Cologne to Charleroi train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

Sun 18 Oct
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Charleroi

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Oct

Cheapest price on 18 Oct

£55

Average ticket price on 18 Oct

£85

Fastest journey on 18 Oct

3 h 23 m

Average journey duration on 18 Oct

3 h 24 m

Trains on 18 Oct

14

Distance

186 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cologne to Charleroi will cost around £85 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £55.

Fast trains

To travel from Cologne to Charleroi you need to make at least one change.

  • Deutsche BahnICE 316 · IC 3834
    9:433h24
    Cologne Hbf
    13:07Charleroi-Sud
    £551One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnICE 16 · IC 3836
    11:433h24
    Cologne Hbf
    15:07Charleroi-Sud
    £611One-way
    1 change
  • Eurostar9450+SNCB3837
    12:393h28
    Cologne Hbf
    16:07Charleroi-Sud
    £821One-way
    1 change
  • Eurostar9450+SNCB3837
    12:393h35
    Cologne Hbf
    16:14Marchienne-au-Pont
    £821One-way
    1 change
  • Eurostar9474+SNCB3841
    16:433h31
    Cologne Hbf
    20:14Marchienne-au-Pont
    £901One-way
    1 change

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Charleroi

GermanyGermany
BelgiumBelgium
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Charleroi run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £28 but you can travel from only £11 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 23:37. The fastest train covers the 186 km distance in 2h 18m.

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 £11
Distance
186 km
Average train duration
2h 53m
Cheapest ticket price
£28
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
2h 18m
First train
0:15
Last train
23:37
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Jul - Sept
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
14 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 £11

Live departures

Cologne to Charleroi train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Charleroi trains for tomorrow, Sunday 18 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Eurostar9426+SNCB38338:39 Cologne Hbf
3h35
12:14 Marchienne-au-Pont1 change
Eurostar9426+SNCB38338:39 Cologne Hbf
3h28
12:07 Charleroi-Sud1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 316 · IC 3834
On time
9:43 Cologne Hbf
3h24
13:07 Charleroi-Sud
1 change
Eurostar9438+SNCB383510:38 Cologne Hbf
3h36
14:14 Marchienne-au-Pont1 change
Eurostar9438+SNCB383510:38 Cologne Hbf
3h29
14:07 Charleroi-Sud1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 16 · IC 3836
On time
11:43 Cologne Hbf
3h24
15:07 Charleroi-Sud
1 change
Eurostar9450+SNCB383712:39 Cologne Hbf
3h28
16:07 Charleroi-Sud1 change
Eurostar9450+SNCB383712:39 Cologne Hbf
3h35
16:14 Marchienne-au-Pont1 change
Eurostar9462+SNCB383914:43 Cologne Hbf
3h24
18:07 Charleroi-Sud1 change
Eurostar9462+SNCB383914:43 Cologne Hbf
3h31
18:14 Marchienne-au-Pont1 change
Eurostar9474+SNCB384116:43 Cologne Hbf
3h31
20:14 Marchienne-au-Pont1 change
Eurostar9474+SNCB384116:43 Cologne Hbf
3h24
20:07 Charleroi-Sud1 change
Eurostar9486+SNCB384318:44 Cologne Hbf
3h23
22:07 Charleroi-Sud1 change
Eurostar9486+SNCB384318:44 Cologne Hbf
3h30
22:14 Marchienne-au-Pont1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Cologne to Charleroi trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as SNCB, Eurostar, Regional-Express and more offer trains services from Cologne to Charleroi.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Charleroi.

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 SNCB, Eurostar or Regional-Express to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Charleroi.
  • 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 Charleroi.

Why book with Omio over Trainline, Wanderu or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of SNCB, Eurostar or Regional-Express to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Charleroi.
  • 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 Charleroi.

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, SNCB, Eurostar, Regional-Express from Cologne to Charleroi trainsDeutsche Bahn, SNCB, Eurostar, Regional-Express trains will get you between Cologne and Charleroi from £11. 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
2h 18m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£28
Deutsche Bahn frequency
7 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.
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

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
2h 37m
Cheapest Eurostar Price
£62
Eurostar frequency
4 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

Regional-Express

About
Regional-Express (RE, or REX in Austria) is a type of regional train service found in Germany, Luxembourg, and Austria. It functions as a semi-fast train, making fewer stops than a Regionalbahn or S-Bahn but more than an Intercity or Intercity Express. RE services typically reach top speeds of 160 km/h, with some reaching 200 km/h on high-speed lines. While initially operated by DB Regio, many lines are now run by various private operators. These trains often use double-deck cars with electric or diesel locomotives.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Regional-Express Duration
3h 54m
Cheapest Regional-Express Price
£53
Regional-Express frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type
Refund
Full refund for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory, available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs need ticket and muzzle
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 21m
Cheapest SNCB Price
£51
SNCB frequency
6 a day

Complete guide to Charleroi

Things to do in Charleroi

Discover the best of Charleroi — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Charleroi trip today.

  • Must visit

Musée de la Photographie

Major photography museum in a former convent, with strong permanent collections and changing exhibitions in a calm setting.

  • Must visit

Bois du Cazier

Industrial heritage museum on a former mine site, combining exhibitions with preserved workshops and memorial spaces.

  • Recommended

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Charleroi

Fine arts museum presenting Belgian and regional art, useful for understanding local culture through painting and sculpture.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Belgium: accommodation and dining are mid-priced, while local buses and trains are fairly reasonable for visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
€20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
€2.50-4 for a cappuccino or similar coffee.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxi fares can be rounded up; small change is fine in cafés.

Best day trips from Charleroi by train

The most popular day trips by train from Charleroi are Brussels, Namur, Mons, Liège and Ghent. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Charleroi on Omio.

A view of Brussels

Day trip from Charleroi to Brussels by train

Why visit Brussels for the day?

Brussels mixes stately squares and Art Nouveau buildings with a relaxed café culture and multilingual character. Known as Belgium’s capital and a hub of European politics, it is also closely associated with waffles, chocolate and comic art.

How to get from Charleroi to Brussels by train?

There are 21 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 49 km distance in 49m.

A view of Namur

Day trip from Charleroi to Namur by train

Why visit Namur for the day?

Namur, capital of Wallonia, is known for its Citadel above the meeting of the Meuse and Sambre. Its old town, riverside setting and French-speaking character give it a calm, historic feel.

How to get from Charleroi to Namur by train?

There are 17 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:20, the last at 23:37. The fastest train covers the 31 km distance in 30m.

A view of Mons

Day trip from Charleroi to Mons by train

Why visit Mons for the day?

Mons is known for its Grand-Place, UNESCO-listed belfry and the annual Ducasse festival. Medieval streets, museums and student energy give the city a cultured but relaxed feel.

How to get from Charleroi to Mons by train?

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:37, the last at 23:11. The fastest train covers the 35 km distance in 30m.

A view of Liège

Day trip from Charleroi to Liège by train

Why visit Liège for the day?

Liège is a lively Walloon city on the Meuse, known for its industrial heritage and strong food culture. Historic streets, busy markets and the Montagne de Bueren give it an energetic, down-to-earth character.

How to get from Charleroi to Liège by train?

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:01, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 83 km distance in 1h 16m.

A view of Ghent

Day trip from Charleroi to Ghent by train

Why visit Ghent for the day?

Ghent is known for its canals, medieval centre and lively student atmosphere. Historic quays, Gravensteen and Saint Bavo's Cathedral give the city a cultured yet relaxed character.

How to get from Charleroi to Ghent by train?

The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 88 km distance in 1h 17m.

FAQs: Cologne to Charleroi train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Charleroi can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £28, while the average price tends to be around £65.
The train journey from Cologne to Charleroi covers a distance of 186 km and takes approximately 2h 18m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Cologne to Charleroi is 186 km.
The first train from Cologne to Charleroi leaves at 0:15.
The last train from Cologne to Charleroi departs at 23:37.
Trains from Cologne to Charleroi run approximately 7 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Charleroi.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Charleroi.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Charleroi is Cologne Hbf, and it arrives at Charleroi-Sud.
Booking trains from Cologne to Charleroi in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cologne to Charleroi offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, including views of the lush Belgian countryside and charming small towns, making it a moderately scenic route.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Charleroi.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Charleroi

Most Cologne to Charleroi trains use the Köln Hbf to Charleroi-Sud station pair, with some services arriving at Marchienne-au-Pont. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Charleroi train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Charleroi

Which Cologne station do trains to Charleroi leave from?

Trains from Cologne to Charleroi leave from Köln Hbf. The station is 1 km from Cologne city centre at Trankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany.
Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, GermanyWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre

Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 16m · £7 · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · £5 · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · £5 · every ~14 min

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.

Köln/Bonn FlughafenKöln/Bonn Flughafen, Waldstraße 247, 51147 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre

Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe · 17m · £4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 21m · £4
Re · 23m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 29m · £5

Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services

Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Köln-EhrenfeldKöln-Ehrenfeld, Stammstr. 1, 50968 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln-Ehrenfeld from Cologne city centre

Köln-Ehrenfeld is 3 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe · 5m · every ~3 min
Re8, Rb27, Re9, Rb38, S19, S12 · 6m · £1 · every ~21 min
BusRb38, Re8, Rb27, S19 · 18m · £4
142 · 18m · every ~7 min
Subway3, 4 · 9m · £2 · every ~25 min

Köln-Ehrenfeld train station facilities and services

Köln-Ehrenfeld 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: I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato, Burger King, Café Franck, Eichendorf

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. ATMs are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. Information desks are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln-Ehrenfeld: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln-Ehrenfeld: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Kölnotel, Black Hotels.

More options for your journey from Cologne to Charleroi

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

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