The KölnCard (Cologne Card) is the perfect companion for exploring this iconic city. Whether it’s your first time visiting or returning for more, the KölnCard will help ensure you a cost-effective stay! Enjoy discounted entry to Cologne’s museums and unlimited free travel on public transport—making it a brilliant way to save money while experiencing the best the city has to offer!
With prices starting at just €9, the KölnCard is an unbeatable choice for your visit. A single 24-hour public transport ticket costs €8.50, so simply visiting one museum makes the KölnCard worth every penny (or cent)! Check out my guide below for everything you need to know.
The KölnCard: Your Ultimate Guide to Cologne’s Tourist Card
What you need to know
- Is the Cologne Card worth it? If you’re looking to visit lots of museums or tourist attractions featured on the card then absolutely!
- Do you need to validate a Köln card? Yes, before you use it it will need validating at a stamp machine found on stations and platforms.
- How much does the Köln card cost? Prices begin at €9, I’ve listed them all below.
What is the KölnCard?
The KölnCard is the official Cologne Tourist card. It offers great discounts and free travel to visitors to the city. I’ve outlined the main highlights below:
Public transportation:
- Once purchased the card gives you free access to all public transport across the KVB network.
Time scale options:
- The KölnCard is available as either a 24 or 48-hour card.
Discounts:
- With the KölnCard you’ll get access to discounts of up to 50% at some of the city’s best museums.
- Up to 50% off selected sightseeing partners
- Discounts for associated food and retail partners
Travel Discounts
The KölnCard allows you to use all public transport in Cologne across the KVB network for free! This includes all buses, trams and the S-Bahn trains as well as regional trains in second class (these are trains whose name code begins with IRE, RE & RB)
You can find all the information about transport routes and maps here!
Validating your KölnCard
Before you’re able to use your KölnCard you must validate it. If you purchased a voucher online this can be exchanged at the Cologne Tourist Information for your physical card. The card is valid from the moment the time and date and your name have been added to it.
Before you use it on public transport you must insert it into the yellow and white ticket stamping machines on stations and platforms, this will stamp it with the time and date. You only need to do this before the first time you use it.
Tourist attraction discounts
With the KölnCard you’ll get up to 50% off at some great museums across Cologne including the Chocolate Museum and the German Sport & Olympic Museum.
You’ll also get money from other exciting attractions and experiences such as the Cologne Zoo, tickets to the Kölner Haie ice hockey team and even the Seilbahn – the cable car over the Rhein!
There’s also money off plenty of different sightseeing tours and savings at some restaurants and stores. The full list of discounts can be found here.
Where to buy a KölnCard
You’re able to buy a KölnCard at the following places:
- At KVB and DB ticket machines within the city, these can be found at many public transport stops.
- At the Cologne Tourist Information Centre
- Directly from many sightseeing tour service operators
- At many hotels within Cologne city centre
- Booking the Cologne Tourism website
KölnCard tickets Price
The KölnCard is available as either a single or group (up to 5 people) ticket for either 24 or 48 hours. Prices* are shown in the table below:
| 24 Hours | 48 Hours | |
| Single ticket | 9€ | 18€ |
| Group ticket | 19€ | 38€ |
*Prices correct as of January 2025
Summary
Whether you’re spending one day, one week or three days in Cologne, the KölnCard can be a great money-saving option. Use it on your travel-heavy days or pack all your sight seeing into two to make the most of the discounts! It’s a fantastic way to experience Cologne’s cultural side and see some of the best attractions the city has to offer.
