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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Brussels
Cheapest price on Sep 12
€40
Average ticket price on Sep 12
€66
Fastest journey on Sep 12
1 h 52 m
Average journey duration on Sep 12
1 h 52 m
Trains on Sep 12
20
Distance
183 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Brussels is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Brussels will cost around €66 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €40.
On Sat, Sep 12, we found 20 trains from Cologne to Brussels, including 13 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 12 the direct trains cover the 183 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 52 m .
On Sat, Sep 12 the slowest trains will take 1 h 52 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.
ICE 3189:42 PM1h53Cologne Hbf11:35 PMBrussels-Midi€401One-way0 transfers- ICE 310 · IC 36392:38 PM2h12Cologne Hbf4:50 PMBrussels-Midi€521One-way1 transfer
- ICE 187:43 AM1h52Cologne Hbf9:35 AMBrussels-Midi€531One-way0 transfers
- ICE 1611:43 AM1h52Cologne Hbf1:35 PMBrussels-Midi€601One-way0 transfers
- ICE 3169:43 AM1h52Cologne Hbf11:35 AMBrussels-Midi€601One-way0 transfers
94744:43 PM1h52Cologne Hbf6:35 PMBrussels-Midi€651One-way0 transfers- ICE 1611:43 AM1h52Cologne Hbf1:35 PMBrussels-Midi€601One-way0 transfers
- ICE 3169:43 AM1h52Cologne Hbf11:35 AMBrussels-Midi€601One-way0 transfers
- ICE 107:43 PM1h52Cologne Hbf9:35 PMBrussels-Midi€601One-way0 transfers
- ICE 125:43 PM1h52Cologne Hbf7:35 PMBrussels-Midi€601One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne to Brussels
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Brussels among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €19 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 7m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €19, while a flight costs an average of €441.
Distance: 183 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€58 Average price | €19 Average price Cheapest | €441 Average price | €34 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 7m Average total duration Fastest 2h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 30m Average total duration 3h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 52m Average total duration 4h 52m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Brussels:
A bus is €40 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Brussels costing on average €58.
A bus is €422 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Brussels costing on average €441.
Other travel options to Brussels take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 0m.
Flight takes on average 4h 52m.
Live departures
Cologne to Brussels train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Brussels trains for today, Friday, September 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9426 | 8:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h56 | 10:35 AM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 316 | On time 9:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h52 | 11:35 AM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9438 | 10:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h56 | 12:35 PM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 16 | On time 11:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h52 | 1:35 PM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9450 | 12:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h56 | 2:35 PM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 314 | On time 1:42 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h53 | 3:35 PM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 310 · IC 3637 | On time 2:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 2h10 | 4:48 PM Brussels-Midi | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 14 | On time 3:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h54 | 5:35 PM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9474 | 4:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h52 | 6:35 PM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 12 | On time 5:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h52 | 7:35 PM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9486 | 6:44 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h51 | 8:35 PM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 10 | On time 7:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h52 | 9:35 PM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 318 | On time 9:42 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h53 | 11:35 PM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 26834 · 18978 · IC 527 | 10:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 7h45 | 6:00 AM Brussels-Midi | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, September 12 | |||||
| 9414 | 6:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h55 | 8:35 AM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
9414+ 3879 | 6:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h24 | 9:04 AM Brussels | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 18 | On time 7:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h52 | 9:35 AM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Brussels 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 Cologne to Brussels 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, Alibus, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or ÖBB | Nightjet to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Brussels.
- 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 Cologne to Brussels.
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, Alibus, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or ÖBB | Nightjet to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Brussels.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Brussels.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Brussels?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Brussels
Germany
Belgium
Trains from Cologne to Brussels run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €27 but you can travel from only €13 by bus.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 183 km distance in 1h 51m.
Distance 183 km |
Average train duration 2h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price €27 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 1h 51m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 84 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Alibus, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), ÖBB | Nightjet from Cologne to Brussels trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Alibus, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), ÖBB | Nightjet trains will get you between Cologne and Brussels 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
Alibus
ÖBB | Nightjet
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Trains from Cologne to Brussels
Passengers wishing to visit the Belgian capital from Cologne will find rail travel a great choice. Frequent, direct departures leave the German city, heading for Brussels, with journey times of under two hours. Passengers can expect 11 direct departures, with over a dozen indirect services, though these can take closer to 9 hours. All trains depart from Cologne Hbf and arrive at Brussels-Midi Station, with departures spread throughout the day giving travelers flexibility when making plans.
Which train companies travel from Cologne to Brussels?
Two main providers offer routes from Cologne to Brussels. German-owned Deutsche Bahn (DB) and high-speed service Thalys share the route. Both companies provide modern carriages with comfortable seating, luggage space, power sockets, wifi access, and onboard dining options.
How long is the train from Cologne to Brussels?
The route from Cologne to Brussels is not a long one. The fastest direct trains from Cologne to Brussels take just one hour 50 minutes to complete the journey. Connecting services can take significantly longer, with some routes taking up to nine hours depending on the number of connections required and transfer times. Connecting routes require from one to three connections at stations such as Cologne-Ehrenfeld, Aachen, and Welkenraedt.
How many trains are there from Cologne to Brussels?
Whenever passengers decide to travel, they can expect 11 direct trains a day to Brussels from Cologne with a further range of connecting services. Departures are spread throughout the day, beginning in the early hours of the morning, with at least one departure an hour until mid-evening. Some evening departures travel overnight to arrive in Brussels the following morning.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Cologne to Brussels?
Departure train station: Trains between the two cities all depart from Cologne Hbf. This is the city's main station and it is conveniently located close to Cologne's historic and cultural attractions. To arrive at the airport, passengers can use S-Bahn trains, local buses, and taxis. Facilities at Cologne Hbf include car parking, wifi, left luggage lockers, toilets, cafes, restaurants, and food kiosks.
Arrival train station: All trains to Brussels from Cologne arrive at Brussels-Midi Station. Centrally located in the city the station is a large and busy hub for international train services, including high-speed Eurostar services. Onward travel is easy, thanks to the great links to metro trains, local buses, and taxis as well as a frequent shuttle service to Brussels South Charleroi Airport. Station facilities include car parking, wifi, left luggage storage, toilets shops, cafes, and restaurants.
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Brussels
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Brussels 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 Brussels, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Brussels
Most Cologne to Brussels trains use the Köln Hbf to Bruxelles-Midi station pair, with some services arriving at Bruxelles-Central. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Brussels train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Cologne station do trains to Brussels leave from?
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-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.
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.
Which Brussels station do trains from Cologne arrive at?
Getting to Bruxelles-Midi from Brussels city centre
Bruxelles-Midi train station facilities and services
Bruxelles-Midi 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: Pullman Hotel Bar, Quick Gare du Midi, Subway, EXKi Zuid, Starbucks, Häagen-Dazs, Sbarro, The Coffee Club, The Belgian Chocolate House, PAUL, & many more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available for a fee. ATMs are available at Bruxelles-Midi.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bruxelles-Midi. Information desks are located in the main concourse and next to the international platforms.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is baggage storage facility is located across from the Thalys business lounge.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bruxelles-Midi: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bruxelles-Midi: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bruxelles-Midi: 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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Les Lofts De Styliste, Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi, Pullman Brussels Centre Midi.
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 Brussels-Nord from Brussels city centre
Brussels-Nord is 1 km from Brussels city centre. Public transport options include:
Brussels-Nord train station facilities and services
Brussels-Nord has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Chabrol Brasserie, Winok Café, Félix Wine Bar
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Brussels-Nord. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Brussels-Nord. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Brussels-Nord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Brussels-Nord: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Brussels-Nord: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Progress, Hilton Brussels City, Hotel Siru.
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Brussels
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Brussels and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Brussels
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