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

Thu, Oct 08
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Deutsche Bahn
Eurostar
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
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2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Eurostar
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
CrossCountry
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Brussels-Central to Cologne

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 08

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

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 €73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €61.

Fast trains

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

  • Deutsche BahnIC 3610 · ICE 311
    11:14 AM2h10
    Brussels-Central
    1:24 PMCologne Hbf
    €611One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnIC 4507 · ICE 13
    8:25 AM1h51
    Brussels-Central
    10:16 AMCologne Hbf
    €791One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnIC 4509 · ICE 15
    10:25 AM1h50
    Brussels-Central
    12:15 PMCologne Hbf
    €791One-way
    1 transfer

Journey information

Overview: Train from Brussels-Central to Cologne

BelgiumBelgium
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

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.

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
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
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

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche BahnIC 4507 · ICE 13
On time
8:25 AM Brussels-Central
1h51
10:16 AM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnIC 4509 · ICE 15
On time
10:25 AM Brussels-Central
1h50
12:15 PM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnIC 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?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Eurostar 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 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

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 Deutsche Bahn Duration
1h 40m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
€3
Deutsche Bahn frequency
5 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 Eurostar Duration
1h 54m
Cheapest Eurostar Price
€25
Eurostar frequency
4 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

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 €3 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Brussels-Central to Cologne is €64; 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 40m 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 4:22 PM.
There are 4 trains a day from Brussels-Central to Cologne which require at least one change with Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar. 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 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 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
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/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.

Departure train stations in Brussels
Arrival train stations in Cologne
Bruxelles-CentralCarr de l'Europe, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium+32 25282828WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
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 options for your journey from Brussels-Central to Cologne

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

HomeTrainsTrains in GermanyTrain Times to CologneBrussels-Central to Cologne train

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