Zoo-Express
Back again from spring 2025!
Discover Cologne from a Unique Perspective!
Our tour starts at the iconic Cologne Cathedral and takes you along the picturesque Rhine promenade. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Rhine, passing ships, and the stunning landmarks on the right bank of the river, including the famous Cologne Tanzbrunnen and the striking Cologne Triangle Tower, with its spectacular observation deck.
We then pass the Cologne Cable Car, offering an unparalleled view over the Rhine, before arriving at the stop near Cologne Zoo.
Explore the Area Around Cologne Zoo
This vibrant district has much to offer: the historic Cologne Flora, a Gründerzeit-era gem nestled within the botanical gardens, and the Cologne Cable Car. The Flora boasts over 10,000 exotic plant and flower species and invites visitors to relax in its beautifully landscaped gardens, complete with rose gardens and a palm-lined avenue. All attractions are just a short walk from the Bimmelbahn stop.
For an even richer experience, we recommend our “Himmel & Äd” Combo Ticket. It includes both the ZOO-EXPRESS tour and a round-trip ride on the Cologne Cable Car, allowing you to explore the other side of the Rhine. Visit the Rhine Park and discover more sights on the right bank of the city! The combo ticket is available at all Bimmelbahn stops.
Discover the Charming Agnesviertel
The second part of the tour takes you through the lovely Agnesviertel, past the Wine Museum and the historic Oberlandesgericht (Higher Regional Court), a masterpiece from the Gründerzeit era.
Before returning to the Cologne Cathedral, you’ll experience the vibrant Eigelstein, one of Cologne’s oldest and most fascinating neighborhoods. The district’s landmark, the Eigelsteintorburg, is a must-see. In the 1960s through the 1980s, the Eigelstein was known as “Chicago on the Rhine” – a lively red-light district that attracted gangsters, celebrities, and partygoers alike. Today, it’s a colorful, multicultural hub brimming with life and a perfect spot to experience authentic Cologne.
Stops/ Timetable
Cologne Cathedral/ Burgmauer
Departure (daily)
- every 30 minutes
- from 09.30 am
Please note that our Zoo-Express is in winter mode. We look forward to welcoming you again in March/April 2025!
Cologne Zoo/ Main entrance
Departure (daily)
- every 30 minutes
- from 10.00 am
Please note that our Zoo-Express is in winter mode. We look forward to welcoming you again in March/April 2025!
Travel time Cologne Cathedral – Cologne Zoo approx 15-20 minutes. Travel time Cologne Zoo – Cologne Cathedral approx 20-25 minutes.
Travel time for a complete round-trip approx 50-55 minutes.
Tickets
Adults
- round-trip (hop-on-hop-off)
12,00 EUR - partial-trip
7,00 EUR
Children under 12 (incl. stroller)
- round-trip (hop-on-hop-off)
6,00 EUR - partial-trip
3,50 EUR
Children under 2 years (excl. stroller) are free!
Additional Information
Safety
We would like to inform pregnant women and people with
with physical disabilities that the Bimmelbahn is a little bumpier due to its
the Bimmelbahn can be a little bumpier due to its harder suspension and the ride over cobblestones.
We ask for your understanding and recommend that you weigh up the ride according to
your personal well-being.
Walkers and wheelchairs
Please note that our train can accommodate a maximum of one wheelchair per ride, and space for rollators is limited. During peak times, there may be restrictions on their transport.
Dogs
small dogs (size of a cat) are free of charge if they travel on the pet owners lap. Larger well behaving dogs are permitted and will be priced like a child.
Partnership with the fragance-museum of the “Farina-Haus”
Guests of our Mini-train receive a 50% discount on the entrance ticket for the fragrance museum “Farina Duftmuseum“ when showing the Mini train ticket plus 10% off on in-store purchases at the „Farina Duftmuseum“ store.
Furthermore, every adult receives a 6 ml sample of the original „Eau de Cologne“.
Note: From 01.01.2025 you will receive a 10% discount on the entrance fee to the Fragrance Museum!
Request Form
We only accept and proceed reservations if your group counts more than 10 people.