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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Charleroi
Showing times and prices for 04 Dec
Cheapest price
£64
Average price
£69
Fastest journey
2 h 54 m
Average duration
2 h 54 m
Trains per day
3
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 £69 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £64.
Fast trains
To travel from Cologne to Charleroi you need to make at least one change.
ICE 316 · IC 453209:412h55
Cologne Hbf12:36Charleroi-Sud
£641One-way
1 change
ICE 314 · IC 453613:422h54
Cologne Hbf16:36Charleroi-Sud
£711One-way
1 change
ICE 16 · IC 453411:422h54
Cologne Hbf14:36Charleroi-Sud
£711One-way
1 change
ICE 314 · IC 453613:422h54
Cologne Hbf16:36Charleroi-Sud
£711One-way
1 change
ICE 16 · IC 453411:422h54
Cologne Hbf14:36Charleroi-Sud
£711One-way
1 change
ICE 316 · IC 453209:412h55
Cologne Hbf12:36Charleroi-Sud
£641One-way
1 change
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne to Charleroi
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Charleroi 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 2h 55m. 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 £8, and a flight costs an average of £204.
Distance: 186 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£62 Average Price | £18 Average Price Cheapest | £492 Average Price |
3h 25m Average total duration Fastest 2h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 36m Average total duration 3h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 8m Average total duration 4h 8m 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 Charleroi train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Charleroi trains for tomorrow, Thursday 4 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 17:33
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 316 · IC 4532 | On time 08:41 Cologne Hbf | 2h55 | 11:36 Charleroi-Sud | 1 change | |
| ICE 16 · IC 4534 | On time 10:42 Cologne Hbf | 2h54 | 13:36 Charleroi-Sud | 1 change | |
| ICE 314 · IC 4536 | On time 12:42 Cologne Hbf | 2h54 | 15:36 Charleroi-Sud | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Charleroi 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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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Charleroi?
The best time to book your train from Cologne to Charleroi is 4 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cologne to Charleroi route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cologne to Charleroi per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cologne to Charleroi.
Trains
from £17Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Charleroi
Germany
Belgium
Trains from Cologne to Charleroi run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £28 but you can travel from only £8 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 23:37. The fastest train covers the 186 km distance in 2h 27m.
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 186 km |
Average train duration 2h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price £28 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 27m |
First train 00:15 |
Last train 23:37 |
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, PKP Intercity, Eurostar, National Express from Cologne to Charleroi trainsDeutsche Bahn, PKP Intercity, Eurostar, National Express trains will get you between Cologne and Charleroi 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
2h 27m
Cheapest Price
£39
Deutsche Bahn frequency
3 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
PKP Intercity
About
Intercity is a broad classification for express train services that connect cities over longer distances than commuter or regional trains, often with limited stops and comfortable carriages for long-distance travel. The term \InterCity\" originated with British Rail in 1966 for its electrified West Coast Main Line services.Today, \"Intercity\" or \"IC\" is a brand name used by various railway operators across Europe and other parts of the world, including PKP Intercity in Poland, Trenitalia in Italy, and services in countries like Sweden and Ukraine. These trains typically offer both Standard and First Class seating, with amenities such as power sockets and luggage space. While some Intercity services are modern and high-speed, others may use older rolling stock, with speeds generally up to 160 km/h (100 mph)."
Luggage & cancellation policy
PKP Intercity frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage up to 30kg total
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with hot meals and snacks, trolley service in some trains. But do not count on the presence of a buffet car. So if having access to food and drink on the train is important to you, it’s best to bring your own refreshments onboard.
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price for most routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket
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 58m
Cheapest Price
£28
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
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
3h 0m
Cheapest Price
£51
National Express frequency
1 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.
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.
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 £62.
In Charleroi, you can enjoy the Charleroi Street Art Tour, exploring vibrant murals and urban art. Visit Rive Gauche for shopping and dining, or catch a game or concert at the Spiroudome. Relax at Parc Reine Astrid or explore the nature reserve at Les Aulniats. Discover the historical Bois du Cazier, a UNESCO site, and the Musée de la Photographie. Experience contemporary dance at Charleroi Danses and admire art at BPS22. Don't miss the stunning architecture of Saint-Christophe Church.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Charleroi is by coach, costing approximately £8.
A visit to Charleroi typically requires 1 to 2 days to explore its main attractions such as the Photography Museum and the Bois du Cazier, while allowing time to enjoy local dining and shopping experiences.
The train distance from Cologne to Charleroi is 186 km.
The last train from Cologne to Charleroi departs at 23:37.
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.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Charleroi.
The train journey from Cologne to Charleroi covers a distance of 186 km and takes approximately 2h 27m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Charleroi is Cologne Hbf, and it arrives at Charleroi-Sud.
The first train from Cologne to Charleroi leaves at 0:15.
Trains from Cologne to Charleroi run approximately 6 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Charleroi.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Charleroi.
To get from Cologne to Charleroi, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
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.
A day trip from Cologne to Charleroi is not feasible, as the journey takes 2h 27m. However, there are 6 train connections per day for this route, covering a distance of 186 km.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Charleroi
Cologne
Charleroi
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 Charleroi.
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.
Köln-Ehrenfeld
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
Hotel
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
Köln/Bonn Flughafen
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Distance to city center
13 kmDining
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
The major train station for arrivals in Charleroi is Charleroi-Sud. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Charleroi-Sud for your journey to Charleroi from Cologne.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Number of platforms
10Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Access via Rue de la Villette.
Dining
- La Manufacture Urbaine
- Le Pain Quotidien
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Ramps.
WC
- €0.50
Hotel
- Ibis Charleroi Centre Gare
- Leonardo Hotel Charleroi City Center
- Novotel Charleroi Centre
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-6 for international and intercity trains
- Hall 2: platform 7-10 for local and regional trains
Public transport options for Charleroi-Sud
- Bus: TEC lines 1, 3, 4, 18
- Metro: Line M1, Line M2
Marchienne-au-Pont
Amenities at train station
DiningBike ParkingRoux
Amenities at train station
DiningBike ParkingMore options for your journey from Cologne to Charleroi
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Charleroi and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Charleroi
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