FAQ General

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

The Ticket Office at Landebrücke 8 below the Hohenzollern Bridge has been open again since March 2024. 

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 various payment methods.

Tickets can be paid for in cash or by debit or credit card. When paying by EC or credit card (VISA, Mastercard, AMEX), there is no transaction fee for our customers and there is no minimum amount. However, EC and credit card payments are not yet possible at all KD Ticket Offices (further information can be found on the pages of the respective KD Ticket Office). 

In addition to credit card payments, the online store also accepts payments via Paypal and instant bank transfer.

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.

For event rides only, a surcharge of currently EUR 3 is charged at the box office.

Reservations are required for all event rides.

Advance booking is generally recommended for groups of 10 or more people on all scheduled trips and panoramic tours. 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. Completely 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 sailing 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) will be charged for all refunds, which will be waived in the event of ship-related deviations from the timetable or in the event of travel cancellations. 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 can only be transported if accompanied by an adult. A maximum of 3 children aged between 4 and 13 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 services 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 82 EUR / Panorama trips Cologne & Düsseldorf 46 EUR / Panorama trips Frankfurt 42 EUR / Panorama trips Cochem/Bernkastel-Kues 38 EUR.
• Pupils and students: up to 27 years of age receive a 50% discount on KD Panorama 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.
• Senior citizens: Persons aged 65 and over currently receive a 20% discount on the regular KD for KD panoramic and scheduled trips. The 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 trips. 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.
• Rail/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 purchased in the online store, but only at the KD Ticket Office on site.
• Severely 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 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.
• Frequent travelers: With the KD RheinCard, frequent travelers benefit from a 50% discount on all panoramic and scheduled trips for a whole year 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 with just two trips a year. For 58 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.

KD vouchers can be purchased at KD agencies, at the KD head office 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 following the 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 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 drink 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 catering options on our cruises. Here you can get an insight into our food and drink menus in advance. Of course, there is no obligation to eat on board.

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

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

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

Reservations on the open deck are 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 explanations of the landscape in German and English over the on-board loudspeakers.

Freely accessible sockets are not available.

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

Yes, there is a dress code. Under the following links you will find further information on the dress code for KD evening cruises and 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 operation in our ship movement list.

Subject to change without notice. Status 31.10.2024

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

We move with the times and prefer cashless payment. On our ships, you can easily pay by card or a digital payment method of your choice. No minimum amount, no fees!

If you book 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 comparable products (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.

You are welcome to take photos and videos for private use on board. Please take care not to take photos of other guests and not to disturb them during your recordings. If you share your photos on Instagram, we would be pleased if you mention kd.rheinschiffahrt or use our hashtag #kdmoments. If you are shooting for commercial use or for the press or other publications, please contact us in advance for permission to shoot.

Dogs may be carried on one-hour panoramic trips and on scheduled trips for a fee of 3.90 euros and must be supervised at all times. Dogs must be kept on a leash. 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 generally 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 trips.

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 ask the service staff on board.

On the MS RheinFantasie, MS RheinEnergie and MS RheinGalaxie, changing tables are available in the ladies' washrooms. On the other ships in the KD fleet, we recommend that you also visit the washrooms and change your nappies there. There are no designated breastfeeding facilities.

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

A limited number of highchairs are available on board, please contact the service staff on board.

We have a special offer for children and families in the form of our children's rides. Other event rides are not suitable for children. For individual events, we offer reduced rates for pupils/students, which we recommend from the age of 10.

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

Passengers' e-bikes, tandems, luggage trailers, child trailers, dog trailers, baby carriages and wheelchairs will be taken on board subject to the respective accommodation options. The ship's staff will allocate a specific space for the storage of such vehicles and bicycles. It is not possible to take bicycles on board with partner shipping companies.

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

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 who travel with a Segway and 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 either on board or at the landing stage, therefore only light luggage (up to a maximum of hand luggage size) should be carried. 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 restricted mobility as part of its panoramic and scheduled services:

• Address of the landing stage or directions/route planner
• Information on ship deployment (based on our ship movement list approx. 7 days before departure)
• Cab service on board
• Special dietary requirements (please note that not all dietary requirements can be met).
• Embarkation before all other guests
• Tables with wheelchair access in the restaurants (at least 75 cm high)
• Disabled toilets (depending on the ship)
• Your accompanying person will be transported free of charge on round trips and scheduled trips if the "B" sign is entered in your ID card.
• Your assistance dog (guide/assistance dog with proof) is welcome on board and will be transported free of charge.

Severely disabled persons 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 pass) and who travel with a Segway and get on and off independently and pull or push their assistive device can take the Segway with them free of charge. The passenger is responsible for securing the Segway on board.

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

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
8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Detailed information on the KD website under Places / Information about the landing stage

The nearest parking garages are Parkhaus Heumarkt (Markmannsgasse) and Parkhaus Philharmonie (Bischofsgarten Strasse / corner of Trankgasse) or Contipark Tiefgarage Hauptbahnhof.

KD can park in the APOCA Rheinauhafen multi-storey parking lot at a special rate of 12.99 for up to twelve hours (approx. 10 to 15 minutes' walk to the landing stage). Further information on booking can be found here and on your ticket.

Detailed information on how to get there and parking options for all other landing stages can be found on the KD website under Places / Information on the landing stage

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 will provide information on the KD website about last-minute 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 kindly 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 personal information.

The history of today's "KD Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt GmbH" goes back to the founding year of 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.

In the course of KD s long history, the route network has been 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:

• Scheduled trips as part of the KD timetable on the Rhine and Moselle
• Panorama tours in Düsseldorf, Cologne and Frankfurt
• Combined tickets Siebengebirge and Koblenz
• Theme/event tours
• Seasonal offers, such as Advent and New Year's Eve trips
• Vouchers
• Gastronomy offers

For 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 as a colored A4 printout.

In addition to advance booking and service fees per ticket, a flat-rate 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 statutory 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 itinerary with a higher value than your original booking, we cannot offer a rebooking. In this case, we can cancel your booking in accordance with our cancellation policy.

In the case of online tickets, there is generally no legal right to change, return or refund. 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, there are occasional cancellations of boat trips due to external influences. 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.