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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Leuven
Cheapest price
£54
Average price
£68
Fastest journey
2 h 32 m
Average duration
2 h 48 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
158 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Leuven is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Leuven will cost around £68 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £54.
To travel from Cologne to Leuven you need to make at least one change.
S19 · 91996 · ICE 314 · IC 53712:583h01Cologne Hbf15:59Heverlee£541One-way4 changes- S19 · 91996 · ICE 314 · IC 53712:582h32Cologne Hbf15:30Leuven station£541One-way3 changes
- S19 · 92044 · ICE 14 · IC 53914:583h01Cologne Hbf17:59Heverlee£731One-way4 changes
- S19 · 92044 · ICE 14 · IC 53914:582h32Cologne Hbf17:30Leuven station£731One-way3 changes
- ICE 14 · IC 539 · R 308814:353h24Cologne Hbf17:59Heverlee£751One-way2 changes
- S19 · 91996 · ICE 314 · IC 53712:582h32Cologne Hbf15:30Leuven station£541One-way3 changes
- S19 · 92044 · ICE 14 · IC 53914:582h32Cologne Hbf17:30Leuven station£731One-way3 changes
- ICE 14 · IC 53914:352h55Cologne Hbf17:30Leuven station£751One-way1 change
- S19 · 91996 · ICE 314 · IC 53712:583h01Cologne Hbf15:59Heverlee£541One-way4 changes
- S19 · 92044 · ICE 14 · IC 53914:583h01Cologne Hbf17:59Heverlee£731One-way4 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne to Leuven
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Leuven among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 45m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £10, and a flight costs an average of £161.
Distance: 158 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£52 Average Price | £16 Average Price Cheapest | £438 Average Price |
2h 15m Average total duration Fastest 1h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 36m Average total duration 3h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 42m Average total duration 5h 42m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg 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 Leuven train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Leuven trains for tomorrow, Saturday 18 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S19 · 91996 · ICE 314 · IC 537 | 12:58 Cologne Hbf | 3h01 | 15:59 Heverlee | 4 changes | |
| S19 · 91996 · ICE 314 · IC 537 | 12:58 Cologne Hbf | 2h32 | 15:30 Leuven station | 3 changes | |
| ICE 14 · IC 539 · R 3088 | On time 14:35 Cologne Hbf | 3h24 | 17:59 Heverlee | 2 changes | |
| ICE 14 · IC 539 | On time 14:35 Cologne Hbf | 2h55 | 17:30 Leuven station | 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 Leuven 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 Jul
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24 Jul
Why should you book Cologne to Leuven 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 or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Leuven.
- 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 Leuven.
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 or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Leuven.
- 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 Leuven.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Leuven?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Leuven
Germany
Belgium
Trains from Cologne to Leuven run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £35 but you can travel from only £10 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 158 km distance in 1h 44m.
Distance 158 km |
Average train duration 1h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price £35 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 1h 44m |
First train 0:15 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 42 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Leuven trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Leuven from £10. 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
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Cologne to Leuven train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Leuven 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 Leuven, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Leuven
Most Cologne to Leuven trains use the Köln Hbf to Leuven station pair, with some services arriving at Heverlee. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Leuven train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Cologne station do trains to Leuven leave from?
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 Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Köln-Ehrenfeld from Cologne city centre
Köln-Ehrenfeld is 3 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Which Leuven station do trains from Cologne arrive at?
Getting to Leuven from Leuven city centre
Leuven is 1 km from Leuven city centre. Public transport options include:
Leuven train station facilities and services
Leuven has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: De Klimop, Domus
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Leuven. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Leuven. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Leuven: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Leuven: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Leuven: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel La Royale, Park Inn by Radisson Leuven, Hotel Mille Colonnes.
Getting to Heverlee from Leuven city centre
Heverlee is 1 km from Leuven city centre. Public transport options include:
Heverlee train station facilities and services
Heverlee has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Heverlee.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Heverlee.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Heverlee: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Heverlee: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Heverlee.
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Leuven
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leuven and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Leuven
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