The cheapest and fastest trains from Brussels to Cologne
Cheapest price
€45
Average price
€60
Fastest journey
1 h 43 m
Average duration
1 h 45 m
Trains per day
9
Distance
183 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Brussels 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 to Cologne will cost around €60 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €45.
Of the 9 trains that leave Brussels for Cologne on Sat, Nov 15, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Nov 15 the direct trains cover the 183 km distance in an average of 1 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 43 m .
On Sat, Nov 15 the slowest trains will take 1 h 46 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.
9423
IC 517 · S 41 · RE 26839
IC 518 · S 41 · RE 26841
ICE 315
ICE 17
ICE 317
ICE 15
ICE 19
ICE 13
ICE 315Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Brussels to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Brussels to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 40m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €13, and a train costs an average of €36.
Distance: 183 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€67 Average price | €23 Average price Cheapest |
3h 10m Average total duration Fastest 2h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration 3h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Brussels to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Brussels to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Saturday, November 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 13 | On time 7:25 AM Brussels-Midi | 1h45 | 9:10 AM Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 15 | On time 9:25 AM Brussels-Midi | 1h45 | 11:10 AM Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 0 transfersDirect | |
9423 | 10:25 AM Brussels-Midi | 1h50 | 12:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 315 | On time 11:25 AM Brussels-Midi | 1h46 | 1:11 PM Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 17 | On time 1:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 1h46 | 3:11 PM Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 317 | On time 3:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 1h43 | 5:08 PM Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 19 | On time 5:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 1h45 | 7:10 PM Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 517 · S 41 · RE 26839 | On time 5:56 PM Brussels-Midi | 3h40 | 9:36 PM Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 2 transfers | |
IC 518 · S 41 · RE 26841 | 6:56 PM Brussels-Midi | 3h40 | 10:36 PM Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Brussels 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.
Nov 15
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Dec 05
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Brussels to Cologne?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Brussels to Cologne
Trains from Brussels to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €36 but you can travel from only €13 by bus.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 23:13. The fastest train covers the 183 km distance in 1h 44m.
Distance 183 km |
Average train duration 2h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price €36 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 1h 44m |
First train 00:10 |
Last train 23:13 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, European Sleeper, Österreichische Bundesbahnen from Brussels to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, European Sleeper, Österreichische Bundesbahnen trains will get you between Brussels and Cologne from €13. 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
European Sleeper
Österreichische Bundesbahnen
FAQs: Trains from Brussels to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brussels 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.

When departing from Brussels, you have various train station options to start your journey from including Brussels-Midi and Brussels-North. When arriving in Cologne, you can end your trip in train stations like Cologne Hbf, Cologne Messe/Deutz and Cologne-Ehrenfeld.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Brussels-Midi, which is located around 2 miles (3.2 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Cologne Hbf, located 1.6 miles (2.5 km) away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Brussels to Cologne
- 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access is available via Rue du Progrès.
- Chabrol Brasserie
- Winok Café
- Félix Wine Bar
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €0.50
- Hotel Progress
- Hilton Brussels City
- Hotel Siru
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-6 for international and intercity trains
- Hall 2: platform 7-12 for regional and local trains
- Metro: Line 3, Line 4
- Tram: Line 25, Line 55
- Bus: Several lines available
- Mon - Sun: 06:15 - 22:00
- Free Wi-Fi available in Starbucks.
- Luggage lockers are located on Level 0 near Platforms 1 and 2.
- Starbucks
- Brasserie 28 Brewery
- Panos
- Delitraiteur Eat & Go
- 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.
- Hilton Brussels Grand Palace
- Hotel NH Brussels Carrefour de l'Europe
- Hôtel The Moon
- Mon - Sun: 06:15 - 22:00
- Travel Center / information desk is located on the left side from the main entrance.
- Metro lines: 1, 5
- Train lines: IC, Intercity Direct 9200, RER (S1, S2, S3, S6, S8, S10)
- Mon - Sun: 05:45 - 21:30
- Wi-Fi is available for a fee.
- Baggage storage facility is located across from the Thalys business lounge.
- Pullman Hotel Bar
- Quick Gare du Midi
- Subway
- EXKi Zuid
- Starbucks
- Häagen-Dazs
- Sbarro
- The Coffee Club
- The Belgian Chocolate House
- PAUL
- & many more
- Station has a wide range of facilities for passengers with reduced mobility: elevators and escalators to all platforms, wheelchair lifts and mobile ramps, disabled toilet and parking spaces. Additional assistance can be contacted via the SNCB Mobility Call Center.
- Les Lofts De Styliste
- Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi
- Pullman Brussels Centre Midi
- Located in the main concourse and next to the international platforms.
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible from Rue de Trèves.
- The Twelve
- Le Grand Central
- Outside the main entrance.
- €0.50
- Thon Hotel EU
- Aloft Brussels Schuman
- Sofitel Brussels Europe
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for trains to Luxembourg, France, and Germany
- Hall 2: access to European Parliament
- Metro: Line 1, Line 5
- Bus: Several lines available
- Tram: Line 81
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby, with several public parking options in the European Quarter.
- The Twelve
- Kafenio
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- €0.50
- Holiday Inn Brussels - Schuman
- Aloft Brussels Schuman
- Sofitel Brussels Europe
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for trains to local, regional, and international destinations
- Hall 2: metro and bus connections
- Metro: Line 1, Line 5
- Bus: Several lines available
- Tram: Line 81
- Friture Pitta De La Chapelle
- Les Brigittines
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- Free of charge
- Metro: Line 3, Line 4
- Tram: Line 51
- Bus: Several lines available
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
- Monday: 07:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Tuesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Wednesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Thursday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Friday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Zum Piccolo
- Kolpinghaus
- Pizzeria Marco Polo
- Grill Stube
- Pension Europa
- Hotel Geisler
- The niu Mill
- Blauer König
- DAG Döner
- Sahra-Pizza
- Casablanca
- Hotel Arcaden
- Maugeri Ital. Hotel
- Hotel Rahmani
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- Bistro im Park
- Restaurant Fernandes
- Orient Palais Restaurants & Catering
- Subway
- Ganesha
- Magnus
- Borsalino
- Hotel Chelsea
- Hotel Mado
- Elite Hotel
- Blacksheep Hostel
- Couchsnacks
- Secco
- Bistro Lotus
- Ganesha
- Flandrischer Hof
- Lasthaus am Ring
- The Ascot Hotel
- Lindner Hotel City Plaza Cologne
- Kolpinghaus
- Pizzeria Marco Polo
- Burger King
- Localino
- Hotel Geisler
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
- Haus Wester
- Zur alten Post
- Piccolo Capriccio
- Brauhaus Dellbrück
- Al Capriccio
- Ihr Hotel Garni Köln
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Yilmaz
- Bistro im Park
- Restaurant Fernandes
- Orient Palais Restaurants & Catering
- Hanoi46
- Aida
- Vasco da Gama
- Alforat Grill & Pizza
- Kreta Grill
- Haus Hesemann
- Pizzorro
- Restaurant
- Wirtshaus Josef
- Casona Argentina
- Yilmaz
- Kaiserpalast
- Stammhaus
- Hofcafé Gut Clarenhof
- GolfCity Bistro
- McDonald's
- Wartesaal am Dom
- Alte Feuerwache
- Al Andalus
- A&O Köln Dom
- City Pension Storch II
- Azimut Hotel
- First Domizil
- Pizza Paradies
- Sushi Bar GAN-MI
- Potato and More
- Im Rauchfang
- Garten Hotel Ponick
- Hotel Osteria Centovini
- Goethe
Most popular train connections from Brussels
More options for your journey from Brussels to Cologne
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