The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Brussels
Cheapest price
£45
Average price
£65
Fastest journey
2 h 56 m
Average duration
2 h 59 m
Trains per day
18
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Brussels will cost around £65 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £45.
Of the 18 trains that leave Cologne for Brussels every day 11 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 2 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 56 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 2 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 31820:333h02Cologne Hbf23:35Brussels-Midi£451One-way0 changes
ICE 1019:433h21Cologne Hbf23:04Brussels-Midi£511One-way0 changes
ICE 3168:333h02Cologne Hbf11:35Brussels-Midi£561One-way0 changes
ICE 186:333h02Cologne Hbf9:35Brussels-Midi£561One-way0 changes
ICE 1216:333h02Cologne Hbf19:35Brussels-Midi£561One-way0 changes
948617:392h56Cologne Hbf20:35Brussels-Midi£771One-way0 changes
947415:392h56Cologne Hbf18:35Brussels-Midi£861One-way0 changes
94267:353h00Cologne Hbf10:35Brussels-Midi£811One-way0 changes
ICE 1414:333h02Cologne Hbf17:35Brussels-Midi£651One-way0 changes
ICE 3168:333h02Cologne Hbf11:35Brussels-Midi£561One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach 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 coach with prices starting from £11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 35m. 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 £11, and a flight costs an average of £195.
Distance: 183 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£66 Average Price | £19 Average Price Cheapest | £515 Average Price |
3h 5m Average total duration Fastest 2h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 28m Average total duration 2h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 21m Average total duration 7h 21m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cologne to Brussels train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Brussels trains for today, Monday 25 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 18 | On time 6:33 Cologne Hbf | 3h02 | 9:35 Brussels-Midi | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 222 · 26406 · 18918 · IC 532 | On time 6:49 Cologne Hbf | 4h11 | 11:00 Brussels-Midi | 3 changes | |
ICE 316 | On time 8:33 Cologne Hbf | 3h02 | 11:35 Brussels-Midi | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 16 | On time 10:33 Cologne Hbf | 3h02 | 13:35 Brussels-Midi | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 128 · 26414 · 18934 · IC 536 | On time 10:49 Cologne Hbf | 4h11 | 15:00 Brussels-Midi | 3 changes | |
ICE 314 | On time 12:33 Cologne Hbf | 3h02 | 15:35 Brussels-Midi | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 126 · 26418 · 18942 · IC 538 | On time 12:49 Cologne Hbf | 4h11 | 17:00 Brussels-Midi | 3 changes | |
ICE 14 | On time 14:33 Cologne Hbf | 3h02 | 17:35 Brussels-Midi | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 124 · 26422 · 18950 · IC 540 | On time 14:49 Cologne Hbf | 4h11 | 19:00 Brussels-Midi | 3 changes | |
ICE 12 | On time 16:33 Cologne Hbf | 3h02 | 19:35 Brussels-Midi | 0 changesdirect | |
9486 | 17:39 Cologne Hbf | 2h56 | 20:35 Brussels-Midi | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 224 · 26430 · 18966 · IC 544 | On time 18:49 Cologne Hbf | 4h11 | 23:00 Brussels-Midi | 3 changes | |
ICE 10 · EC 9268 | On time 19:43 Cologne Hbf | 3h34 | 23:17 Brussels-Midi | 1 change | |
ICE 10 | On time 19:43 Cologne Hbf | 3h37 | 23:20 Brussels-Midi | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 318 | On time 20:33 Cologne Hbf | 3h02 | 23:35 Brussels-Midi | 0 changesdirect | |
28534 · 26436 · 18978 · IC 2827 | 21:31 Cologne Hbf | 8h16 | 5:47 Brussels-Midi | 3 changes | |
92498 · 10347 · 18982 · 32005 | 22:31 Cologne-Ehrenfeld | 9h34 | 8:05 Brussels-Midi | 5 changes | |
| Tuesday 26 May | |||||
10800 · 26402 · 18910 · IC 530 | 4:59 Cologne Hbf | 4h06 | 9:05 Brussels-Midi | 3 changes | |
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, 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.
25 May
26 May
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28 May
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30 May
31 May
01 Jun
02 Jun
03 Jun
04 Jun
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06 Jun
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14 Jun
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, 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, 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?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Brussels

Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Brussels
Trains from Cologne to Brussels run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £36 but you can travel from only £11 by coach.
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 35m |
Cheapest ticket price £36 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 1h 51m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:35 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 77 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), ÖBB | Nightjet from Cologne to Brussels trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), ÖBB | Nightjet trains will get you between Cologne and Brussels from £11. 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
ÖBB | Nightjet
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Cologne to Brussels train
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
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Brussels
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- Mon - Sun: 05:45 - 21:30
- Wi-Fi is available for a fee.
- Baggage storage facility is located across from the Thalys business lounge.
- Pullman Hotel Bar
- Quick Gare du Midi
- Subway
- EXKi Zuid
- Starbucks
- Häagen-Dazs
- Sbarro
- The Coffee Club
- The Belgian Chocolate House
- PAUL
- & many more
- 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.
- Les Lofts De Styliste
- Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi
- Pullman Brussels Centre Midi
- Located in the main concourse and next to the international platforms.
- Mon - Sun: 06:15 - 22:00
- Free Wi-Fi available in Starbucks.
- Luggage lockers are located on Level 0 near Platforms 1 and 2.
- Starbucks
- Brasserie 28 Brewery
- Panos
- Delitraiteur Eat & Go
- 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.
- Hilton Brussels Grand Palace
- Hotel NH Brussels Carrefour de l'Europe
- Hôtel The Moon
- Mon - Sun: 06:15 - 22:00
- Travel Center / information desk is located on the left side from the main entrance.
- Metro lines: 1, 5
- Train lines: IC, Intercity Direct 9200, RER (S1, S2, S3, S6, S8, S10)
- 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access is available via Rue du Progrès.
- Chabrol Brasserie
- Winok Café
- Félix Wine Bar
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €0.50
- Hotel Progress
- Hilton Brussels City
- Hotel Siru
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-6 for international and intercity trains
- Hall 2: platform 7-12 for regional and local trains
- Metro: Line 3, Line 4
- Tram: Line 25, Line 55
- Bus: Several lines available
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Brussels
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