BRUSSELS-CENTRAL to COLOGNE train from €11 with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Brussels-Central to Cologne

Showing times and prices for Jul 10

Cheapest price

€120

Average price

€137

Fastest journey

2 h 35 m

Average duration

2 h 39 m

Trains per day

Distance

182 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Brussels-Central to Cologne 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 will cost around €137 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €120.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Brussels-Central to Cologne without transferring at least once.

IC 4507 · ICE 13 · 91987 · S19
8:25 AM2h35
Brussels-Central
11:00 AMCologne Hbf
€1201One-way
3 transfers
IC 4511 · ICE 315
12:25 PM2h50
Brussels-Central
3:15 PMCologne Hbf
€1381One-way
1 transfer
IC 4509 · ICE 15 · 91991 · S19
10:25 AM2h35
Brussels-Central
1:00 PMCologne Hbf
€1421One-way
3 transfers
IC 4511 · ICE 315 · 92023 · S19
12:25 PM2h35
Brussels-Central
3:00 PMCologne Hbf
€1481One-way
3 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Brussels-Central to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Brussels-Central to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 7m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €11, and a flight costs an average of €342.

Distance: 182 km

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Bus	Flight
€67 Average price	€17 Average price Cheapest	€507 Average price
2h 37m Average total duration Fastest 2h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	3h 30m Average total duration 3h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	8h 28m Average total duration 5h 28m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time*
Direct Options	Direct Options	Direct Options

Live departures

Brussels-Central to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Brussels-Central to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Friday, July 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
IC 4507 · ICE 13 · 91987 · S19	8:25 AM Brussels-Central	2h35	11:00 AM Cologne Hbf	3 transfers
IC 4509 · ICE 15 · 91991 · S19	10:25 AM Brussels-Central	2h35	1:00 PM Cologne Hbf	3 transfers
IC 4511 · ICE 315	On time 12:25 PM Brussels-Central	2h50	3:15 PM Cologne Hbf	1 transfer
IC 4511 · ICE 315 · 92023 · S19	12:25 PM Brussels-Central	2h35	3:00 PM Cologne Hbf	3 transfers
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 by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, and flight 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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Why should you book Brussels-Central to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Eurostar or SNCB offer trains services from Brussels-Central to Cologne.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Brussels-Central to Cologne.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Eurostar or SNCB to find the best option for your trip from Brussels-Central to Cologne.
Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Brussels-Central to Cologne.

Why book with Omio over Trainline, Wanderu or Rome2rio?

Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Eurostar or SNCB to find the best option for your trip from Brussels-Central to Cologne.
Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Brussels-Central to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Brussels-Central to Cologne

Belgium

Germany

Trains from Brussels-Central to Cologne run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €31 but you can travel from only €11 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 06:22, the last at 19:25. The fastest train covers the 182 km distance in 1h 50m.

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 €11

Distance

182 km

Average train duration

2h 7m

Cheapest ticket price

€31

Trains per day

Fastest train

1h 50m

First train

6:22 AM

Last train

7:25 PM

Cheapest Month

Sep

Cheapest Day

Tue

High Season

Oct - Dec

Low Season

Jan - Mar

Busiest Day

Sun

Least Busy Day

Thu

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Bus from €11

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, SNCB from Brussels-Central to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, SNCB trains will get you between Brussels-Central and Cologne from €11. 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

€31

Deutsche Bahn frequency

6 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.

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.

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.

Quiet zone

Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

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

1h 50m

Cheapest Price

€48

Eurostar frequency

7 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

1h 50m

Cheapest Price

€28

SNCB frequency

12 a day

Learn more about SNCB

FAQs: Trains from Brussels-Central to Cologne

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brussels-Central to Cologne 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Cheap train tickets from Brussels-Central to Cologne can start from as little as €31 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Brussels-Central to Cologne is €67; 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 is 1h 50m to travel the 182 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.

The earliest train from Brussels-Central to Cologne leaves at 6:22 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

The latest train from Brussels-Central to Cologne leaves at 7:25 PM.

There are 7 trains a day from Brussels-Central to Cologne which require at least one change with Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, SNCB. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.

When taking a train from Brussels-Central to Cologne, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, SNCB for the best way to get you to Cologne. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Brussels-Central and Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.

A day trip to Cologne from Brussels-Central is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.

The cheapest month for a train from Brussels-Central to Cologne is September.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Brussels-Central and Cologne including taking a train, bus, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Brussels-Central to Cologne

Most Brussels-Central to Cologne trains use the Bruxelles-Midi to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln-Ehrenfeld. Use this guide to compare Brussels-Central and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Brussels

Arrival train stations in Cologne

Bruxelles-CentralCarr de l'Europe, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium+32 25282828 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Bruxelles-Central from Brussels city centre

Bus29, 63, 65, 66, 87, 89 · 5m · €3 · every ~17 min

Subway1, 5 · 1m · €3 · every ~38 min

Bruxelles-Central train station facilities and services

Bruxelles-Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Starbucks, Brasserie 28 Brewery, Panos, Delitraiteur Eat & Go

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi available in Starbucks. ATMs are aTM machine is downstairs from the main entrance on the right side.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:15 - 22:00. Information desks are travel Center / information desk is located on the left side from the main entrance.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on Level 0 near Platforms 1 and 2.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bruxelles-Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Bruxelles-Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bruxelles-Central: 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.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hilton Brussels Grand Palace, Hotel NH Brussels Carrefour de l'Europe, Hôtel The Moon.

More about Bruxelles-Central

Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre

Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 16m · €7 · every ~3 min

BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m

Subway16 · 46m · €5 · every ~9 min

18, 16 · 51m · €5 · every ~14 min

Köln Hbf train station facilities and services

Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.