Cologne to Leuven train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE)

Tue 20 Oct
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Deutsche Bahn
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Eurostar
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Leuven

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Oct

Cheapest price on 20 Oct

£34

Average ticket price on 20 Oct

£51

Fastest journey on 20 Oct

1 h 33 m

Average journey duration on 20 Oct

1 h 45 m

Trains on 20 Oct

23

Distance

158 km

Cheap tickets

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 £51 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £34.

Fast trains

On Tue 20 Oct, we found 23 trains from Cologne to Leuven, including 1 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 158 km distance in an average of 1 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 33 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 49 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.

  • Deutsche BahnICE 318 · IC 545 · IC 5726
    21:427h41
    Cologne Hbf
    5:23Heverlee
    £341One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 318 · IC 545
    21:421h54
    Cologne Hbf
    23:36Leuven station
    £341One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnICE 10 · IC 543 · IC 5743
    19:432h40
    Cologne Hbf
    22:23Heverlee
    £431One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 10 · IC 543
    19:431h49
    Cologne Hbf
    21:32Leuven station
    £431One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnICE 16 · IC 535
    11:431h49
    Cologne Hbf
    13:32Leuven station
    £451One-way
    1 change

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Leuven

GermanyGermany
BelgiumBelgium
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Leuven run on average 10 times per day, taking around 1h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £16 but you can travel from only £9 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 158 km distance in 1h 26m.

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 £9
Distance
158 km
Average train duration
1h 48m
Cheapest ticket price
£16
Trains per day
10
Fastest train
1h 26m
First train
0:15
Last train
23:58
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Fri
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 £9

Live departures

Cologne to Leuven train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Leuven trains for today, Monday 19 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 318 · IC 545 · IC 5726
On time
21:42 Cologne Hbf
7h41
5:23 Heverlee
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 318 · IC 545
On time
21:42 Cologne Hbf
1h54
23:36 Leuven station
1 change
Deutsche Bahn26836 · Bus RE18 · 32005 · 1890623:15 Cologne Hbf
8h44
7:59 Heverlee5 changes
Deutsche Bahn26836 · Bus RE18 · 32005 · 1890623:15 Cologne Hbf
8h17
7:32 Leuven station4 changes
Tuesday 20 October
Eurostar9414+SNCB5306:39 Cologne Hbf
1h53
8:32 Leuven station1 change
Eurostar9426+SNCB5328:37 Cologne Hbf
1h55
10:32 Leuven station1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 316 · IC 533 · R 3082
On time
9:43 Cologne Hbf
2h16
11:59 Heverlee
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 316 · IC 533
On time
9:43 Cologne Hbf
1h49
11:32 Leuven station
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 16 · IC 535
On time
11:43 Cologne Hbf
1h49
13:32 Leuven station
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 16 · IC 535 · R 3084
On time
11:43 Cologne Hbf
2h16
13:59 Heverlee
2 changes
Eurostar9450+SNCB53612:39 Cologne Hbf
1h53
14:32 Leuven station1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 314 · IC 537 · R 3086
On time
13:42 Cologne Hbf
2h17
15:59 Heverlee
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 314 · IC 537
On time
13:42 Cologne Hbf
1h50
15:32 Leuven station
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 310
On time
14:38 Cologne Hbf
1h33
16:11 Leuven station
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 310 · IC 5737
On time
14:38 Cologne Hbf
1h45
16:23 Heverlee
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 14 · IC 539
On time
15:41 Cologne Hbf
1h51
17:32 Leuven station
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 14 · IC 539 · R 3088
On time
15:41 Cologne Hbf
2h18
17:59 Heverlee
2 changes
Eurostar9474+SNCB54016:43 Cologne Hbf
1h49
18:32 Leuven station1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 12 · IC 541 · IC 5741
On time
17:43 Cologne Hbf
2h40
20:23 Heverlee
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 12 · IC 541
On time
17:43 Cologne Hbf
1h49
19:32 Leuven station
1 change
Eurostar9486+SNCB54218:44 Cologne Hbf
1h48
20:32 Leuven station1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 10 · IC 543 · IC 5743
On time
19:43 Cologne Hbf
2h40
22:23 Heverlee
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 10 · IC 543
On time
19:43 Cologne Hbf
1h49
21:32 Leuven station
1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Cologne to Leuven trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Eurostar offer trains services from Cologne to Leuven.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Leuven.

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 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 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.

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar from Cologne to Leuven trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar trains will get you between Cologne and Leuven from £9. 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
1h 26m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£16
Deutsche Bahn frequency
8 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
1h 31m
Cheapest Eurostar Price
£46
Eurostar frequency
6 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

Complete guide to Leuven

Things to do in Leuven

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

  • Must visit

M Leuven

City museum in a historic building opposite Saint Peter’s Church, presenting Leuven’s art, history and changing urban story.

  • Recommended

PARCUM

Museum inside Park Abbey exploring religion, art and heritage through objects linked to faith, ritual and monastic life.

  • Recommended

KU Leuven Universiteitsmuseum

University museum combining science, culture and academic heritage, with engaging displays that suit curious visitors and families.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Belgium: rooms, dining and drinks are cheaper than Brussels, but tourist stays and central eating out still add up; local buses are fairly affordable.

Average meal costs

Budget
€10-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
€20-35 per person for a meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
€3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis are often rounded up. In cafés, small change is enough.

Best day trips from Leuven by train

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

A view of Brussels

Day trip from Leuven 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 Leuven to Brussels by train?

There are 76 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 25 km distance in 14m.

A view of Antwerp

Day trip from Leuven to Antwerp by train

Why visit Antwerp for the day?

Antwerp is known for diamonds, fashion and the baroque legacy of Rubens. Its compact centre pairs grand guild houses and lively squares with a creative, modern waterfront.

How to get from Leuven to Antwerp by train?

There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 43 km distance in 35m.

A view of Ghent

Day trip from Leuven 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 Leuven to Ghent by train?

There are 23 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 71 km distance in 54m.

A view of Bruges

Day trip from Leuven to Bruges by train

Why visit Bruges for the day?

Bruges is known for its canals, cobbled streets and well-preserved medieval centre. Gothic buildings, Flemish art and a slower pace give the city a calm, historic character.

How to get from Leuven to Bruges by train?

There are 15 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:52, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 110 km distance in 1h 22m.

A view of Liège

Day trip from Leuven 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 Leuven to Liège by train?

There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:51, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 67 km distance in 28m.

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Leuven can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £16, while the average price tends to be around £50.
The train journey from Cologne to Leuven covers a distance of 158 km and takes approximately 1h 26m. Trains run 10 per day.
The train distance from Cologne to Leuven is 158 km.
The first train from Cologne to Leuven leaves at 0:15.
The last train from Cologne to Leuven departs at 23:58.
Trains from Cologne to Leuven run approximately 10 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Leuven.
Yes, there is a night train from Cologne to Leuven.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Leuven is Cologne Hbf, and it arrives at Leuven station.
Booking trains from Cologne to Leuven 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 Leuven offers pleasant views of the German and Belgian countryside, featuring rolling hills, quaint villages, and picturesque landscapes, particularly as you pass through the Eifel region.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Leuven.

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.

Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Leuven

Which Cologne station do trains to Leuven leave from?

Trains from Cologne to Leuven 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 Leuven

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