A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Cologne vs. Bonn for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Cologne or Bonn?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Cologne or Bonn? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Cologne or Bonn?

Cologne

Spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, the city of Cologne dates back 2,000 years, once existing as the largest city of the Holy Roman Empire in medieval times. Today, it is the region's cultural hub - a center of museums, galleries, and towering Gothic cathedrals.

Bonn

Bonn was the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany (previously, West Germany) and it has a population of about 315,000 people. It sits on the Rhine River just twenty kilometers away from Cologne. Many people travel to Bonn for conferences and business, but Bonn also has a lot of cultural and historical sights to offer visitors. The city is also famous as the birth place of Ludwig van Beethoven. There's a strong student culture in the city as well, and it actually shares many characteristics with Italian cities because of its many cafes and restaurants which line the streets. Outdoor beer gardens are popular and Bonn is a particular good summer destination when the weather is pleasant and you can enjoy the outdoor setting. The city's location also makes it a great base for day trips to Cologne, Dusseldorf, and the Rhine and Eifel regions.

Which city is cheaper, Bonn or Cologne?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cologne is €126, while the average daily cost in Bonn is €123. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cologne and Bonn in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cologne €70
    Bonn €68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cologne €140
    Bonn €136
Compare Hotels in Cologne and Bonn

Looking for a hotel in Cologne or Bonn? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cologne


Hotels in Bonn


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cologne Hotel Prices and Bonn Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cologne €15
    Bonn €18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cologne

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cologne:

  • Private transfer from Baden Baden to Köln or the opposite way: $964
  • Private transfer: Cologne to Cologne Airport (CGN): $622
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Frankfurt am Main International Airport to Cologne City - One Way: $540
  • Private Cologne-Bonn Airport CGN Arrival Transfer to Koblenz City: $323
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Eindhoven Airport to Cologne City - One Way: $243
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Düsseldorf International Airport to Cologne City - One Way: $201
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Mönchengladbach Airport to Cologne City - One Way: $192
  • Superior Private Transfer from Cologne City to Dortmund City: $107
  • Luxury Car Private Departure Transfer: Cologne city to Cologne-Bonn Airport: $98
  • Luxury Car Arrival Transfer: Cologne-Bonn Airport to Cologne City: $98
  • Arrival Private Transfer Cologne-Bonn Airport to Cologne City by Luxury Van: $87
  • Luxury Van Private Departure Transfer: Cologne-Bonn Airport: $87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bonn

Also for Bonn, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Düsseldorf International Airport to Bonn City - One Way: $254
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Bonn to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN): $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Cologne or Bonn?

Prices for flights to both Bonn and Cologne change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cologne €40
    Bonn €39
Typical Food prices in Cologne

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cologne:


  • Dinner
    €14
  • Donner Kebab
    €4.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cologne

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cologne.

  • Traveling Spoon French Quiche Private Online Cooking Class: $27
  • Private Gourmet Cooking Class in the Heart of Cologne: $129
  • Private Market Tour and Gourmet Vegetarian Cooking Class in the Heart of Cologne: $183

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cologne €16
    Bonn €27

Tours and Activities in Cologne

Here are a few actual costs in Cologne for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 hour limousine sightseeing ride in Cologne: $368
  • Bonn City Private Tour (Day trip from Cologne): $866
  • Cologne All-inclusive Evening Cruise: $87
  • Cologne Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and Rhine River Sightseeing Cruise: $30
  • Cologne Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $38
  • Cologne Old Town: Historical Tour in German: $15
  • Cologne Sightseeing round-trip Cruise: $15
  • Cologne Walking tour of Old Town: $200
  • Cologne Walking tour with a visit to world famous Cathedral: $322
  • Cologne and Dresden: 5-Day Independent Coach Tour from Cologne: $614
  • 1-hour Rhine River Panorama Cruise: $12
  • 2000 Years of Sex & Crime City Tour (in German): $14

Tours and Activities in Bonn

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bonn.

  • Discover Beethoven's birthplace: Bonn Private Walking Tour: $193
  • Bonn Walking Tour (In the footsteps of Ludwig Van Beethoven): $240

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cologne €18
    Bonn €18

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Cologne and Bonn, we can see that Cologne is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.


When is the best time to visit Cologne or Bonn?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cologne or Bonn in the Summer?

Both Bonn and Cologne during the summer are popular places to visit.

In the summer, Cologne is around the same temperature as Bonn. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cologne in July are around 19°C (66°F), and Bonn is about 19°C (66°F).

In the summer, Cologne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bonn. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cologne 19°C (66°F) 
    Bonn 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Cologne or Bonn in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Bonn.

In October, Cologne is generally around the same temperature as Bonn. Temperatures in Cologne average around 12°C (54°F), and Bonn stays around 12°C (53°F).

Cologne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn during autumn. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cologne usually receives more rain than Bonn. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cologne 12°C (54°F) 
    Bonn 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Cologne or Bonn in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Bonn.

Bonn can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cologne. Cologne is around the same temperature as Bonn in the winter. The temperature in Cologne is usually 3°C (37°F) in January, and Bonn stays around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Cologne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in January than Bonn. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cologne 3°C (37°F) 
    Bonn 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Cologne or Bonn in the Spring?

Both Bonn and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Cologne is around the same temperature as Bonn. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cologne in April are around 10°C (50°F), and Bonn is about 10°C (50°F).

Cologne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn during spring. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cologne usually receives more rain than Bonn. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cologne 10°C (50°F) 
    Bonn 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Bonn and Cologne

Cologne Bonn
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 76 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)


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Cologne vs. Bonn Travel Comparison

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