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The cheapest and fastest trains from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf
Showing times and prices for Dec 13
Cheapest price
€74
Average price
€85
Fastest journey
1 h 50 m
Average duration
1 h 51 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
183 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf will cost around €85 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €74.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf without transferring at least once.
IC 2309 · ICE 31512:24PM1h51
Brussels-Central02:15PMCologne Hbf
€741One-way
1 transfer
IC 2307 · ICE 1510:24AM1h51
Brussels-Central12:15PMCologne Hbf
€811One-way
1 transfer
IC 2305 · ICE 1308:25AM1h50
Brussels-Central10:15AMCologne Hbf
€1011One-way
1 transfer
IC 2305 · ICE 1308:25AM1h50
Brussels-Central10:15AMCologne Hbf
€1011One-way
1 transfer
IC 2309 · ICE 31512:24PM1h51
Brussels-Central02:15PMCologne Hbf
€741One-way
1 transfer
IC 2307 · ICE 1510:24AM1h51
Brussels-Central12:15PMCologne Hbf
€811One-way
1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 52m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €6, and a train costs an average of €22.
Distance: 183 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€66 Average price | €17 Average price Cheapest |
2h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 43m Average total duration 3h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf train times
The table below shows live departures for Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf trains for today, Friday, December 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 12:57 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IC 2804 · ICE 11 · RE 55907 · S 19 | 5:18 AM Brussels-Central | 2h42 | 8:00 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
| IC 2804 · ICE 11 | On time 5:18 AM Brussels-Central | 3h07 | 8:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 4507 · ICE 13 | On time 7:25 AM Brussels-Central | 3h00 | 10:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 4507 · ICE 13 · RE 55911 · S 19 | 7:25 AM Brussels-Central | 2h35 | 10:00 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
| IC 4509 · ICE 15 · RE 55915 · S 19 | 9:25 AM Brussels-Central | 2h35 | 12:00 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
| IC 4509 · ICE 15 | On time 9:25 AM Brussels-Central | 2h49 | 12:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 4511 · ICE 315 · RE 55919 · S 19 | 11:25 AM Brussels-Central | 2h35 | 2:00 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
| IC 4511 · ICE 315 | On time 11:25 AM Brussels-Central | 2h55 | 2:20 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 4513 · ICE 17 · RE 55923 · S 19 | 1:25 PM Brussels-Central | 2h35 | 4:00 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
| IC 4513 · ICE 17 | On time 1:25 PM Brussels-Central | 2h50 | 4:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 3214 · ICE 317 · RE 55927 · S 19 | 3:22 PM Brussels-Central | 2h38 | 6:00 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
| IC 3214 · ICE 317 | On time 3:22 PM Brussels-Central | 2h46 | 6:08 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf by train or bus
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Dec 12
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf
Belgium
Germany
Trains from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €22 but you can travel from only €6 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:12, the last at 19:25. The fastest train covers the 183 km distance in 1h 49m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €6
Distance 183 km |
Average train duration 1h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price €22 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 1h 49m |
First train 04:12 |
Last train 19:25 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €6
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, SNCB from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, SNCB trains will get you between Brussels-Central and Cologne Hbf from €6. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 50m
Cheapest Price
€40
Deutsche Bahn frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone
Eurostar
About
Eurostar is a high-speed international rail service connecting the UK with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, primarily via the Channel Tunnel. Since merging with Thalys in October 2023, Eurostar now operates an expanded network across Western Europe. Known for its city-center to city-center travel, Eurostar offers a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to flying. Passengers can enjoy amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and power sockets at every seat. Key destinations include London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne, with seasonal services to other locations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 9m
Cheapest Price
€58
Eurostar frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included in standard ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage areas at the end of carriages and overhead racks
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café-bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First-class passengers receive complimentary meals on some routes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed for a fee. Large dogs not permitted except guide dogs
Quiet zone
SNCB
About
SNCB is Belgium’s national railway company and the country’s main train operator, offering First Class and Second Class tickets. It runs a variety of services, including Intercity trains for the fastest domestic connections, Interregio trains with more local stops, and international options such as EuroCity, Thalys, and ICE International. Thalys trains connect Belgium with France, Germany, and the Netherlands at high speed, while EuroCity and ICE International link Belgium to Germany and other European destinations. Onboard facilities typically include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Popular routes include Brussels to Antwerp, Brussels to Bruges, Brussels to Ghent, and Brussels to Liège.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 30m
Cheapest Price
€62
SNCB frequency
16 a day
FAQs: Trains from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cologne Hbf, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap train tickets from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf can start from as little as €22 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf is €52; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf is 1 h 50 min to travel the 182 km long trip, with around there are 5 trains per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf leaves at 04: 17. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last train from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf leaves at 16: 24.
There are 5 trains a day from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf which require at least one change with Deutsche Bahn. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
For the trip from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf you can take a train with Deutsche Bahn. Be sure to check out all possible train providers that offer services to Cologne Hbf from Brussels-Central on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
A day trip to Cologne Hbf from Brussels-Central is worth doing with a journey time of 1 h 50 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf is March.
You have options as you can travel to Cologne Hbf from Brussels-Central 2 different ways: coach or train.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf
Brussels
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Brussels is Bruxelles-Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bruxelles-Central for your trip from Brussels to Cologne.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sun: 06:15 - 22:00
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi available in Starbucks.
Lockers
- Luggage lockers are located on Level 0 near Platforms 1 and 2.
Dining
- Starbucks
- Brasserie 28 Brewery
- Panos
- Delitraiteur Eat & Go
Accessibility
- Station has a wide range of facilities for passengers with limited mobility: elevators and escalators to platforms, wheelchair lifts and mobile ramps, barrier-free toilets and accessible parking spaces. Additional assistance can be contacted via the SNCB Mobility Call Center.
Hotel
- Hilton Brussels Grand Palace
- Hotel NH Brussels Carrefour de l'Europe
- Hôtel The Moon
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sun: 06:15 - 22:00
Information Desk
- Travel Center / information desk is located on the left side from the main entrance.
Public transit options for Bruxelles-Central
- Metro lines: 1, 5
- Train lines: IC, Intercity Direct 9200, RER (S1, S2, S3, S6, S8, S10)
The major train station for arrivals in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your journey to Cologne from Brussels.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockers
ShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
Lounge
Lost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Most popular train connections from Brussels-Central
Most popular trains to and from Cologne Hbf and Brussels-Central
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