$74 Cheap Flights from Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN)
Popular airlines from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Cologne - Bonn Airport (CGN)
EurowingsEurowings
LufthansaLufthansa
Swiss International Air LinesSwiss International Air Lines
Austrian AirlinesAustrian Airlines
British AirwaysBritish Airways
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Cheap Flights from Zürich to Cologne (ZRH-CGN)
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Zurich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN) at a glance
Travel from Zurich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN) with a range of airlines offering convenient options on this international short-haul route. You can choose between full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel preferences as you visit Cologne's renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Here, you'll find essential information for flights from Zurich Airport to Cologne–Bonn Airport.
- Fastest flight duration: around 1 hour non-stop
- Route distance: roughly 250 miles (400 km)
- Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $60–$280, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Zürich Airport (ZRH) to Cologne - Bonn Airport (CGN)
Based on recent travel trends, here are the top airlines favored by passengers flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN), with options for both non-stop and one-stop flights. Many travelers prefer routes with a convenient layover at Munich's Franz Josef Strauss International Airport (MUC), which typically involves a 1-hour 30-minute stop. This allows you to balance price, travel time, and cabin class to discover the best itinerary.
- Eurowings: This budget-friendly airline provides direct flights, with one-way prices generally falling between $60 and $320. It operates around 91% of departures on this route, offering a total travel time of just 1 hour.
- Lufthansa: A traditional full-service airline that features one-stop routes, with one-way fares usually ranging from $195 to $280. It makes up about 7% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 2 hours and an overall travel time of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including a layover.
How to find the best prices for flights from Zurich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Zurich to Cologne is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are generally available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book within two weeks. Morning departures between 5 a.m. and 12 p.m. not only offer lower prices but are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Thursday provides both better prices and is a favored travel day.
- Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
- Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
- Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
- Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
- Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.
Arriving at Cologne - Bonn Airport from Zürich Airport
Cologne welcomes travelers from Zurich with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Zürich Airport is roughly a 10-minute drive (covering about 7 miles) from central Zurich. Here's how to reach Cologne efficiently:
- Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Cologne, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
- Car rental: Renting a car from Cologne - Bonn Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Cologne - Bonn Airport on Expedia.
- Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
- Public transportation: From Cologne - Bonn Airport, travelers can easily reach Cologne/Bonn Airport Station, a metro station located about 0.5 miles away on foot, while Bonn Konrad-Adenauer Bus Stop, a bus station, is approximately 1.8 miles away by car. Additionally, Cologne-Bonn Seaport, a seaport, is situated about 1.6 miles away by car.
Zürich to Cologne Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Zürich to Cologne
On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Zürich to Cologne are during the month of April. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Zürich to Cologne with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Zürich to Cologne
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Zürich to Cologne: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.
How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Zürich to Cologne
Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Zürich to Cologne in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $74 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.
Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Zürich to Cologne flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.
You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Zürich to Cologne airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.
*Terms apply.
Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN-Cologne - Bonn) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $74 and cheap return flights $148 Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN-Cologne - Bonn) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $172 and $2968, and return flights often range between $290 and $1583. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN-Cologne - Bonn) ticket fares go up or down.
*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN-Cologne - Bonn)?
The cheapest month to fly from ZRH to CGN is April when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN-Cologne - Bonn)?
Eurowings operates around 11 direct flights from ZRH to CGN every week.
How do I find cheap flights from Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN-Cologne - Bonn)?
To find a cheap flight from Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN-Cologne - Bonn), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN-Cologne - Bonn)?
The best airline to fly with from Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Eurowings offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, 4X typically offers the lowest fares. Lufthansa offers the most daily flights from Zürich to Cologne, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN-Cologne - Bonn)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN-Cologne - Bonn)?
There are approximately 1 nonstop flights per day from (ZRH) to Cologne - Bonn (CGN). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN-Cologne - Bonn)?
The earliest flight from Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne - Bonn (CGN) usually leaves at around 6:00 AM, operated by British Airways. This seasonal service is perfect for those wanting to start their day early in Cologne. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN-Cologne - Bonn)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 29% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Eurowings, Lufthansa and Swiss International Air Lines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to start your day early and maximize your time in Cologne.
How long does it take to fly from Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN-Cologne - Bonn)?
Flying nonstop from ZRH to CGN takes around 1 hour, with the route covering approximately 246 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 6 hours longer than direct options. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN-Cologne - Bonn)?
Business class is available on flights from ZRH to CGN. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:
- Eurowings
- British Airways
- Air Dolomiti
- Lufthansa
- Austrian Airlines
- Swiss International Air Lines
- LOT Polish Airlines
- Air Baltic
- Air Malta
- SAS
How much is a business class flight from Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN-Cologne - Bonn)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN) typically costs between $765 - $1,157. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $305 - $1,328 per adult in economy/coach class. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN-Cologne - Bonn) if you opt for a connecting flight.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN-Cologne - Bonn) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN-Cologne - Bonn) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.
*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Cologne from ZRH (ZRH)?
From ZRH (ZRH), you can fly into Cologne - Bonn (CGN) to reach Cologne. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Frankfurt Intl. (FRA), Frederic Chopin (WAW), Kastrup (CPH) before reaching Cologne. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN-Cologne - Bonn) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN-Cologne - Bonn) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN-Cologne - Bonn) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN-Cologne - Bonn) Cologne Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN-Cologne - Bonn)?
If you booked your Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne (CGN-Cologne - Bonn) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.
Travel information
Origin airport | Zurich Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Cologne - Bonn Airport |
Distance | 245 miles away |
Airlines serving | Eurowings, Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, British Airways |
Popular airline | Eurowings |
Roundtrip price | $148 |
Average flight time | 1 hour 5 mins |