- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Outstanding collection of Picasso, pop art, and modern masters in a central museum complex. A major stop for twentieth-century art lovers.
Cheapest price
$42
Average price
$90
Fastest journey
2 h 35 m
Average duration
2 h 35 m
Trains per day
25
Distance
181 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Antwerp to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Antwerp to Cologne will cost around $90 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.
It's difficult to get from Antwerp to Cologne without transferring at least once.
IC 3341 · ICE 319
IC 3339 · ICE 19
IC 3337 · ICE 317
IC 3335 · ICE 17
IC 3335 · ICE 17
IC 3333 · ICE 315
IC 3337 · ICE 317
IC 3335 · ICE 17
IC 3341 · ICE 319
IC 3339 · ICE 19Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Antwerp to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 3m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, and a flight costs an average of $439.
Distance: 112 miles (181 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$105 Average price | $32 Average price Cheapest | $660 Average price | $41 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 33m Average total duration Fastest 3h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration 3h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 23m Average total duration 5h 23m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.1kg 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 Antwerp to Cologne:
A bus is $73 (€60) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Antwerp to Cologne costing on average $105 (€87).
A bus is $628 (€515) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Antwerp to Cologne costing on average $660 (€542).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 52m.
Flight takes on average 5h 23m.
Tickets start at around $105 (€87) compared to roughly $41 (€33) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-64.62 (€-53.03). The journey takes 3h 3m versus 2h 40m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Antwerp to Cologne trains for today, Friday, July 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 4535 · ICE 17 · 92027 · S19 | 1:54 PM Antwerp-Central | 3h06 | 5:00 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 4535 · ICE 17 | On time 1:54 PM Antwerp-Central | 3h21 | 5:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
EC 9243 · IC 3650 · ICE 129 | On time 2:45 PM Antwerp-Central | 4h26 | 7:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2037 · ICE 317 · 92031 · S19 | 3:25 PM Antwerp-Central | 3h35 | 7:00 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 2037 · ICE 317 | On time 3:25 PM Antwerp-Central | 3h50 | 7:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
EC 9251 · IC 3658 · ICE 221 | On time 4:45 PM Antwerp-Central | 4h26 | 9:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 4539 · ICE 19 | On time 5:54 PM Antwerp-Central | 3h21 | 9:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, July 18 | |||||
IC 3327 · ICE 11 · 91983 · S19 | 5:39 AM Antwerp-Central | 3h21 | 9:00 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 3327 · ICE 11 | On time 5:39 AM Antwerp-Central | 3h39 | 9:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 3329 · ICE 13 · 91987 · S19 | 7:40 AM Antwerp-Central | 3h20 | 11:00 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
EC 9219 · IC 3626 · ICE 123 | On time 8:45 AM Antwerp-Central | 4h26 | 1:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3331 · ICE 15 · 91991 · S19 | 9:40 AM Antwerp-Central | 3h20 | 1:00 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 3331 · ICE 15 | On time 9:40 AM Antwerp-Central | 3h35 | 1:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
1480+ 3131+ 9423 | 9:58 AM Antwerp-South | 3h17 | 1:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
3131+ 9423 | 10:07 AM Antwerp-Central | 3h08 | 1:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
3131+ 9423 | 10:07 AM Antwerp-Central | 3h08 | 1:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
3131+ 9423 | 10:12 AM Antwerp-Berchem | 3h03 | 1:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 3333 · ICE 315 | Delayed 11:40 AM Antwerp-Central | 2h35 | 1:15 PM 1:15 PMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
EC 9231 · IC 1143 · IC 3541 · 20083 | 11:45 AM Antwerp-Central | 3h50 | 3:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Antwerp to Cologne run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $63 (€52) but you can travel from only $20 (€17) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:09, the last at 23:43. The fastest train covers the 112 miles (181 km) distance in 2h 21m.
Distance 112 miles (181 km) |
Average train duration 3h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $63 (€52) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 21m |
First train 12:09 AM |
Last train 11:43 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Outstanding collection of Picasso, pop art, and modern masters in a central museum complex. A major stop for twentieth-century art lovers.
Excellent private museum for modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and a sculpture-filled former industrial hall.
Art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, blending contemporary architecture with historic ruins and carefully curated sacred art.
The heart of Cologne’s old town, filled with historic lanes, churches, squares, and Rhine views. Best area for first walks and atmosphere.
Broad riverside promenade ideal for walking, skyline views, and photos of the cathedral, bridge, and Rhine traffic.
Popular east-bank steps and terrace with one of Cologne’s best panoramic views across the Rhine to the cathedral and old town.
Marinated beef roast in a sweet-sour gravy, traditionally served with red cabbage and dumplings. It is a Rhineland classic long associated with Cologne.
Pan-fried black pudding with onions and mashed potatoes or rye bread. This hearty Rhineland dish is a long-standing Cologne pub favorite.
Halved rye roll with butter, Gouda, onions, and mustard. It is Cologne's iconic simple pub snack, traditionally enjoyed with Kölsch.
Celebrated fine-dining restaurant with modern German cuisine, polished service, and panoramic Rhine views from the upper floors.
Well-known brewery restaurant with classic local fare, seasonal dishes, and its own Kölsch in a spacious historic atmosphere.
Beloved traditional brauhaus serving Mühlen Kölsch, Halve Hahn, and other Cologne staples in a bustling old-city setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak trade fair periods, but dining and local transit are generally manageable for most tourists.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. Tip about 5-10% in restaurants, round up for taxis, and leave small change at cafes.
The train connection between Antwerp and Cologne is efficient and convenient, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking to explore these vibrant cities. The journey is primarily serviced by Deutsche Bahn and Eurostar, offering comfortable rides with modern amenities. With frequent departures throughout the day, you can easily plan your trip while enjoying scenic views along the way.
The train connection between Antwerp and Cologne takes approximately 2 hours and 21 minutes. There are a total of 10 connections per day, with no direct trains available; travelers will need to make at least one transfer during their journey.
The first daily train from Antwerp to Cologne departs at 06:08 AM, providing an early start for travelers eager to explore the vibrant culture and attractions of both cities. The last journey of the day leaves at 05:50 PM, allowing visitors ample time to enjoy their adventures before returning in the evening.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Antwerp to Cologne is €55. The average ticket price tends to be around €85, providing travelers with a range of options depending on their booking preferences and timing.
Welcome to Cologne, where the majestic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) stands as a testament to Gothic architecture and centuries of devotion; construction began in 1248 and was completed in 1880, making it one of Germany's most iconic landmarks. Its significance lies not only in its breathtaking spires that reach towards the heavens but also as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts millions of visitors each year who come to marvel at its intricate stained glass windows and awe-inspiring interior. As you explore this architectural masterpiece, don’t miss the chance to climb up to the viewing platform for an unparalleled panoramic view of the city.
Just steps away from the cathedral is Hohenzollern Bridge, renowned for both its stunning views over the Rhine River and its unique tradition: thousands of love locks attached by couples hoping their love will last forever. This bridge has been pivotal since it opened in 1911, serving as a vital connection between different parts of Cologne while offering picturesque vistas perfect for photography enthusiasts. Be sure to take a moment here—whether you're crossing or simply enjoying your surroundings—to soak up both history and romance intertwined with every lock on this beloved landmark.
Finally, we arrive at Museum Ludwig—a treasure trove dedicated primarily to modern art featuring works from Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein among others—and showcasing how contemporary creativity shapes our understanding today. Opened in 1976 within striking distance from other cultural sites like Kölner Dom, this museum holds significant importance due not just because it's home to one of Europe’s largest collections but also through innovative exhibitions that challenge traditional perspectives on art itself. Make time during your visit here; immerse yourself into thought-provoking displays designed specifically for those eager minds seeking inspiration beyond conventional boundaries!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Antwerp 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.

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