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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central
Showing times and prices for 17 Dec
Cheapest price
£41
Average price
£54
Fastest journey
1 h 51 m
Average duration
1 h 53 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
183 km
Cheap tickets
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 £54 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £41.
Fast trains
Of the 5 trains that leave Cologne Hbf for Brussels-Central every day 5 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 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 51 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 54 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.
07:411h53
Cologne Hbf09:34Brussels-Central
£411One-way
0 changes
11:421h52
Cologne Hbf13:34Brussels-Central
£501One-way
0 changes
07:401h51
Cologne Hbf09:31Brussels-Central
£501One-way
0 changes
13:252h09
Cologne Hbf15:34Brussels-Central
£611One-way
0 changes
15:262h08
Cologne Hbf17:34Brussels-Central
£681One-way
0 changes
07:401h51
Cologne Hbf09:31Brussels-Central
£501One-way
0 changes
11:421h52
Cologne Hbf13:34Brussels-Central
£501One-way
0 changes
13:411h53
Cologne Hbf15:34Brussels-Central
£801One-way
0 changes
07:411h53
Cologne Hbf09:34Brussels-Central
£411One-way
0 changes
19:421h54
Cologne Hbf21:36Brussels-Central
£911One-way
0 changes
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 prices starting from £8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 53m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £8, and a flight costs an average of £269.
Distance: 183 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£60 Average Price | £16 Average Price Cheapest | £539 Average Price |
2h 23m Average total duration Fastest 1h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration 3h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 2m Average total duration 6h 2m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central trains for today, Tuesday 16 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 04:15
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 316 · R 3982 | On time 08:41 Cologne Hbf | 1h53 | 10:34 Brussels-Central | 1 change | |
| ICE 16 · R 3984 | On time 10:43 Cologne Hbf | 1h51 | 12:34 Brussels-Central | 1 change | |
| ICE 314 · R 3986 | On time 12:42 Cologne Hbf | 1h52 | 14:34 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central
Germany
Belgium
Trains from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £16 but you can travel from only £8 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:44, the last at 19:42. The fastest train covers the 183 km distance in 1h 51m.
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 £8
Distance 183 km |
Average train duration 1h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price £16 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 1h 51m |
First train 04:44 |
Last train 19:42 |
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 £8
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, National Express, TRANS REGIO Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, National Express, TRANS REGIO Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH trains will get you between Cologne Hbf and Brussels-Central from £8. 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 51m
Cheapest Price
£33
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
2h 10m
Cheapest Price
£16
Eurostar frequency
3 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
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 30m
Cheapest Price
£51
National Express frequency
9 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
TRANS REGIO Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 5m
Cheapest Price
£50
TRANS REGIO Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH frequency
1 a day
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.
The train journey from Köln Hbf to Bruxelles-Central offers scenic views, particularly of the picturesque countryside and charming towns along the route, providing a pleasant travel experience.
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £16, while the average price tends to be around £60.
Yes, a day trip from Köln Hbf to Bruxelles-Central is feasible. The journey takes 1h 51m and covers 183 km. There are 7 trains per day.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central is by coach, costing approximately £8.
Booking trains from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train distance from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central is 183 km.
The train journey from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central covers a distance of 183 km and takes approximately 1h 51m. Trains run 7 per day.
The first train from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central leaves at 4:44.
The last train from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central departs at 19:42.
Trains from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central run approximately 7 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central.
There is no night train service from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central.
To get from Cologne Hbf to Brussels-Central, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne Hbf and Brussels-Central
Cologne
Brussels
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Brussels.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information 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.
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.
The major train station for arrivals in Brussels is Bruxelles-Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bruxelles-Central for your journey to Brussels from Cologne.
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)
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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