Cologne/bonn Airport

Probably the quickest and friendliest border control in EU baggage arrives quickly easy to use and navigate through and friendly efficient staff. Very pleasant experience.

I have used Terminal 1 at CGN many times over the last few years and with one recent exception I have generally had good experiences. Terminal 1 has an open airy feel to it and it manages to have a good range of shops and eating places without giving the impression that retail is more important than aviation. Surface transport links are excellent although signage can be a little hit or miss - my first attempt to find the bus to Bonn ended in the car rental area. Most recently inbound from EDI border control was painless with a welcoming smile from the officer at the counter. Baggage wasn't the quickest but it was still acceptable and I was on my way within 30 mins of landing. Outbound to MUC a few days later check in with 4U was a breeze I had time for a bite to eat and a visit to the Besucherterasse. However things were spoiled when I went through security. It wasn't busy so there were no significant delays but the staff who dealt with me were brusque to the point of unpleasantness. I'm an experienced flyer reasonably competent in German and not readily upset by airport staff but on this occasion their attitude was poor. CGN is a decent airport and could be a really good one if it wasn't let down like this.

I travelled from Cologne-Edinburgh from the new Terminal 2. Its very clean spacious and a masterpiece to look at. The security clearances are very strict which is a very good sign for security and safety. The only disappointed thing is that there is hardly any cafes once past the passport clearance in gates 30-31.

As efficient as you would expect for a German establishment and spotlessly clean. Decent facilities the only downside being that the queues at food and drink outlets were extensive although admittedly it was the evening rush hour. Overall I would rate it as between 'good' and 'excellent'.

Arriving from EDI. Positives the passport check (I am not a EU citizen) was perfunctory and the baggage arrived quickly. Negatives - the bus to Bonn is not signposted and its frequency is useless by German standards (every half-hour) - in trying to get a ticket for it I ended up being sold a rail ticket that wasn't what I needed; and it is a very long walk from the terminal proper. Three stars but only just.

Marvellously laid out quick and easy access from the terminal to public transportation excellent directional signage throughout the terminals and one of my favorite European airports.

What a pleasure to use a smart clean airport; T2 is an example of how an airport should look and work. Even flying on a LCC easyJet we weren't treated like a second class user.

This is an efficient small airport. There are good connections within Europe and some long haul scheduled flights (but not enough). The security process is relatively quick as is immigration. The restaurant facilities are limited but satisfactory. The transport to Cologne by train is fast but the bus link to Bonn although rapid is only every half-hour and has been reduced in frequency - a mistake that needs to be rectified. Still taking everything in consideration it is much more pleasant and user friendly to travel through Cologne/Bonn Airport than it is through a big airport like Frankfurt.

Arrival at airport through railway station convenient but no automatic doors to leave station; not good when carrying heavy luggage. Signposting clear enough to me fellow travellers confused. Check- in spacious. Security checks slow due to under-staffing. Airside amenities basic and expensive. PA- system superfluous as not understandable. Toilets well kept. Baggage claim area cramped. Facilities upon arrival non-existent except for a bench outside the baggage claim area. Walk back to railway station through a roofed outdoor path next to the terminal building. In short: if you're able bodied alert and can make your own entertainment this airport is for you.

Overall spacious and clean airport. Cheapest long-term parking P3 was full. Obviously not an incident because there was a staff member to advise about other possibilities present. Had to choose between queuing or going to P2. Travelling by GermanWings was outside Schengen which meant departing by bus from a (temporary?) big party tent connected to the Terminal 1 building. Very hot because of the sun on the roof. Passport control on return also in a tent. Bagage reclaim big enough (now?) no problems there. Picking up co-passengers after collecting the car from the parking turned out to be a big problem at least for Terminal 1. The natural place to wait seems only accessible for taxi's and the like. Advice: collect them from the departures level where they can wait on a visible spot.