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

Sat 05 Sept
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Sept

Cheapest price on 05 Sept

£21

Average ticket price on 05 Sept

£44

Fastest journey on 05 Sept

1 h 53 m

Average journey duration on 05 Sept

1 h 53 m

Trains on 05 Sept

8

Distance

183 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf will cost around £44 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £21.

Fast trains

To travel from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf you need to make at least one change.

  • Deutsche BahnIC 3220 · ICE 319
    20:221h53
    Brussels-Central
    22:15Cologne Hbf
    £211One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnIC 3218 · ICE 19
    18:221h53
    Brussels-Central
    20:15Cologne Hbf
    £261One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnIC 3216 · ICE 317
    16:221h53
    Brussels-Central
    18:15Cologne Hbf
    £341One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnIC 3214 · ICE 17
    14:221h53
    Brussels-Central
    16:15Cologne Hbf
    £371One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnIC 3212 · ICE 315
    12:221h53
    Brussels-Central
    14:15Cologne Hbf
    £511One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £14 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 9m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £14, while a flight costs an average of £287.

Distance: 183 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight
Driving

£52

Average Price

£14

Average Price

Cheapest

£287

Average Price

£35

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 9m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 39m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 38m

Average total duration

3h 8m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 59m

Average total duration

5h 59m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

2h 16m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf is a coach with an average price of £14.

This is compared to other travel options from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf:

A coach is £38 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf costing on average £52.

A coach is £273 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf costing on average £287.

The fastest way to travel from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf is by train with an average journey time of 2h 39m.

Other travel options to Cologne Hbf take longer:

Coach takes on average 3h 8m.

Flight takes on average 5h 59m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Brussels-Central and Cologne Hbf including taking a train, coach and flight.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £52 compared to roughly £35 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-17.26. The journey takes 2h 39m versus 2h 16m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf train times

The table below shows live departures for Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf trains for today, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Eurostar943513:25 Brussels-Midi
1h49
15:14 Cologne Hbf0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnIC 3214 · ICE 317
On time
16:22 Brussels-Central
1h53
18:15 Cologne Hbf		1 change
Eurostar945917:25 Brussels-Midi
1h50
19:15 Cologne Hbf0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnIC 4517 · ICE 19
On time
18:25 Brussels-Central
1h50
20:15 Cologne Hbf		1 change
Eurostar947119:25 Brussels-Midi
1h50
21:15 Cologne Hbf0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnR 6591 · ICE 319
On time
20:09 Brussels-Central
2h06
22:15 Cologne Hbf		1 change
Eurostar948321:25 Brussels-Midi
1h50
23:15 Cologne Hbf0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnIC 520 · R 18981 · 2684522:01 Brussels-Central
3h43
1:44 Cologne Hbf2 changes
Saturday 5 September
Deutsche BahnIC 3206 · ICE 11
On time
6:22 Brussels-Central
1h54
8:16 Cologne Hbf		1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 3208 · ICE 13
On time
8:22 Brussels-Central
1h54
10:16 Cologne Hbf		1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 3210 · ICE 15
On time
10:22 Brussels-Central
1h53
12:15 Cologne Hbf		1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 3212 · ICE 315
On time
12:22 Brussels-Central
1h53
14:15 Cologne Hbf		1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach 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.

Sat
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept

Why should you book Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Eurostar or SNCB offer trains services from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf.

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 or SNCB to find the best option for your trip from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf.
  • 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 Hbf.

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 or SNCB to find the best option for your trip from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf.
  • 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 Hbf.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf

BelgiumBelgium
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £21 but you can travel from only £10 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 04:14, the last at 22:25. The fastest train covers the 183 km distance in 1h 50m.

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 £10
Distance
183 km
Average train duration
2h 39m
Cheapest ticket price
£21
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
1h 50m
First train
4:14
Last train
22:25
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
35 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £10

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, SNCB from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, SNCB trains will get you between Brussels-Central and Cologne Hbf from £10. 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 50m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£27
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
Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

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 50m
Cheapest Eurostar Price
£21
Eurostar frequency
2 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

SNCB

About
SNCB is Belgium’s national railway company and the country’s main train operator, offering First Class and Second Class tickets. It runs a variety of services, including Intercity trains for the fastest domestic connections, Interregio trains with more local stops, and international options such as EuroCity, Thalys, and ICE International. Thalys trains connect Belgium with France, Germany, and the Netherlands at high speed, while EuroCity and ICE International link Belgium to Germany and other European destinations. Onboard facilities typically include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Popular routes include Brussels to Antwerp, Brussels to Bruges, Brussels to Ghent, and Brussels to Liège.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average SNCB Duration
2h 25m
Cheapest SNCB Price
£26
SNCB frequency
1 a day
Learn more about SNCB

FAQs: Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf 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 Hbf, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £21, while the average price tends to be around £52.
The train journey from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf covers a distance of 183 km and takes approximately 1h 50m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf is 183 km.
The first train from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf leaves at 4:14.
The last train from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf departs at 22:25.
Trains from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf run approximately 6 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf.
To get from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf is by coach, costing approximately £10.
Booking trains from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Bruxelles-Central to Köln Hbf offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque countryside of Belgium and the rolling hills of western Germany. Passengers can enjoy a mix of lush landscapes, charming villages, and historically significant cities along the route.
Yes, a day trip from Bruxelles-Central to Köln Hbf is feasible as the journey takes 1h 50m and there are 7 trains per day over a distance of 183 km.
Yes, you can take the train from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Brussels-Central and Cologne Hbf

Most Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf trains use the Bruxelles-Midi to Köln Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Brussels-Central and Cologne Hbf 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 about Bruxelles-Central

More options for your journey from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf

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

Return trains from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central

Most popular trains to and from Cologne Hbf and Brussels-Central

Stuttgart Hbf to Cologne Hbf train
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Brussels-Central to Paris Gare de Lyon train
Brussels-Central to London Kings Cross (KGX) train
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Amsterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf train
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Cologne Hbf train
Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf train
Brussels-Central to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport train
Cologne Bonn Airport to Cologne Hbf train
Bremen Hbf to Cologne Hbf train
Munich Hbf to Cologne Hbf train
Brussels-Central to Paris Gare du Nord train
Brussels-Midi to Cologne Hbf train
Hamburg Hbf to Cologne Hbf train
Paris Gare du Nord to Cologne Hbf train
Paris Gare de l'Est to Cologne Hbf train
Frankfurt am Main Airport to Cologne Hbf train
Nuremberg Hbf to Cologne Hbf train
Berlin Hbf to Cologne Hbf train
Brussels-Central to Munich Hbf train
Zurich HB to Cologne Hbf train
Frankfurt Airport long-distance station to Cologne Hbf train
Innsbruck Hbf to Cologne Hbf train
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Brussels-Central to Brussels Airport train
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HomeTrainsTrains in GermanyBrussels-Central to Cologne Hbf train

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