The cheapest and fastest trains from Brussels-Central to Cologne
Cheapest price on Oct 08
€61
Average ticket price on Oct 08
€73
Fastest journey on Oct 08
1 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Oct 08
1 h 57 m
Trains on Oct 08
3
Distance
182 km
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 €73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €61.
It's difficult to get from Brussels-Central to Cologne without transferring at least once.
IC 3610 · ICE 31111:14 AM2h10Brussels-Central1:24 PMCologne Hbf€611One-way1 transfer
IC 4507 · ICE 138:25 AM1h51Brussels-Central10:16 AMCologne Hbf€791One-way1 transfer
IC 4509 · ICE 1510:25 AM1h50Brussels-Central12:15 PMCologne Hbf€791One-way1 transfer
IC 4509 · ICE 1510:25 AM1h50Brussels-Central12:15 PMCologne Hbf€791One-way1 transfer
IC 4507 · ICE 138:25 AM1h51Brussels-Central10:16 AMCologne Hbf€791One-way1 transfer
IC 3610 · ICE 31111:14 AM2h10Brussels-Central1:24 PMCologne Hbf€611One-way1 transfer
Journey information
Overview: Train from Brussels-Central to Cologne
Trains from Brussels-Central to Cologne run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €3 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 06:22, the last at 16:22. The fastest train covers the 182 km distance in 1h 40m.
Distance 182 km |
Average train duration 2h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price €3 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 1h 40m |
First train 6:22 AM |
Last train 4:22 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
Live departures
Brussels-Central to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Brussels-Central to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Thursday, October 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 4507 · ICE 13 | On time 8:25 AM Brussels-Central | 1h51 | 10:16 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 4509 · ICE 15 | On time 10:25 AM Brussels-Central | 1h50 | 12:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 3610 · ICE 311 | On time 11:14 AM Brussels-Central | 2h10 | 1:24 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Brussels-Central to Cologne trains with Omio?
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 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 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.
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar from Brussels-Central to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar trains will get you between Brussels-Central and Cologne from €3. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
Eurostar
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.

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/Bonn Flughafen. 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.
Getting to Bruxelles-Central from Brussels city centre
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.
Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Food and drink
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services
Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Getting to Köln-Ehrenfeld from Cologne city centre
Köln-Ehrenfeld is 3 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln-Ehrenfeld train station facilities and services
Köln-Ehrenfeld 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.
Food and drink
Food options include: I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato, Burger King, Café Franck, Eichendorf
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. ATMs are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. Information desks are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln-Ehrenfeld: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln-Ehrenfeld: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Kölnotel, Black Hotels.
Most popular train connections from Brussels-Central
More options for your journey from Brussels-Central to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
