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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£21
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£62
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
1 h 51 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
1 h 51 m
Trains on 18 Sept
12
Distance
183 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central will cost around £62 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £21.
To travel from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central you need to make at least one change.
ICE 318 · IC 454421:421h58Cologne Hbf23:40Brussels-Central£211One-way1 change- ICE 318 · IC 324521:022h36Cologne Hbf23:38Brussels-Central£431One-way1 change
- 26832 · ICE 318 · IC 324521:152h23Cologne Hbf23:38Brussels-Central£481One-way2 changes
- ICE 312 · IC 36296:112h32Cologne Hbf8:43Brussels-Central£481One-way1 change
- 10632 · 20094 · 32281 · IC 298121:258h30Cologne Hbf5:55Brussels-Central£671One-way5 changes
- ICE 316 · R 39829:431h51Cologne Hbf11:34Brussels-Central£701One-way1 change
- ICE 16 · R 398411:431h51Cologne Hbf13:34Brussels-Central£781One-way1 change
- ICE 18 · R 39807:431h51Cologne Hbf9:34Brussels-Central£701One-way1 change
- ICE 10 · R 399219:431h51Cologne Hbf21:34Brussels-Central£701One-way1 change
- ICE 12 · R 399017:431h51Cologne Hbf19:34Brussels-Central£781One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £20 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 43m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £20, while a flight costs an average of £290.
Distance: 183 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£48 Average Price | £20 Average Price Cheapest | £290 Average Price | £34 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 43m Average total duration Fastest 2h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 38m Average total duration 4h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 30m Average total duration 4h 30m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central:
A coach is £37 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central costing on average £57.
A coach is £421 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central costing on average £441.
Other travel options to Brussels-Central take longer:
Flight takes on average 2h 23m.
Coach takes on average 4h 8m.
You'll arrive about 19m sooner (2h 4m by train vs 2h 23m by car). Tickets start at around £57 compared to roughly £34 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Eurostar.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 316 · R 3982 | On time 9:43 Cologne Hbf | 1h51 | 11:34 Brussels-Central | 1 change | |
| ICE 16 · R 3984 | On time 11:43 Cologne Hbf | 1h51 | 13:34 Brussels-Central | 1 change | |
| ICE 314 · R 3986 | On time 13:42 Cologne Hbf | 1h52 | 15:34 Brussels-Central | 1 change | |
| ICE 310 · IC 3637 | On time 14:38 Cologne Hbf | 2h05 | 16:43 Brussels-Central | 1 change | |
| ICE 14 · R 3988 | On time 15:41 Cologne Hbf | 1h53 | 17:34 Brussels-Central | 1 change | |
| ICE 12 · R 3990 | On time 17:43 Cologne Hbf | 1h51 | 19:34 Brussels-Central | 1 change | |
| ICE 10 · R 3992 | On time 19:43 Cologne Hbf | 1h51 | 21:34 Brussels-Central | 1 change | |
| ICE 318 · IC 4544 | On time 21:02 Cologne Hbf | 2h35 | 23:37 Brussels-Central | 1 change | |
| 26832 · ICE 318 · IC 4544 | 21:15 Cologne Hbf | 2h22 | 23:37 Brussels-Central | 2 changes | |
| Friday 18 September | |||||
| ICE 312 · IC 3629 | On time 6:11 Cologne Hbf | 2h32 | 8:43 Brussels-Central | 1 change | |
| ICE 18 · R 3980 | On time 7:43 Cologne Hbf | 1h51 | 9:34 Brussels-Central | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central 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.
18 Sept
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Why should you book Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central 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, Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central.
- 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 Hbf to Brussels-Central.
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, Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central
Germany
Belgium
Trains from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £28 but you can travel from only £11 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:25, the last at 11:42. The fastest train covers the 183 km distance in 1h 51m.
Distance 183 km |
Average train duration 2h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price £28 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 1h 51m |
First train 5:25 |
Last train 11:42 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 49 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne Hbf and Brussels-Central from £9. 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
Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central 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-Central, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne Hbf and Brussels-Central
Most Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central trains use the Köln Hbf to Bruxelles-Midi station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne Hbf and Brussels-Central train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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 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.
Most popular train connections from Cologne Hbf
More options for your journey from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Brussels-Central and Cologne Hbf
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