces of Richmond Park or catch a performance at Shakespeare's Globe. For sports fans, the city is home to iconic venues including Wimbledon for tennis and Twickenham for international rugby matches.