Airport choice in Germany and the impact of high-speed intercity train access: The case of the Cologne region

Abstract

This paper analyses choice of airport and access mode in the region of Cologne, Germany. It uses a nested logit approach enhanced by several innovations to improve model applicability in the real world. The paper considers both private and business travellers, and applies models for seven different market segments defined by journey purpose and type of destination. The research aims to show how airport and access mode characteristics interact in a complex way to determine choice of airport and access mode. In particular, the importance of good airport access for high-speed trains and the supply of direct and low-cost flights to selected destinations are highlighted and quantified.