Finding a place to rest during a layover at Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) can be a mix of comfort and challenge, depending on the duration of your stay. Based on passenger experiences, this guide will help you navigate the best sleeping options at CGN, ensuring a restful layover.
CGN operates 24/7, offering numerous spots for weary travelers, but it’s important to note the airport’s quirks regarding security checkpoint hours and sleeping conditions.
Here’s how to make the most of your time at CGN:
Guide to Sleeping at Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN)
If you find yourself with a layover at Cologne Bonn Airport, here’s a helpful guide to finding the best spots to rest based on how long you’ll be there.
Short Layover (30 mins – 1 hr)
For a short layover, you won’t have much time to sleep, but you can still find a spot to relax. The black leather chairs before baggage claim in Terminal 1 are a great choice. These chairs are comfortable and provide a quiet spot where you can sit and rest briefly without fully falling asleep.
Standard Layover (1 to 3 hrs)
With a bit more time, you can afford to settle into a slightly more comfortable position. Head to the leather sofas opposite the 24-hour shop in Terminal 1. These sofas are hidden away and offer a bit more seclusion, making them ideal for a short nap without too many disturbances.
Extended Layover (3 to 6 hrs)
During an extended layover, you’ll want to find a place where you can lie down and get a decent nap. The top floor near the emergency exit in Terminal 2 has metal benches that, while not the most comfortable, can be made more bearable with something soft to lie on. This spot is quieter and less crowded, offering a chance for a more extended rest.
Long Layover (6 to 12 hrs)
For a long layover, it’s important to find a place where you can rest more thoroughly. The 24-hour McDonald’s in Terminal 2 is a good option. The seating here is comfortable, and the area remains relatively warm and quiet during off-peak hours. Since it’s open 24 hours, it provides a consistent environment where you can rest or sleep for several hours.
Overnight Layover (12 to 24 hrs)
An overnight layover requires a place where you can get a proper night’s sleep. The leather sofas opposite the 24-hour shop in Terminal 1 are a comfortable and secluded spot for the night, though you might experience occasional noise and early morning wake-ups. For more privacy and comfort, nearby hotels like the Leonardo Hotel Köln Bonn Airport or the Airport Hotel by The New Yorker offer shuttle services and comfortable rooms, ensuring you get a full night’s sleep.
Additional Tips
- Noise Levels: Be prepared for frequent announcements and cleaning activities, especially landside.
- Bright Lighting: Bring an eye mask to handle the bright lights that stay on throughout the night.
- Temperature: The airport can get cold, so have warm clothing or a blanket.
- Security: Always keep an eye on your belongings, as public areas are accessible to everyone.
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi is available, and charging points can be found near Gate C61 and in McDonald’s in Terminal 2.
Hotels Near CGN as Alternatives to Airport Sleep During Overnight/Long layovers:
For an overnight layover at Cologne Bonn Airport, finding a comfortable place to sleep is crucial. While the airport lacks dedicated sleeping pods, there are some excellent nearby hotel options within airport grounds that offer great convenience and affordability.
Leonardo Hotel Köln Bonn Airport
- Details: This is the closest hotel to the airport, situated just 300 meters away. It’s about a 7-minute walk from the terminal, or you can use the free shuttle bus service. Nightly rates are approximately $85. Check Rates
- Why It’s Great: The proximity to the terminal means you can get to your room quickly and easily without the hassle of finding transport. The free shuttle service adds to the convenience, making it an excellent option for those looking for a straightforward and restful overnight stay.
Moxy Cologne Bonn Airport
- Details: Located on airport grounds, this hotel can be reached on foot. Nightly rates are around $86. Check rates
- Why It’s Great: Being within walking distance of the terminal, Moxy offers similar convenience to Leonardo Hotel. The modern and vibrant ambiance of Moxy makes it a great place to relax and refresh during an overnight layover.
Why Choose These Hotels?
Both Leonardo Hotel Köln Bonn Airport and Moxy Cologne Bonn Airport offer rates under $100 per night, which is a decent price considering the convenience of not having to leave the airport. These hotels provide a hassle-free solution for travelers who need to rest overnight without worrying about transportation to and from the hotel.
Alternatives to On-Airport Hotels
While there are cheaper options, such as:
- B&B Hotel Köln-Airport: Approximately $60 per night.
- Best Western Hotel Cologne Airport Troisdorf: About $68 per night.
These off-airport hotels require transportation to and from the airport, which can diminish the cost savings. The added hassle and potential expenses of transport often negate the $20 saving compared to the on-airport options.
Comparative Analysis: CGN Hotels vs. NapCab Sleep Pods at Munich Airport
When comparing the affordability and convenience of two in-airport hotels at Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) with NapCab sleep pods at Munich Airport (MUC), it is evident that the CGN hotels offer a more cost-effective solution for both daytime layovers and overnight stays. Here’s a detailed analysis:
NapCab Sleep Pods‘ Rates
Daytime Rates:
- Cost: €17 per hour with a minimum of 2 hours.
- 8-Hour Stay: €136 (17 x 8).
Overnight Rates:
- Cost: €12 per hour with a minimum of 2 hours.
- 8-Hour Stay: €101
Leonardo Hotel Köln Bonn Airport
Rates:
- Nightly Rate: Approximately $85 per night.
- Proximity: Located 300 meters from the terminal, with a 7-minute walk or a free shuttle service.
Comparative Cost for 8 Hours:
- Equivalent Stay: $85 (~€77).
Moxy Cologne Bonn Airport
Rates:
- Nightly Rate: Approximately $86 per night.
- Proximity: Located on airport grounds, reachable on foot.
Comparative Cost for 8 Hours:
- Equivalent Stay: $86 (~€78).
Comparative Analysis
- Cost-Effectiveness:
- Daytime (8 Hours): NapCab sleep pods at Munich Airport cost €136 for an 8-hour daytime stay. In contrast, the Leonardo Hotel Köln Bonn Airport and Moxy Cologne Bonn Airport charge approximately €77-€78 for an entire night, making them significantly cheaper.
- Overnight (8 Hours): NapCab sleep pods at Munich Airport cost €101 for an 8-hour overnight stay. The CGN hotels still offer better rates at approximately €77-€78 per night, saving travelers around €23-€24.
- Convenience:
- NapCab: Located within the terminal and available 24/7, offering flexible hourly rates and convenient access for short stays.
- CGN Hotels: Both hotels are within walking distance or a short shuttle ride from the terminal, providing ease of access without needing to leave the airport grounds. The pricing includes the full night’s stay, adding convenience and eliminating the need for hourly calculations.
- Amenities and Comfort:
- NapCab: Offers customizable air conditioning, multimedia touch screens, and secure, private sleeping pods designed for short-term use.
- Leonardo Hotel and Moxy: Provide full hotel amenities, including private rooms with beds, bathrooms, and additional hotel services that enhance comfort and privacy for an entire night.
While NapCab sleep pods at Munich Airport provide a flexible and convenient option for short-term stays, the in-airport hotels at Cologne Bonn Airport, specifically the Leonardo Hotel and Moxy, offer more affordable rates for both daytime and overnight stays. With pricing under €80 for an entire night compared to €101-€136 for an 8-hour stay in NapCab pods, the CGN hotels are a cost-effective choice for travelers looking for comfort and convenience during layovers.
Final Word on CGN Layover Sleep:
Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) offers several convenient options for resting during layovers, from brief naps to overnight stays. For short layovers, the black leather chairs before baggage claim in Terminal 1 are ideal. If you have a bit more time, the hidden leather sofas opposite the 24-hour shop in Terminal 1 provide added comfort. Extended layovers can be spent on the top floor near the emergency exit in Terminal 2, where quieter spaces with metal benches are available.
For longer layovers, the 24-hour McDonald’s in Terminal 2 offers a warm and accessible resting spot. For overnight stays, the leather sofas opposite the 24-hour shop in Terminal 1 are a viable option, but nearby hotels like the Leonardo Hotel Köln Bonn Airport and Moxy Cologne Bonn Airport provide greater comfort and amenities while staying within airport grounds.
This guide ensures that your layover at CGN is as comfortable and restful as possible, enhancing your overall travel experience. Safe travels and pleasant resting!
FAQ
Can You Sleep Overnight at CGN Airport?
Yes, you can sleep overnight at Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), but there are some important details to be aware of regarding airport operations and security hours.
Airport Hours:
- Operational Hours: Cologne Bonn Airport operates 24 hours a day, meaning the terminal buildings remain open overnight.
Security Checkpoints:
- Closing Hours: Security checkpoints typically close around midnight.
- Reopening Hours: Security checkpoints reopen early in the morning, around 4:00 AM. This means that airside areas are inaccessible during these hours, and you will need to stay landside if you plan to sleep overnight.
Sleeping Conditions:
- Landside Options: Since the airside is closed overnight, you will need to find a suitable spot landside. Comfortable sleeping spots include the leather sofas opposite the 24-hour shop in Terminal 1 and the seating areas in the 24-hour McDonald’s in Terminal 2.
- Environment: Be prepared for frequent announcements, cleaning activities, and bright lighting throughout the night. Bringing an eye mask and earplugs can help improve your sleep quality.
- Temperature: The airport can get cold at night, so it’s advisable to bring warm clothing or a blanket.
Safety and Amenities:
- Security: Regular security patrols help ensure a safe environment, but always keep an eye on your belongings.
- Facilities: Free Wi-Fi is available, and there are charging points near Gate C61 and in McDonald’s in Terminal 2.
Overall, while you can sleep overnight at CGN, the experience may not be as comfortable as in airports with designated sleeping pods or lounges. It’s essential to prepare accordingly to make the most of your overnight stay.
Leave a Reply