Brussels-Central to Cologne train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE)

Thu, Nov 20
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Deutsche Bahn
Eurostar
SNCB
Regionale
SNCF TER
1,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Eurostar
SNCB
Regionale
SNCF TER
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Brussels-Central to Cologne

Showing times and prices for Nov 20

Cheapest price

€24

Average price

€49

Fastest journey

1 h 50 m

Average duration

1 h 52 m

Trains per day

4

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 €49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €24.

Fast trains

Of the 4 trains that leave Brussels-Central for Cologne on Thu, Nov 20, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Nov 20 the direct trains cover the 182 km distance in an average of 1 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 50 m .

On Thu, Nov 20 the slowest trains will take 1 h 57 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

Deutsche Bahn
08:25AM1h50
Brussels-Central
10:15AMCologne
€241One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche Bahn
10:25AM1h50
Brussels-Central
12:15PMCologne
€421One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche Bahn
06:25AM1h50
Brussels-Central
08:15AMCologne
€661One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche Bahn
06:25PM1h57
Brussels-Central
08:22PMCologne
€661One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus 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 €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: 182 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€65

Average price

€17

Average price

Cheapest

2h 22m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 52m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 50m

Average total duration

3h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

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 today, Wednesday, November 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 10:26 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
deutsche_bahnIC 4511 · ICE 315
On time
11:25 AM Brussels-Central
1h46
1:11 PM Cologne-Ehrenfeld		1 transfer
Thursday, November 20
deutsche_bahn6:25 AM Brussels-Central
1h50
8:15 AM Cologne0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahn8:25 AM Brussels-Central
1h50
10:15 AM Cologne0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahn10:25 AM Brussels-Central
1h50
12:15 PM Cologne0 transfersDirect

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 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.

Thu
Nov 20
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Journey information

Overview: Train from Brussels-Central to Cologne

BelgiumBelgium
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Brussels-Central to Cologne 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 06:20, the last at 20:01. The fastest train covers the 182 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
182 km
Average train duration
1h 52m
Cheapest ticket price
€22
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
1h 49m
First train
06:20
Last train
20:01
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 trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, SNCB trains will get you between Brussels-Central and Cologne 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.
Learn more about Deutsche Bahn
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 50m
Cheapest Price
€24
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.
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

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
€48
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.
Learn more about SNCB
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 50m
Cheapest Price
€45
SNCB frequency
10 a day

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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Brussels-Central to Cologne can start from as little as €25 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Brussels-Central to Cologne is €51; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The train time to Cologne from Brussels-Central is on average 1 h 46 min   for the 182 km long journey, but the time it takes to go between Brussels-Central and Cologne by train can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Brussels-Central to Cologne leaves at 04: 17. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Brussels-Central to Cologne leaves at 16: 24.
There are 5 trains a day from Brussels-Central to Cologne which require at least one change with Deutsche Bahn or SNCB. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
For the trip from Brussels-Central to Cologne you can take a train with Deutsche Bahn or SNCB. Be sure to check out all possible train providers that offer services between Brussels-Central and Cologne on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
A day trip to Cologne from Brussels-Central is worth doing with a journey time of 1 h 46 min 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 2 ways to travel from Brussels-Central to Cologne including taking a train or coach.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Brussels-Central to Cologne

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.
Bruxelles-CentralWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
address
Address
Carr de l'Europe, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sun: 06:15 - 22:00
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi available in Starbucks.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Luggage lockers are located on Level 0 near Platforms 1 and 2.
Dining
Dining
  • Starbucks
  • Brasserie 28 Brewery
  • Panos
  • Delitraiteur Eat & Go
Accessibility
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
Hotel
  • Hilton Brussels Grand Palace
  • Hotel NH Brussels Carrefour de l'Europe
  • Hôtel The Moon
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sun: 06:15 - 22:00
Information Desk
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)

More options for your journey from Brussels-Central to Cologne

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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HomeTrainsTrains in GermanyTrain Times to CologneBrussels-Central to Cologne train

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