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The cheapest and fastest trains from Brussels to Cologne
Showing times and prices for 15 Dec
Cheapest price
$101
Average price
$122
Fastest journey
1 h 49 m
Average duration
1 h 50 m
Trains per day
8
Distance
183 km
Cheap tickets
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Brussels to Cologne will cost around $122 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $101.
Fast trains
Of the 8 trains that leave Brussels for Cologne every day 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 183 km distance in an average of 1 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 49 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 50 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.
941109:25AM1h50
Brussels-Midi11:15AMCologne Hbf
$1011One-way
0 changes
ICE 31512:25PM1h50
Brussels-Midi02:15PMCologne Hbf
$1161One-way
0 changes
ICE 1308:25AM1h51
Brussels-Midi10:16AMCologne Hbf
$1161One-way
0 changes
ICE 1510:25AM1h50
Brussels-Midi12:15PMCologne Hbf
$1161One-way
0 changes
947107:25PM1h50
Brussels-Midi09:15PMCologne Hbf
$1171One-way
0 changes
943501:25PM1h49
Brussels-Midi03:14PMCologne Hbf
$1481One-way
0 changes
941109:25AM1h50
Brussels-Midi11:15AMCologne Hbf
$1011One-way
0 changes
ICE 31512:25PM1h50
Brussels-Midi02:15PMCologne Hbf
$1161One-way
0 changes
ICE 1510:25AM1h50
Brussels-Midi12:15PMCologne Hbf
$1161One-way
0 changes
947107:25PM1h50
Brussels-Midi09:15PMCologne Hbf
$1171One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach 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 coach with prices starting from $17. 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 coach costs an average of $17, and a train costs an average of $44.
Distance: 183 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
$84 Average Price | $28 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 today, Sunday, 14 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 5:54 am
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 13 | On time 7:25 am Brussels-Midi | 1h51 | 9:16 am Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 15 | On time 9:25 am Brussels-Midi | 1h50 | 11:15 am Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9423 | 10:25 am Brussels-Midi | 1h50 | 12:15 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 315 | On time 11:25 am Brussels-Midi | 1h50 | 1:15 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9435 | 12:25 pm Brussels-Midi | 1h49 | 2:14 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 17 | On time 1:25 pm Brussels-Midi | 1h50 | 3:15 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9447 | 2:25 pm Brussels-Midi | 1h49 | 4:14 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 317 | On time 3:25 pm Brussels-Midi | 1h50 | 5:15 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9459 | 4:25 pm Brussels-Midi | 1h50 | 6:15 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9471 | 6:25 pm Brussels-Midi | 1h50 | 8:15 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9483 | 8:25 pm Brussels-Midi | 1h50 | 10:15 pm Cologne Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
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 coach
Compare train and coach 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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14 Dec
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Brussels to Cologne?
The best time to book your train from Brussels to Cologne is 70 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Brussels to Cologne route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Brussels to Cologne per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Brussels to Cologne.
Trains
from $48Coaches
from $20Journey information
Overview: Train from Brussels to Cologne
Belgium
Germany
Trains from Brussels to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $44 but you can travel from only $17 by coach.
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.
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
Coach from $17
Distance 183 km |
Average train duration 2h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $44 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 1h 44m |
First train 00:10 |
Last train 23:13 |
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
Coach from $17
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 $17. 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 Duration
1h 41m
Cheapest Price
$50
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.
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.
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.
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
1h 49m
Cheapest Price
$56
Eurostar frequency
7 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
European Sleeper
About
European Sleeper is a Belgian-Dutch train company launched in 2021, operating night train services between Germany and Belgium three times a week, with plans to expand to daily service and extend routes to cities such as Dresden and Prague. Passengers can choose from standard seats, couchettes, or sleeper cabins. Couchettes include free drinks and power outlets, while sleeper cabins offer power outlets and complimentary meals. All tickets are sold as Flex Night fares, which are non-exchangeable but can be canceled up to 48 hours before departure.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 40m
Cheapest Price
$61
European Sleeper frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 2 pieces of hold luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Luggage racks above seats and at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car serving breakfast, drinks and snacks available for purchase
Seat reservation
Seat or berth reservation mandatory and included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, accessible toilets, staff assistance
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed for free, larger dogs require paid ticket
Quiet zone
Österreichische Bundesbahnen
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 34m
Österreichische Bundesbahnen frequency
1 a day
FAQs: Brussels to Cologne train
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.
Cheap train tickets from Brussels to Cologne can start from as little as $24 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Brussels to Cologne is $85; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The train time from Brussels to Cologne is on average 1 h 49 min for the 182 km long journey, but the time it takes to go to Cologne from Brussels by train can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Brussels to Cologne leaves at 5: 23am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last train from Brussels to Cologne leaves at 8: 56pm.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Brussels to Cologne without having to change trains with Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar or Österreichische Bundesbahnen. There are 7 direct trains from Brussels to Cologne each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
Yes, there's a high-speed train to Cologne. Take the fast train with Eurostar from Brussels to Cologne.
The high-speed Eurostar train from Brussels to Cologne takes 1 h 49 min on average.
When taking a train from Brussels to Cologne, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar or Österreichische Bundesbahnen for the best way to get you to Cologne. You can also check all possible train providers who offer a service from Brussels to Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
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, Cologne/Bonn Flughafen and Cologne-Ehrenfeld.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Brussels-Midi, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Cologne Hbf, located away from the city centre.
A day trip to Cologne from Brussels is worth doing with a journey time of 1 h 49 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Brussels to Cologne by train is December.
You have options as you can travel from Brussels to Cologne 2 different ways: train or coach.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Brussels and Cologne
Brussels
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Brussels is Brussels-Nord. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Brussels-Nord for your trip from Brussels to Cologne.
Brussels-Nord
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
12Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access is available via Rue du Progrès.
Dining
- Chabrol Brasserie
- Winok Café
- Félix Wine Bar
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps.
WC
- €0.50
Hotel
- Hotel Progress
- Hilton Brussels City
- Hotel Siru
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-6 for international and intercity trains
- Hall 2: platform 7-12 for regional and local trains
Public transport options for Brussels-Nord
- Metro: Line 3, Line 4
- Tram: Line 25, Line 55
- Bus: Several lines available
Bruxelles-Central
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sun: 06:15 - 22:00
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi available in Starbucks.
Lockers
- Luggage lockers are located on Level 0 near Platforms 1 and 2.
Dining
- Starbucks
- Brasserie 28 Brewery
- Panos
- Delitraiteur Eat & Go
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
- Hilton Brussels Grand Palace
- Hotel NH Brussels Carrefour de l'Europe
- Hôtel The Moon
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sun: 06:15 - 22:00
Information Desk
- Travel Center / information desk is located on the left side from the main entrance.
Public transport options for Bruxelles-Central
- Metro lines: 1, 5
- Train lines: IC, Intercity Direct 9200, RER (S1, S2, S3, S6, S8, S10)
Bruxelles-Midi
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sun: 05:45 - 21:30
Wifi
- Wi-Fi is available for a fee.
Lockers
- Baggage storage facility is located across from the Thalys business lounge.
Dining
- Pullman Hotel Bar
- Quick Gare du Midi
- Subway
- EXKi Zuid
- Starbucks
- Häagen-Dazs
- Sbarro
- The Coffee Club
- The Belgian Chocolate House
- PAUL
- & many more
Accessibility
- 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.
Hotel
- Les Lofts De Styliste
- Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi
- Pullman Brussels Centre Midi
Information Desk
- Located in the main concourse and next to the international platforms.
The major train station for arrivals in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your journey to Cologne from Brussels.
Köln Hbf
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Köln-Ehrenfeld
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
Hotel
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
Köln-Mülheim
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Distance to city center
5 kmDining
- Zum Piccolo
- Kolpinghaus
- Pizzeria Marco Polo
- Grill Stube
Hotel
- Pension Europa
- Hotel Geisler
- The niu Mill
Most popular train connections from Brussels
More options for your journey from Brussels to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Brussels
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