‘Cologne scores with a perfect location and perfect transport connections.’
Infrastructure
Vibrantly throbbing and highly cosmopolitan – this is how Germany’s fourth-largest city presents itself.
With transport links conveniently located in the heart of Europe, Cologne is a dynamic hub for economic exchange and an engine for innovation. The city is home to universities, research institutions and media corporations.
With its 1.1 million inhabitants, Cologne offers a unique lifestyle and a great deal of attraction: There are some 17 million people living in the vicinity and thus within reach – for your event, too!
How to get here
By rail
There are three railway stations served by ICE trains in Cologne, and the trade fair grounds offer direct links to international airports and transport hubs via the ‘Köln Messe/Deutz’ ICE station. With up to 1,300 train and ICE connections daily.
Short train ride aboard the Thalys from the European metropolises of Brussels (just under 2h) and Paris (3h) or aboard the Eurostar from London (4h).
By car
There are ten motorways that converge in Cologne. Located directly on trade fair grounds are six parking decks on the rooftops of the halls, as well as the newly built car park. All together, they offer more than 15,000 parking spaces within direct walking distance to the trade fair grounds. Naturally, there is separate parking for VIPs and members of the press.
By air
Three international airports in the region with direct ICE rail connections.
Distances by train:
• Cologne/Bonn Airport – 15 minutes
• Düsseldorf Airport – 30 minutes
• Frankfurt Airport – 60 minutes
Business, science and media
Automobile
Early on, Cologne and its surroundings emerged as a region for the manufacture of cars and engines. Today Ford makes cars at its plant in Cologne; other manufacturers have their German branches here, and numerous suppliers have settled in the city as well.
Chemicals & pharmaceuticals
The ‘chemical belt’ that surrounds Cologne is home to growing infrastructure consisting of more than 150 companies in the pharmaceuticals, plastics and mineral oil industries.
Science
The 14 state and private universities with around 100,000 students make Cologne one of the largest, most dynamic and innovative cities in Germany.
Media
Cologne is Germany’s media metropolis – nine TV stations, ten radio stations, 1,000 publishing houses and TV studios provide the city with a very lively media scene.
Hotels
There are some 3,000 hotel rooms located in close proximity to Koelnmesse, with individual locations right at the trade fair grounds and in the city centre.
Cologne and its surroundings can offer guests an impressive tally of 80,000 beds.
Take advantage of the carefree package: Upon request, our hotel reservation service with its network of 290 hotels will gladly organise and manage all of your hotel planning – just let us know!
Supporting programme: ‘Experience Cologne’
Enjoy Cologne
From snack stands around the corner to award-winning starred restaurants, from trendy pubs to upscale bars: Cologne offers an incredibly broad selection of reasons to stop in and enjoy the delights – not to mention the city’s legendary brewery and ‘Kölsch’ culture!
Experience culture
With a history that dates back more than 2.000 years and the Cologne Cathedral as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city on the Rhine ranks among the leading locations for art and culture in Europe.
The Old Town of Cologne, numerous museums and sights plus a wide array of cultural offerings – a rich offer of entertainment and discovery awaits you in Cologne!
Special places
Whether famous sights, true shopping paradises or the very special insider tips: The Cologne Convention Bureau (CCB) you has many more tips and hints in store for you.