- Must visit
AfricaMuseum
Modern museum in nearby Tervuren with Central Africa collections, noted architecture, and broad historical and cultural displays within easy reach of Zaventem.
Cheapest price on 07 Sept
£31
Average ticket price on 07 Sept
£42
Fastest journey on 07 Sept
2 h 12 m
Average journey duration on 07 Sept
2 h 19 m
Trains on 07 Sept
2
Distance
174 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Zaventem is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Zaventem will cost around £42 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £31.
On Mon 07 Sept, we found 2 trains from Cologne to Zaventem, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 174 km distance in an average of 2 h 19 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 12 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 25 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Zaventem among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £26 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 41m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £26, while a flight costs an average of £214.
Distance: 174 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£45 Average Price | £26 Average Price Cheapest | £214 Average Price | £30 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 41m Average total duration Fastest 2h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 53m Average total duration 8h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 30m Average total duration 4h 30m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Zaventem:
A coach is £19 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Zaventem costing on average £45.
A coach is £188 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Zaventem costing on average £214.
Other travel options to Zaventem take longer:
Flight takes on average 4h 30m.
Coach takes on average 8h 23m.
You'll arrive about 11m sooner (2h 11m by train vs 2h 22m by car). Tickets start at around £45 compared to roughly £30 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Zaventem trains for today, Sunday 6 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9486+ 1919 | 18:44 Cologne Hbf | 2h34 | 21:18 Zaventem station | 1 change | |
| Monday 7 September | |||||
![]() | 6:39 Cologne | 2h25 | 9:04 Zaventem | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:43 Cologne | 2h12 | 10:55 Zaventem | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cologne to Zaventem run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £37 but you can travel from only £26 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 174 km distance in 2h 10m.
Distance 174 km |
Average train duration 2h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price £37 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 10m |
First train 0:02 |
Last train 23:57 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Zaventem — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Zaventem trip today.
Modern museum in nearby Tervuren with Central Africa collections, noted architecture, and broad historical and cultural displays within easy reach of Zaventem.
Museum on military aviation and air history at nearby Brussels Airport sites, appealing to aircraft enthusiasts and visitors interested in Belgian aviation heritage.
Museum in nearby Diegem dedicated to René Magritte, offering insight into the artist’s life and links to the local area in an intimate setting.
Main airport terminal area with public spaces, shops, and a busy international atmosphere, useful for plane spotting and observing airport life.
Large urban park and woodland near Zaventem, popular for walks, jogging, and a relaxed break in green surroundings close to the city edge.
Historic avenue through the Sonian Forest edge, pleasant for walking and cycling, with broad views and easy access from the Zaventem area.
Crisp twice-fried Belgian chips, traditionally served in a paper cone with mayonnaise. A national staple found in snack bars across the Brussels area.
Mussels steamed with white wine, celery and onion, commonly eaten with chips. A classic Belgian brasserie dish popular around Brussels.
Slow-cooked beef stew braised with dark Belgian beer and onions. It is a comforting, traditional pub dish in Flanders and Brussels.
Reliable local Italian restaurant with a long-standing reputation, offering pasta, meat and fish in a warm neighbourhood setting.
Established airport-area restaurant known for Belgian and French dishes in a polished, business-friendly setting near Brussels Airport.
Popular brasserie in Zaventem serving Belgian classics and grills in a relaxed, traditional atmosphere suitable for casual meals.
Moderate for Belgium. Hotels near Brussels Airport cost more, but local dining and trains are manageable for most travellers.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great service. Taxis can be rounded up; cafés often just round to the nearest euro.
Official public transport app
Brussels Airport-Zaventem railway station -> Bruxelles-Central, Brussels
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Zaventem 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 Zaventem, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Zaventem trains use the Köln Hbf to Brussels Airport-Zaventem station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Zaventem train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
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 storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Köln-Ehrenfeld is 3 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato, Burger King, Café Franck, Eichendorf
Wi-Fi is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. ATMs are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.
Ticket office support is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. Information desks are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.
Luggage storage is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln-Ehrenfeld: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln-Ehrenfeld: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.
Nearby hotels include Kölnotel, Black Hotels.
Zaventem has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Belair, Black Pearls
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zaventem. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zaventem. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zaventem: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zaventem: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zaventem: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel, Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport, NH Brussels Airport.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need