Parking chaos in Cologne: prices are rising, elevator is broken, toilets are missing!

Parking chaos in Cologne: prices are rising, elevator is broken, toilets are missing!

Parking in Cologne city center has become a real challenge that not only puts a strain on the wallet, but also tests the nerves of drivers. The price structure for parking garages in Cologne is currently anything but a bargain. So, after parking in the Marspfortengasse car park, reader reporter Stefano Straberg asks himself the question: Why is the elevator out of service and are there no toilets? Such grievances, combined with high prices, are leading to growing dissatisfaction among those parking in the cathedral city. Currently, parking fees are not only high, but are set to rise to 5 euros per hour from 2025, as verliebtinkoeln.com reports.

The price increase will affect twelve parking facilities, mainly in the city center, where parking is already considered expensive. The fact is: the last tariff change took place in 2016, and that means that fees are stagnating at a high level while supply and demand continue to increase. In addition to the ever-increasing costs, many complain that the options for paying by card in the parking garages are inadequate - an annoying circumstance when you consider the inconveniences such as the broken elevator. In the Marspfortengasse car park, paying was only possible in cash, which was an unexpected problem for many drivers.

Parking garage occupancy and alternatives

Drivers can find current information on the overview at koeln.de, where the occupancy of the parking garages is displayed live. Although there are numerous large parking garages and underground car parks near Cologne Cathedral, finding a free space is becoming increasingly difficult. Visitors can keep an eye on occupancy, but the offering is becoming increasingly limited.

Parking fees vary greatly, so it's definitely worth comparing the different options. A look at the city shows that you can also save money: instead of parking for 4 euros per hour, there are cheaper alternatives that are often not only easy on the wallet, but also make the heart happy. An example is the underground car park at the cathedral, which costs 80 cents per 20 minutes during the day, while in the evening you can park for 1 euro per hour.

Conclusion: Plan well and compare

But what options are there really? Cheap parking spaces can be found in the evenings - be it in the underground car park at the cathedral or in the Galeria Kaufhof car park, where the price drops to 2.50 euros from the third hour onwards. There is also the “bun button” that allows you to park for free for 15 minutes, which allows at least a short stop. If you're out and about at night, you can park for free in many neighborhoods after 8 p.m.

Fortunately, there are also solutions to reduce costs. With the free P-Card from Contipark, drivers receive discounts on many parking garages, which can add up quite a bit over time. Therefore the motto remains: plan well and compare prices. Especially when the next parking strip is on the agenda, all drivers from Cologne should keep their eyes open and don't forget that with a good hand when parking you can also save money!