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

Wed 14 Oct
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Deutsche Bahn
Eurostar
VIAS Rail GmbH
Intercity
Avanti West Coast
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Deutsche Bahn
Eurostar
VIAS Rail GmbH
Intercity
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Ghent to Cologne

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 14 Oct

Cheapest price on 14 Oct

£28

Average ticket price on 14 Oct

£61

Fastest journey on 14 Oct

2 h 33 m

Average journey duration on 14 Oct

2 h 34 m

Trains on 14 Oct

12

Distance

227 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Ghent to Cologne will cost around £61 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £28.

Fast trains

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

  • Deutsche BahnIC 2804 · ICE 11
    5:412h35
    Ghent St Pieters
    8:16Cologne Hbf
    £281One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2806 · ICE 13
    7:412h35
    Ghent St Pieters
    10:16Cologne Hbf
    £371One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2816 · ICE 19
    17:412h34
    Ghent St Pieters
    20:15Cologne Hbf
    £511One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnIC 520 · R 18981 · S19
    21:256h17
    Ghent St Pieters
    3:42Cologne Hbf
    £591One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnIC 519 · R 18977 · 26843
    20:254h18
    Ghent St Pieters
    0:43Cologne Hbf
    £591One-way
    2 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Ghent to Cologne

BelgiumBelgium
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Ghent to Cologne run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 227 km distance in 1h 49m.

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 £13
Distance
227 km
Average train duration
2h 35m
Cheapest ticket price
£17
Trains per day
4
Fastest train
1h 49m
First train
0:03
Last train
23:48
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
42 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 £13

Live departures

Ghent to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Ghent to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday 13 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnIC 2814 · ICE 317
On time
15:41 Ghent St Pieters
2h34
18:15 Cologne Hbf
1 change
SNCB2815+Eurostar945916:41 Ghent St Pieters
2h34
19:15 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2816 · ICE 19
On time
17:41 Ghent St Pieters
2h34
20:15 Cologne Hbf
1 change
SNCB2817+Eurostar947118:41 Ghent St Pieters
2h34
21:15 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2818 · ICE 319
On time
19:41 Ghent St Pieters
2h29
22:10 Cologne-Ehrenfeld
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2804 · ICE 11
On time
5:41 Ghent St Pieters
2h35
8:16 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2806 · ICE 13
On time
7:41 Ghent St Pieters
2h35
10:16 Cologne Hbf
1 change
SNCB7013+Eurostar94117:46 Ghent-Dampoort
3h29
11:15 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2808 · ICE 15
On time
9:41 Ghent St Pieters
2h34
12:15 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2810 · ICE 315
On time
11:41 Ghent St Pieters
2h34
14:15 Cologne Hbf
1 change
SNCB2811+Eurostar943512:41 Ghent St Pieters
2h33
15:14 Cologne Hbf1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Ghent to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Eurostar, VIAS Rail GmbH, Intercity and more offer trains services from Ghent to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ghent to Cologne.

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, VIAS Rail GmbH or Intercity to find the best option for your trip from Ghent to Cologne.
  • 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 Ghent to Cologne.

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, VIAS Rail GmbH or Intercity to find the best option for your trip from Ghent to Cologne.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Ghent to Cologne.

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, VIAS Rail GmbH, Intercity from Ghent to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, VIAS Rail GmbH, Intercity trains will get you between Ghent and Cologne from £13. 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 11m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£28
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.
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 49m
Cheapest Eurostar Price
£17
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

VIAS Rail GmbH

About
VIAS Rail GmbH is a German rail service company based in Frankfurt, operating passenger rail services in the states of Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and North Rhine-Westphalia. The name \VIAS\" is derived from the Latin word \"via\" (way) and \"S\" for service. VIAS Rail GmbH operates numerous regional train lines, including services on the Odenwald Railway network and lines in the Rhein-Main Gebiet. They utilize various train types, such as Bombardier Itino and Stadler FLIRT vehicles. The company is a subsidiary of the RATH Group."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average VIAS Rail GmbH Duration
5h 11m
Cheapest VIAS Rail GmbH Price
£90
VIAS Rail GmbH frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snack and beverage service available
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

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
Average Intercity Duration
4h 11m
Cheapest Intercity Price
£47
Intercity frequency
1 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

Complete guide to Cologne

Things to do in Cologne

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

  • Must visit

Museum Ludwig

Important collection of modern and contemporary art near the cathedral, including Pop Art and post-war works. A staple for art-focused visitors.

  • Must visit

Römisch-Germanisches Museum

Archaeological museum built around Roman remains, especially the Dionysus mosaic. Excellent for understanding Cologne’s Roman origins.

  • Recommended

Museum Schnütgen

Major art museum with medieval painting, sculpture and applied arts. A strong choice for seeing Cologne’s artistic heritage in one place.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak periods, but dining and public transport are broadly manageable for most city-break budgets.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
€18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
€2.80-4.50 for a coffee.

Tipping culture

Service is often included, but it is usual to round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants. Round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés if service was good.

FAQs: Ghent to Cologne train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Ghent to Cologne can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £17, while the average price tends to be around £63.
The train journey from Ghent to Cologne covers a distance of 227 km and takes approximately 1h 49m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from Ghent to Cologne is 227 km.
The first train from Ghent to Cologne leaves at 0:03.
The last train from Ghent to Cologne departs at 23:48.
Trains from Ghent to Cologne run approximately 4 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Ghent to Cologne.
There is no night train service from Ghent to Cologne.
The train station in Ghent that goes to Cologne is Ghent St Pieters, and it arrives at Cologne Hbf.
Booking trains from Ghent to Cologne in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Ghent to Cologne offers a variety of landscapes, including the picturesque countryside of Belgium and parts of the scenic German Rhineland, making it a pleasant visual experience.
Yes, you can take the train from Ghent to Cologne.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Ghent and Cologne

Most Ghent to Cologne trains use the Gent St Pieters to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Use this guide to compare Ghent and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Ghent
Arrival train stations in Cologne

Which Ghent station do trains to Cologne leave from?

Trains from Ghent to Cologne leave from Gent St Pieters. The station is 2 km from Ghent city centre at Koningin Maria Hendrikaplein, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
Gent St PietersKoningin Maria Hendrikaplein, 9000 Ghent, Belgium+32 2 528 28 28WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Gent St Pieters from Ghent city centre

Gent St Pieters is 1 km from Ghent city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus60 · 8m · £3 · every ~3 min
TramT1, Gf, T3, T4 · 14m · £3 · every ~32 min

Gent St Pieters train station facilities and services

Gent St Pieters has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: De Graslei, Restaurant Patrick Foley's

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Gent St Pieters. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Gent St Pieters. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Gent St Pieters: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Gent St Pieters: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Gent St Pieters: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include NH Gent Sint Pieters, Hotel Carlton, Astoria Hotel Gent.

Gent-DampoortKasteellaan 447, 9000 Ghent, Belgium+32 9 241 22 11WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Gent-Dampoort from Ghent city centre

Gent-Dampoort is 1 km from Ghent city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus10, 11, 12a, 12b · 9m · £3 · every ~20 min

Gent-Dampoort train station facilities and services

Gent-Dampoort 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, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: De Graslei, Amadeus Ghent 1

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Gent-Dampoort. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Gent-Dampoort. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Gent-Dampoort: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Gent-Dampoort: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Gent-Dampoort: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Adagio Access Gent Centrum Dampoort, Hotel Cathedral, Ibis Gent Centrum St-Baafs Kathedraal.

WondelgemWondelgemstationplein 36, 9032 Gent, BelgiumDiningWCBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Wondelgem from Ghent city centre

Wondelgem is 4 km from Ghent city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS51, L, S52 · 6m · £0.89 · every ~2 min
Bus5a, G56, 55, 562, 563, 564, 565, 56 · 11m · £3 · every ~33 min
5b, 55, 562, 563, 564, 565, 56 · 18m · £3 · every ~18 min
56, 5b, 55, G56, 565, 562, 563, 564 · 23m · £3 · every ~19 min
5a, 55, 562, 563, 564, 565, 56 · 24m · £3 · every ~31 min

Wondelgem train station facilities and services

Wondelgem has practical services for this route, including Dining, WC, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Wondelgem.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Wondelgem: WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Wondelgem: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

More options for your journey from Ghent to Cologne

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

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