FAQ General

Tickets are available on site at the KD Ticket Offices at the landing stages.

Since March 2024, the Ticket Office at landing stage 8 below the Hohenzollern Bridge 

You can also conveniently purchase your tickets directly via the online store and simply print them out at home as print@home tickets or show them on your cell phone.

We offer you various payment methods.

Tickets can be paid for in cash or by debit or credit card. When paying by credit card (VISA, Mastercard, AMEX), a transaction fee will be charged in accordance with the price list valid at the time of booking. EC and credit card payments are not possible at all KD Ticket Offices (further information can be found on the pages of the respective KD Ticket Office).

In addition to payments by credit card, payments by Paypal and instant bank transfer are also possible in the online store.

Tickets can be sent via the KD head office on request. A fee will be charged for shipping in accordance with the price list valid at the time of booking.

A surcharge of currently EUR 3 is only charged for event rides at the box office.

A reservation is required for all event rides.

On all scheduled trips and panoramic trips, advance booking is generally recommended for groups of 10 people or more. Please contact the KD head office (0221 / 20 88-318, info@k-d.com)

In principle, there is no legal entitlement to change, return or refund tickets, but we do offer the following refunds for scheduled and panoramic trips (excluding party and event trips):

1. Fully unused tickets will be taken back by the issuing office on the day of issue and the fare refunded
2. For partially unused tickets, a pro rata fare refund must be applied for during the scheduled travel time of the ship, for group tickets at the KD in Cologne, otherwise also at the agencies. The application must be accompanied by the unused ticket with a corresponding certificate from the nautical personnel, and in the case of group tickets also the corresponding unused control cards. The refund will be based on the difference between the fare paid and the fare for the route traveled. Skipped sections are deemed to have been traveled.

A processing fee of 20% (min. EUR 3.00) is charged for all refunds, which is waived in the event of deviations from the timetable due to the ship or in the event of a canceled trip. Transfers will only be made if the refund amount is at least EUR 6.00 within Germany and at least EUR 20.00 for international transfers. Costs for the transfer will be deducted from the refund amount.

• Children: Children under the age of 4 are only transported when accompanied by an adult supervisor. A maximum of 3 children aged 4 up to and including 13 years can be transported per full-paying adult. Children between the ages of 4 and 13 accompanied by an adult (families) travel daily on all panoramic and scheduled trips at the fixed children’s price of EUR 9 (max. 3 children accompanied by a full-paying adult). Exception: cheaper price zones according to the current KD timetable.
• Families: Valid for 2 adults and 2 children (up to 16 years): Scheduled trips 79 EUR / panoramic trips Cologne & Düsseldorf 45 EUR / panoramic trips Frankfurt 40 EUR / panoramic trips Cochem 38 EUR.
• Pupils and students: up to 27 years of age receive a 50% discount on KD panoramic and scheduled trips on presentation of their school or student ID. The minimum fare is the current children’s fare. Exception: cheaper price zones according to the current KD timetable.
• Seniors: Persons aged 65 and over receive a discount of currently 20% on the regular KD fares for KD panoramic and scheduled trips. Minimum fare is the current children’s fare. Exception: cheaper price zones according to the current KD timetable.
• Groups: Group discounts for adults are granted for KD Panorama and scheduled trips according to the following scale: 10% discount for 10 paying adults, 20% discount for 20 paying adults, 30% discount for 30 paying adults,
• Birthdays: Birthday children and one accompanying person receive a 50% discount on all panoramic and scheduled rides. Tickets for birthday children cannot be purchased in advance or in the online store, but only at the KD Ticket Office and only on the day of the birthday (= day of travel) on presentation of an official ID.
• Cyclists: On Tuesdays and Thursdays, two cyclists travel for the price of one on all scheduled trips on the Rhine (one way, excluding surcharges). The offer does not apply to partner shipping companies. Minimum fare is the current children’s fare according to the timetable, exception: cheaper price zones according to the current KD timetable.
• Train/boat interchange: Deutsche Bahn customers receive a 20% discount on the regular fare for KD scheduled trips on presentation of their valid DB ticket (also applies to the Deutschlandticket), a BahnCard or a Bahn-Pass at any KD Ticket Office. The reduced tickets for rail customers cannot be granted in the online store, but only at the KD Ticket Office on site.
• Highly disabled persons: In principle, the standard price according to the timetable applies. If the need for an accompanying person is expressly noted in the official ID, this accompanying person travels free of charge. Party, day and event trips as well as combined tickets are excluded from this discount. Tickets for free accompanying persons cannot be purchased in the online store, but only at the KD Ticket Office and only on presentation of official ID.
• Frequent travelers: Frequent travelers benefit from a 50% discount on all panoramic and scheduled trips for a whole year with the KD RheinCard and can therefore save a lot with just two trips a year.

The following applies to all discounts, discount cards, etc.:

In principle, only one discount is applicable. In the case of discounted fares, the current fare is automatically rounded up to the next higher decimal place. The discounts listed do not apply to evening trips, trips with program content, trips as part of fireworks events, trips with integrated catering and party trips. No further discounts are granted on already reduced fares (e.g. KD economy fares, senior citizens’ or bicycle day, KD combination tickets or special promotions).

The KD RheinCard is our popular frequent traveler card, which can pay off handsomely for just two journeys a year. For 54 euros, RheinCard holders receive a 50% discount on all panoramic and scheduled trips as well as many other extra services for a whole year. The KD RheinCard is available from the KD Service Center at Frankenwerft 15 and from all agencies at the KD landing stages.

KD vouchers can be purchased at KD agencies, at KD headquarters or via the KD webshop.

KD value vouchers purchased at KD agencies or at the KD head office are valid until the end of the third year after purchase of the voucher. The date of purchase can be found on the voucher. An extension of the voucher beyond the expiration date or a cash payment is excluded. The KD value voucher is valid for all KD offers and can be redeemed at all KD ticket agencies on the Rhine, Main and Moselle. If the voucher exceeds the remaining amount, a new voucher for the remaining value will be issued at the KD ticket agencies. The voucher can also be redeemed for catering services on board KD ships. However, the voucher can only be redeemed in full on board KD ships. No new voucher will be issued on board KD ships for any remaining value. Cash payment is also excluded here. Vouchers are not valid on the ships of KD partner shipping companies.

The KD Online Value Voucher purchased via the KD Webshop is valid until the end of the third year after purchase of the voucher. The expiration date can be found on the voucher. An extension of the voucher beyond the expiration date or a cash payment is excluded. The KD online voucher can only be redeemed online at www.k-d.com. It is only valid for KD’s own offers (e.g. scheduled trips, panoramic trips, themed trips). If the invoice amount exceeds the value of the voucher, the remaining amount can be paid using another approved payment method or another voucher. Transaction costs may be incurred. If the voucher value exceeds the invoice amount, the remaining amount of the KD online voucher remains valid under the same voucher code until the expiration date and can be redeemed for a further booking on www.k-d.com. No new KD voucher will be issued for the remaining amount. Cash payment of the remaining balance is excluded.

The KD value vouchers can be redeemed for booking all KD trips and for catering services on board. Vouchers purchased online can also be redeemed on board and at KD ticket sales points. Important: It is not possible to redeem KD vouchers when booking event cruises online, please contact the KD ServiceCenter.

On board our ships, we are happy to spoil you with a high-quality range of selected food and drinks in our à la carte restaurants. On request, we will be happy to provide you with separate information listing all the main allergens and additives. Please contact the service staff on site.

The consumption of food and drinks brought on board is not permitted. Babies, small children or people with special restrictions are of course exempt from this rule. You will find a comprehensive range of food and drink on board our cruises. Here you can get an insight into our food and drink menus in advance. Of course, there is no obligation to consume on board.

In principle, there is no entitlement to a fixed seat or table. However, we endeavor to seat groups together. For event cruises with catering included in the ticket price, fixed seats are reserved for you and will be assigned to you when you board the ship.

Separate lounges can be reserved on scheduled and panoramic cruises depending on the ship and group size. If you are interested, please contact the KD Service Center, info@k-d.com.

Should you be interested in a bespoke setting for your business or private event on the water, please contact the KD Charter team, events@k-d.com.

A reservation on the open deck is not possible.

Cake, flower and decoration arrangements can be ordered on request / availability for an additional charge. Please contact the KD head office.

On board, you will receive landscape explanations via the loudspeakers.

You can also activate our audio guide via your cell phone. The KD TourGuide, KD’s audio guide, provides you with explanations of the most important sights along the route and lots of other interesting information directly on your smartphone, in German and English. The transmission takes place via KD’s own free WLAN on board the KD ships. Further information is available here.

Please note that there is no TourGuide on board the rental ships and partner ships MS Beethoven, MS Petersberg, MS Boppard and MS Palladium, nor on board the Moselprinz.

Free WiFi is available on board all KD ships.

Free accessible power sockets are not available.

Unfortunately, playing music or singing on board is generally not permitted out of consideration for other passengers.

Yes, there is a dress code. Under the following links you will find further information on the dress code for KD evening cruises and for KD party cruises.

In addition, a minimum age of 18 years applies to all party cruises. And the following applies to all KD boat tours: guests under the influence of alcohol or with inappropriate outfits or behavior may be refused entry. A refund of the ticket price is excluded in these cases.

You can see which ship is in use in our ship movement list.

Subject to change. As of 31.10.2024

For KD party trips, unless otherwise indicated, and all other trips indicated accordingly, a minimum age of 18 years applies.

When booking via the KD head office, we will issue an invoice for the tickets on request. Catering will be invoiced separately on board.

The consumption of tobacco products and similar items (e-cigarettes) is only permitted in the specially designated outdoor areas of the ships

The consumption of cannabis products is strictly prohibited on board KD ships. A violation can lead to exclusion from the trip/voyage. A refund of the fare is excluded in this case.

There are no designated sleeping or berthing facilities on board.

Dogs are allowed on one-hour panoramic cruises and on liner cruises for a fee of 3.90 euros and must be supervised at all times. They must be kept on a lead. Dangerous dogs within the meaning of the GefHundG (“Gesetz zum Schutz der Bevölkerung vor gefährlichen Hunden”) must be muzzled. Guide or guide dogs are transported free of charge.

Dogs are not permitted on all other trips, especially event trips. This also applies to the afternoon trips during Advent.
Animals other than dogs are excluded from transportation.

Dogs are only allowed on the one-hour panoramic trips and on regular scheduled trips. Dogs are not permitted on all party and event rides

A fee of EUR 3.90 must be paid when taking dogs with you. Guide dogs or guide dogs are transported free of charge (further information in the section on passengers with restricted mobility). Dogs must be kept on a lead on board and muzzled if necessary.

There are currently no designated children’s play facilities on board.

We are happy to heat baby food, please contact the service staff on board.

Changing tables are available in the ladies’ washrooms on the MS RheinFantasie, MS RheinEnergie and MS RheinGalaxie. On the other ships in the KD fleet, we recommend that you also visit the washrooms and change your baby there. Designated breastfeeding facilities are not available.

Passengers’ baby carriages and wheelchairs are carried on board free of charge subject to the respective accommodation options. The ship’s staff may allocate a specific space for the accommodation of such vehicles.

Children’s chairs are available on board in limited numbers, please contact the service staff on board.

For children and families, we have our children’s rides as a special offer. Other event rides are not suitable for children. For individual events, we offer discounted school/student rates, which we recommend for those aged 10 and over.

Depending on the number of passengers and type of ship, bicycles can be carried on board for a fee of EUR 3.50 per bike/trip.

EBikes, tandems, luggage trailers, child trailers, dog trailers, baby carriages and wheelchairs for passengers are taken on board subject to the respective accommodation options. The ship’s staff will allocate a specific space for the accommodation of such vehicles and bicycles. Bicycles cannot be taken on board with partner shipping companies.

Segways are not permitted on board as a means of leisure or transportation

Persons who are dependent on a walking/driving aid due to a disability (persons with a walking disability = “G” in the severely disabled person’s pass) and are traveling with a Segway and can get on and off independently and pull or push their aid can take the Segway with them free of charge. The passenger is responsible for securing the Segway on board.

There is no separate luggage storage on board or at the pier, so you should only take light luggage (up to hand luggage size) rather than large luggage. Passengers are responsible for transporting their luggage and items brought on board to/from the ship. Liability for luggage or items brought on board is excluded.

KD offers special services for passengers with reduced mobility as part of the panoramic and scheduled trips:

• Address of the landing stage or directions/route planner
• Information on ship deployment (based on our ship movement list approx. 7 days before departure)
• Taxi service on board
• Special dietary requirements (Please note that not all dietary requirements can be met.)
• Embarkation before all other guests
• Restaurant tables with wheelchair access (at least 75 cm high)
• Lavatories suitable for the disabled
• Your companion will be transported free of charge on round trips and scheduled services if the “B” sign is entered in your ID card
• Your assistance dog is welcome on board and will be transported free of charge

Persons with disabilities generally pay the standard price (pupils and students up to the age of 27 and persons aged 65 and over receive a discount according to the current timetable on KD Panorama and scheduled trips). If the need for an accompanying person is expressly noted on the official ID, this accompanying person travels free of charge. Party and event trips as well as event trips and combination tickets are excluded from this discount.

Tickets for free accompanying persons cannot be purchased in the online store, but only at the KD Ticket Office and only on presentation of an official ID.

Persons who are dependent on a walking/driving aid due to a disability (persons with a walking disability = “G” in the severely disabled person’s ID card) and are traveling with a Segway and can get on and off independently and pull or push their assistive device can take the Segway on board free of charge. The passenger is responsible for securing the Segway on board.

Segways are not permitted as a means of leisure or transportation.

Passengers should arrive at the pier approx. 15 minutes before the ship’s regular departure time and report to the sales agency on site.

The ticket offices are open 60 minutes before the first departure.

Please contact our KD head office:

0221 / 20 88-318

Service times: Mon – Fri
8:30am to 12:30pm
1:30pm to 4:30pm

Detailed information on the KD website under Places / Jetty information

One week before departure, we publish the so-called SBL = ship movement list on the website, from which you can see the ship’s deployment.

Deviations from timetables due to high or low water, high passenger volumes and other traffic obstructions due to operational disruptions or interruptions for which KD is not responsible may occur; however, they do not justify any obligation to provide compensation. In this respect, no guarantee is given that connections will be maintained.

We provide information on the KD website about short-notice trip cancellations. If the trip is canceled by KD, the rightful ticket holder will be refunded the ticket price against return of the ticket at the advance booking office where the ticket was purchased.

In order to avoid delays in the timetable, it is unfortunately not possible to wait for individual passengers. In the event of a delay, please contact the local KD Ticket Office and take a later departure if necessary. We ask booked groups to inform our KD Head Office in the event of a delay in order to find out alternative departure points/times.

Please contact your nearest KD agency or the KD head office for personalized information.

The history of today’s “KD Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt GmbH” goes back to the founding year 1826. At that time, both the “Preußisch-Rheinische Dampfschiffahrt-Gesellschaft” (based in Cologne) and the “Dampfschiffahrts-Gesellschaft für den Nieder- und Mittelrhein” (based in Düsseldorf) existed. Due to different economic factors, the two companies were not viable side by side, so the joint venture “Kölnische und Düsseldorfer Gesellschaft für Rhein-Dampfschiffahrt” was finally founded on June 9, 1853.

Over the course of KD’s long history, the route network has constantly adapted and is nowadays not operated on the regular line between Düsseldorf and Cologne, as the section would take 5 hours upstream / 3 hours downstream. On selected dates, we offer day trips from Düsseldorf to Cologne and back.

The following trips can be booked via the online store:

• Liner trips as part of the KD timetable on the Rhine and Moselle
• Panoramic cruises in Düsseldorf, Cologne and Frankfurt
• Combination tickets Siebengebirge and Koblenz
• Theme / event tours
• Seasonal offers, such as Advent and New Year’s Eve trips
• Vouchers
• Gastronomy offers

For the combination tickets, please refer to the purchase information on the respective product page.

We accept credit card (Visa or Mastercard), Paypal or instant bank transfer.

Depending on the journey, you can choose between print-at-home and mail-order tickets. If you order tickets by print-at-home ticket, a corresponding ticket will be generated and sent to you by e-mail. This must be presented as an A4 printout in good quality when boarding the ship. Otherwise, or if the ticket is illegible, a replacement ticket must be purchased for a fee. In the case of mail-order tickets, the print-at-home tickets will be sent to you by post, printed out in color in A4 format.

In addition to advance booking and service fees per ticket, a flat order fee may be charged. The amount of any fees and flat rates will be indicated during the ordering process. If KD sends tickets, admission tickets or gift vouchers to the purchaser by post (instead of print-at-home) at the purchaser’s request, the purchaser shall bear the shipping risk. The regular print@home tickets will be sent by post. The total price of the order includes VAT and is due for payment, including all fees, immediately after conclusion of the contract.

In principle, there is no legal right to change, withdraw or refund online tickets.
However, in exceptional cases we offer to change your booking. Rebooking is possible up to one working day before the date of travel if the desired alternative journey can be booked at the same or a lower price. In this case, we can change your booking as required. The difference will be credited to you as an online voucher. Please contact us and inform us in writing of your wish to change your booking. A rebooking fee will not be charged.

If you wish to rebook to an alternative route with a higher value than your original booking, we cannot offer a rebooking. In this case, we may cancel your booking in accordance with our cancellation policy.

In principle, there is no legal entitlement to changes, returns or refunds for online tickets. In the case of services in the field of leisure activities with a fixed time of performance, in particular the sale of tickets for events, there is also an exception to the right of withdrawal and return otherwise existing in distance selling transactions in accordance with Section 312 g (2) sentence 1 no. 9 BGB. Every order is binding upon conclusion of the contract.

Unfortunately, external influences occasionally cause cancellations of shipping services. In order to keep you informed of any changes, we need your contact details. KD does not send any advertising mailings unless you explicitly request this.