- 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
zł324
Average price
zł445
Fastest journey
2 h 19 m
Average duration
2 h 27 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
173 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Brussels Airport to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Brussels Airport to Cologne will cost around zł445 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only zł324.
It's difficult to get from Brussels Airport to Cologne without transferring at least once.
IC 2341 · ICE 19
IC 2339 · ICE 317
IC 2341 · ICE 19 · 10933
IC 2333 · ICE 15 · 10917
IC 2331 · ICE 13 · 10913
IC 2333 · ICE 15
IC 2337 · ICE 17
IC 2339 · ICE 317
IC 2341 · ICE 19
IC 2337 · ICE 17 · 10925Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Brussels Airport to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from zł101. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 7m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of zł101, and a flight costs an average of zł1382.
Distance: 107 miles (173 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
zł376 Average price | zł165 Average price Cheapest | zł2075 Average price | zł149 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 37m Average total duration Fastest 2h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 5m Average total duration 4h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 28m Average total duration 5h 28m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Brussels Airport to Cologne:
A bus is zł211 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Brussels Airport to Cologne costing on average zł376.
A bus is zł1910 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Brussels Airport to Cologne costing on average zł2075.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 35m.
Flight takes on average 5h 28m.
You'll arrive about 28m sooner (2h 7m by train vs 2h 35m by car). Tickets start at around zł376 compared to roughly zł149 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.
Direct services run with Eurostar.
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 Brussels Airport to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2331 · ICE 13 · 10913 | 8:13 AM Brussels National Airport | 2h58 | 11:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2333 · ICE 15 | Delayed 10:13 AM Brussels National Airport | 2h19 | 11:32 AM 11:32 AMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2333 · ICE 15 · 10917 | 10:13 AM Brussels National Airport | 2h59 | 1:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2335 · ICE 315 · 10921 | 12:13 PM Brussels National Airport | 2h58 | 3:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2337 · ICE 17 | Delayed 2:13 PM Brussels National Airport | 2h19 | 3:32 PM 3:32 PMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2337 · ICE 17 · 10925 | 2:13 PM Brussels National Airport | 2h57 | 5:10 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2339 · ICE 317 | Delayed 4:13 PM Brussels National Airport | 2h19 | 5:32 PM 5:32 PMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2339 · ICE 317 · 10929 | 4:13 PM Brussels National Airport | 2h59 | 7:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2341 · ICE 19 | Delayed 6:13 PM Brussels National Airport | 2h20 | 7:33 PM 7:33 PMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 2341 · ICE 19 · 10933 | 6:13 PM Brussels National Airport | 2h58 | 9:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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 Brussels Airport to Cologne run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at zł92 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 06:13, the last at 21:57. The fastest train covers the 107 miles (173 km) distance in 1h 49m.
Distance 107 miles (173 km) |
Average train duration 2h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price zł92 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 1h 49m |
First train 6:13 AM |
Last train 9:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brussels Airport 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.

Most Brussels Airport to Cologne trains use the Bruxelles-Midi to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln-Ehrenfeld. Use this guide to compare Brussels Airport and Cologne 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-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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need