There are periodically discussions, whether the Cologne local transport is upgraded by cable car traffic over the river Rhine. However, there is a cable car in Cologne since 1957, introduced with the Bundesgardenschau (National Gardening exhibition) in the city. It connects the Cologne Zoo area with the Rheinpark in Cologne-Mülheim, which hosted the park-alike exhibition more than sixty years ago. The Kölner Seilbahn (“Cologne cable car”), how the transportation is officially called, is nowadays rather a tourist attraction.
Rhine Cable Car Cologne – Location & Admission
As said above, the Kölner Seilbahn connects the Zoo station with the Rheinpark one. The Zoo station does not only feature the animal park and the adjacent Flora, it is also connected to the local traffic (Underground line 18). The Rheinpark station is mainly offering to stroll through the park area. On top of that, there is one of Cologne’s most famous spas, the Claudius Therme. There is a bus stop close to the cable car station, which is serviced by three bus lines, 150, 250 and 260. The Zoo station is also offering car parks for cars and coaches.
The Rhine Cable Car is operating in the summer months only, typically from April to October. It is operating from 10:00 to 18:00 hrs. On special occasions, there are nighttime services, e.g. during the Cologne fireworks Kölner Lichter. A one-way trip is 4.80 Euro, a return ticket 7.50 Euro (adult ticket). There are some options for minor reductions, e.g. in combination with a zoo ticket or a spa admission. The cable car is not part of the public transport system.
Rhine Cable Car Cologne – The Cable Cars
The one-way trip is roughly 900 meters, which can be serviced by up to 44 wagons. In peak times, they can operate with an average distance of 51 meters while on track. Cable cars are surprisingly effective in their energy consumption. The two engines operate at 37kW each. Each cabin can be driven with four people up to a total weight of 320 kgs. They do not have air conditioning or similar amenities.
Rhine Cable Car Cologne – The Ride
After all the details – here is what you in fact want to see – the views of from the cabins. You have a lovely view over the river Rhine. Cologne Cathedral is likely your key attraction to watch during your trip. The ship traffic on the river as well as the traffic on the nearby Zoobrücke (“Zoo Bridge”), which the cable car is crossing, are nice views as well. A funny thing is that once you are approaching the Rheinpark station, you see the Claudius Therme including its nudity area from above. This regularly leads to confusion – and amazement – at the visitors.
Of course, the view is not that different on the way back. Even on a round trip, you have to leave the cabin and re-enter the station. Depending on how you are seated, you might have some different views on the way back.
Rhine Cable Car Cologne – My View
On a sunny day in Cologne, riding the Kölner Seilbahn is one of the most beautiful things you can do in the city. The view over the river Rhine is lovely. However, the location is rather remote – if you do not fancy a day at the lovely Cologne Zoo. I still recommend a relaxing trip twice over the Rhine.
Travel Postings about the Cologne Region
Here are all Flyctory.com travel postings of the region around Cologne:

H+ Hotel Köln Brühl
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Five Years of Flyctory.com – My 20 Most Popular Travel Posts (so far…)
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Road Stop Motel Mettmann (Presidential Suite)
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Staying Overnight at the VIWA Private Spa Wuppertal
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INNSIDE Dusseldorf Derendorf
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German Röntgen Museum Remscheid
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KölnTriangle Cologne View – a great View of Cologne
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The Bergisch Coffee Table (Bergische Kaffeetafel) – A Sweet and Savory Tradition
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European Airports Go Mad – a Morning at Dusseldorf Airport
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Hampton by Hilton Aachen Tivoli
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The Lounge Cologne/Bonn Airport (CGN)
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The Paradise of Calories – Chocolate and Candy Outlets in Aachen
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House of German History (Haus der Geschichte) Bonn
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Solingen Bird and Animal Park
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Visiodrom Wuppertal
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Premier Inn Cologne City South
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Sea Life Königswinter
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Hampton by Hilton Dusseldorf City Centre
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My Top 15 Airports Flown – With Some Brief Thoughts
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Leonardo Hotel Düsseldorf Airport (Ratingen)
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Hyatt Regency Cologne
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The Twelve Best Flights Of My Life (… so far)
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Fauna Animal Park Solingen
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Moxy Cologne Bonn Airport
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MyWellness Cologne – Renting a Private Spa Experience
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Bergisches Museum for Mining, Craft & Trade Bensberg
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Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum Dusseldorf
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taku Dining Box in Cologne – Gourmet Food at Home
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Deutsches Museum Bonn
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Chocolate Museum Cologne (Schokoladenmuseum)
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Maritim Hotel Cologne
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The Fair Play Suite at the Kameha Grand Hotel Bonn
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Bonn Marriott Hotel
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Watching Cologne from Europa Rad Ferris Wheel
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ibis Dusseldorf Main Station
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Dusseldorf Rhine Tower (Rheinturm)
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INNSIDE Hotel Dusseldorf Hafen
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100 Years of Gold Bears and More – Haribo Shopping around Cologne
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“Climbing” the Monte Troodelöh, Cologne’s Highest Point
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Autokino Düsseldorf – Drive-Movies & Show
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Car Watch – A new Pop-up Drive-in Cinema in Cologne
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Cologne/Bonn Airport during Covid-19 Times (Pictured Story)
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Hilton Bonn
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Cologne Old Town Christmas Market
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Cologne Stadtgarten Christmas Market
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Cologne Cathedral / Roncalli Square Christmas Market
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Cologne Harbor Christmas Market at Chocolate Museum
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Dusseldorf Airport Photo Tour
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Andernach Geyser
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On Top of Leverkusen Water Tower
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German Blade Museum Solingen
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The Scherz-Tour – A Different RheinEnergieSTADION Cologne Tour
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Very Important Postings – July to December 2018
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Non-Aviation Transportation
The category Other Transportation covers all transportation but aviation:


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Exploring Hamburg with the HADAG Public Ferries – Line 61
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Traveling Avanti West Coast Railways Pendolino First and Standard Premium Class
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Rideau Canal Cruises in Ottawa
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Helgoland Dune Ferry (“Dünenfähre” – Pictured Story)
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Car Rental Review – Enterprise Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) – Nissan Rogue
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From Heathrow Airport to London with the Elizabeth Line
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Cruising on the Herjolfur Vestmannaeyjar Ferry
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Car Rental Review – Hertz Malta Airport (MLA) – Hyundai i20
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Car Rental / Sharing Review – Hertz 24/7 in London (Uxbridge) – Toyota Corolla Hybrid
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Car Rental Review – Panek Krakow (Skoda Fabia)
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Riding the Stadler FLIRT Train of Swiss Südostbahn (IR 26 Treno Gottardo)
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Car Rental Review – Hertz Dubai Intl. T1 (DXB) – Toyota Camry
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Stuttgart Funicular (“Standseilbahn”)
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Riding the Berlin-Warszawa Express Train (EC 40 to 48)
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Riding The Malpensa Express
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Car Rental Review – Hertz Helsinki Airport (HEL)
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Car Rental Review – Blue Car Keflavik Airport (KEF) – Dacia Duster 4WD
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Car Rental Review – Sixt Hanover City Center – Ford Puma ST Line
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Driving the Ferrari 488 with Pushstart in Maranello
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My Full Tour With The Palm Monorail (Dubai)
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Riding the Dubai Ferry
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Chicago River & Lake Michigan with Mercury Cruises
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Car Rental Review – Europcar Dubai Int. (DXB) T3 (December 2020) – Mazda 6
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Car Rental Review – AutoReisen (Grand Canary Airport, 12/2020) – Renault Clio
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Riding Italo Rail Club Executive Class
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ECE 451 – The Non-Stop Train from Frankfurt To Milan
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A Boat Trip on the Königssee
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Riding the Arlanda Express
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Bus Transfer from Heathrow to Oxford: The Airline
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The only Rail Track on Canary Islands
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Riding the Hogwarts Express
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