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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leuven to Cologne
Showing times and prices for 05 Jun
Cheapest price
£35
Average price
£47
Fastest journey
1 h 47 m
Average duration
1 h 48 m
Trains per day
18
Distance
158 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leuven to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leuven to Cologne will cost around £47 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £35.
Fast trains
To travel from Leuven to Cologne you need to make at least one change.
IC 518 · ICE 31920:271h48Leuven station22:15Cologne Hbf£351One-way1 change- R 3069 · IC 518 · ICE 31920:032h12Heverlee22:15Cologne Hbf£351One-way2 changes
- IC 516 · ICE 1918:271h48Leuven station20:15Cologne Hbf£371One-way1 change
- R 3067 · IC 516 · ICE 1918:032h12Heverlee20:15Cologne Hbf£371One-way2 changes
- R 3064 · IC 513 · ICE 111315:032h12Heverlee17:15Cologne Hbf£381One-way2 changes
511+
943513:271h47Leuven station15:14Cologne Hbf£671One-way1 change- IC 510 · ICE 31512:271h48Leuven station14:15Cologne Hbf£561One-way1 change
- IC 508 · ICE 1510:271h48Leuven station12:15Cologne Hbf£511One-way1 change
- 509+942311:271h48Leuven station13:15Cologne Hbf£581One-way1 change
- IC 514 · ICE 31716:271h48Leuven station18:15Cologne Hbf£471One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Leuven to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leuven to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 40m. 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 £11, and a flight costs an average of £228.
Distance: 158 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£56 Average Price | £18 Average Price Cheapest | £500 Average Price |
2h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 34m Average total duration 3h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 23m Average total duration 5h 23m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Leuven to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Leuven to Cologne trains for today, Thursday 4 June. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R 3055 · IC 504 · ICE 11 | On time 6:03 Heverlee | 2h13 | 8:16 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
| IC 504 · ICE 11 | On time 6:25 Leuven station | 1h51 | 8:16 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| R 3057 · IC 506 · ICE 13 | On time 8:03 Heverlee | 2h13 | 10:16 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
| IC 506 · ICE 13 | On time 8:27 Leuven station | 1h49 | 10:16 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| R 3059 · IC 508 · ICE 15 | On time 10:03 Heverlee | 2h12 | 12:15 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
| IC 508 · ICE 15 | On time 10:27 Leuven station | 1h48 | 12:15 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| R 3061 · IC 510 · ICE 315 | On time 12:03 Heverlee | 2h12 | 14:15 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
| IC 510 · ICE 315 | On time 12:27 Leuven station | 1h48 | 14:15 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| R 3063 · IC 512 · ICE 17 | On time 14:03 Heverlee | 2h12 | 16:15 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
| IC 512 · ICE 17 | On time 14:27 Leuven station | 1h48 | 16:15 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| R 3064 · IC 513 · ICE 1113 | On time 15:03 Heverlee | 2h12 | 17:15 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
| IC 513 · ICE 1113 | On time 15:27 Leuven station | 1h48 | 17:15 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| R 3065 · IC 514 · ICE 317 | On time 16:03 Heverlee | 2h12 | 18:15 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
| IC 514 · ICE 317 | On time 16:27 Leuven station | 1h48 | 18:15 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| R 3067 · IC 516 · ICE 19 | On time 18:03 Heverlee | 2h12 | 20:15 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
| IC 516 · ICE 19 | On time 18:27 Leuven station | 1h48 | 20:15 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| R 3069 · IC 518 · ICE 319 | On time 20:03 Heverlee | 2h12 | 22:15 Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
| IC 518 · ICE 319 | On time 20:27 Leuven station | 1h48 | 22:15 Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
| IC 5720 · IC 520 · 18981 · Bus RE18 | 21:36 Heverlee | 6h04 | 3:40 Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
| IC 520 · 18981 · Bus RE18 · S19 | 22:26 Leuven station | 5h14 | 3:40 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
| IC 5722 · IC 522 · R 5005 · 26809 | 23:36 Heverlee | 8h08 | 7:44 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Leuven to Cologne 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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Why should you book Leuven to Cologne trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as Eurostar or SNCB offer trains services from Leuven to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leuven 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 or SNCB to find the best option for your trip from Leuven 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 Leuven 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 or SNCB to find the best option for your trip from Leuven 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 Leuven to Cologne.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Leuven to Cologne
Belgium
Germany
Trains from Leuven to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £36 but you can travel from only £11 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:51, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 158 km distance in 1h 40m.
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 £11
Distance 158 km |
Average train duration 1h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price £36 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 1h 40m |
First train 0:51 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 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 £11
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, SNCB from Leuven to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, SNCB trains will get you between Leuven and Cologne from £11. 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
1h 40m
Cheapest Price
£36
Deutsche Bahn frequency
7 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
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
1h 47m
Cheapest Price
£36
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
SNCB
About
SNCB is Belgium’s national railway company and the country’s main train operator, offering First Class and Second Class tickets. It runs a variety of services, including Intercity trains for the fastest domestic connections, Interregio trains with more local stops, and international options such as EuroCity, Thalys, and ICE International. Thalys trains connect Belgium with France, Germany, and the Netherlands at high speed, while EuroCity and ICE International link Belgium to Germany and other European destinations. Onboard facilities typically include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Popular routes include Brussels to Antwerp, Brussels to Bruges, Brussels to Ghent, and Brussels to Liège.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 47m
Cheapest Price
£41
SNCB frequency
10 a day
FAQs: Leuven to Cologne train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leuven 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Leuven to Cologne can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £36, while the average price tends to be around £56.
The train journey from Leuven to Cologne covers a distance of 158 km and takes approximately 1h 40m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Leuven to Cologne is 158 km.
The first train from Leuven to Cologne leaves at 0:51.
The last train from Leuven to Cologne departs at 23:58.
Trains from Leuven to Cologne run approximately 8 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Leuven to Cologne.
To get from Leuven to Cologne, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Leuven to Cologne.
The train station in Leuven that goes to Cologne is Leuven station, and it arrives at Cologne Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Leuven to Cologne is by coach, costing approximately £11.
Booking trains from Leuven 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 Leuven to Cologne offers varied scenery, including charming Belgian towns, rolling countryside, and glimpses of the Meuse and Rhine rivers, providing a picturesque experience as you travel through both Belgium and Germany.
A day trip from Leuven to Cologne is feasible as the journey takes 1h 40m with 8 trains per day and covers 158 km.
In Cologne, visitors can explore the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive Gothic architecture, and visit the Museum Ludwig for modern art by artists like Picasso and Warhol. A Rhine River Cruise offers scenic views of the city's skyline and landmarks, while the Hohenzollern Bridge is known for love locks and panoramic river views. The Old Town (Altstadt) charms with historic streets and traditional beer halls. Families might enjoy the Cologne Zoo, which is rich in diverse animal species. For culture and entertainment, attend a concert at the Cologne Philharmonic Hall, or discover the Belgian Quarter’s trendy boutiques and cafes. The Cologne Chocolate Museum provides an interactive experience about chocolate history, and the Botanical Gardens Flora showcases beautiful plant species and floral displays.
To fully enjoy Cologne's main attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, museums, and Rhine River cruises, plan to spend about 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Leuven to Cologne.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Leuven and Cologne
Leuven
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Leuven is Leuven. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Leuven for your trip from Leuven to Cologne.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
9Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Access via Martelarenplein.
Dining
- De Klimop
- Domus
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps.
WC
- €0.50
Hotel
- Hotel La Royale
- Park Inn by Radisson Leuven
- Hotel Mille Colonnes
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-9 for trains to Brussels, Antwerp, and Liège
Public transport options for Leuven
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Direct connections to Brussels, Antwerp, and Liège
Heverlee
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelBike ParkingBike RentalThe major train station for arrivals in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your journey to Cologne from Leuven.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockers
ShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation 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/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
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
Most popular train connections from Leuven
More options for your journey from Leuven to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Leuven
Most popular train connections to Cologne
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