4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf
Cheapest price on Sep 17
€37
Average ticket price on Sep 17
€61
Fastest journey on Sep 17
1 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
1 h 50 m
Trains on Sep 17
11
Distance
183 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf will cost around €61 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €37.
It's difficult to get from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf without transferring at least once.
IC 3618 · ICE 3137:14 PM2h10Brussels-Central9:24 PMCologne Hbf€371One-way1 transfer- R 6591 · ICE 3198:09 PM2h06Brussels-Central10:15 PMCologne Hbf€411One-way1 transfer
- IC 3204 · ICE 116:22 AM1h54Brussels-Central8:16 AMCologne Hbf€501One-way1 transfer
- IC 522 · R 5005 · 2680912:25 AM7h19Brussels-Central7:44 AMCologne Hbf€511One-way2 transfers
- IC 3610 · ICE 31111:14 AM2h10Brussels-Central1:24 PMCologne Hbf€631One-way1 transfer
- IC 4509 · ICE 1510:25 AM1h50Brussels-Central12:15 PMCologne Hbf€741One-way1 transfer
- IC 4513 · ICE 172:25 PM1h50Brussels-Central4:15 PMCologne Hbf€741One-way1 transfer
- IC 4511 · ICE 31512:25 PM1h50Brussels-Central2:15 PMCologne Hbf€741One-way1 transfer
- IC 4517 · ICE 196:25 PM1h50Brussels-Central8:15 PMCologne Hbf€641One-way1 transfer
- IC 4507 · ICE 138:25 AM1h51Brussels-Central10:16 AMCologne Hbf€741One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €24 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 36m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €24, while a flight costs an average of €457.
Distance: 113 miles (183 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€57 Average price | €24 Average price Cheapest | €457 Average price | €38 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 36m Average total duration Fastest 2h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 38m Average total duration 4h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration 2h 29m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf:
A bus is €34 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf costing on average €57.
A bus is €434 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf costing on average €457.
Other travel options to Cologne Hbf take longer:
Flight takes on average 2h 29m.
Bus takes on average 4h 8m.
You'll arrive about 10m sooner (2h 6m by train vs 2h 16m by car). Tickets start at around €57 compared to roughly €38 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.
Live departures
Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf train times
The table below shows live departures for Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf trains for tomorrow, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IC 522 · R 5005 · 26809 | 12:25 AM Brussels-Central | 7h19 | 7:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 3204 · ICE 11 | On time 6:22 AM Brussels-Central | 1h54 | 8:16 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 4507 · ICE 13 | On time 8:25 AM Brussels-Central | 1h51 | 10:16 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 4509 · ICE 15 | On time 10:25 AM Brussels-Central | 1h50 | 12:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 3610 · ICE 311 | On time 11:14 AM Brussels-Central | 2h10 | 1:24 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 4511 · ICE 315 | On time 12:25 PM Brussels-Central | 1h50 | 2:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 4513 · ICE 17 | On time 2:25 PM Brussels-Central | 1h50 | 4:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 3214 · ICE 317 | On time 4:22 PM Brussels-Central | 1h53 | 6:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 4517 · ICE 19 | On time 6:25 PM Brussels-Central | 1h50 | 8:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 3618 · ICE 313 | On time 7:14 PM Brussels-Central | 2h10 | 9:24 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| R 6591 · ICE 319 | On time 8:09 PM Brussels-Central | 2h06 | 10:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf by train, bus, or flight
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.
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Why should you book Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf trains with Omio?
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 Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf.
- 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 Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf.
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 Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf
Belgium
Germany
Trains from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €3 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:14, the last at 22:25. The fastest train covers the 113 miles (183 km) distance in 1h 44m.
Distance 113 miles (183 km) |
Average train duration 2h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price €3 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 1h 44m |
First train 4:14 AM |
Last train 10:25 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 35 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, VIAS Rail GmbH from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, VIAS Rail GmbH trains will get you between Brussels-Central and Cologne Hbf from €3. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
Eurostar
VIAS Rail GmbH
FAQs: Trains from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf 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 Hbf, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf
Most Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf trains use the Bruxelles-Midi to Köln Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Brussels-Central and Cologne Hbf train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Bruxelles-Central from Brussels city centre
Bruxelles-Central train station facilities and services
Bruxelles-Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Starbucks, Brasserie 28 Brewery, Panos, Delitraiteur Eat & Go
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available in Starbucks. ATMs are aTM machine is downstairs from the main entrance on the right side.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:15 - 22:00. Information desks are travel Center / information desk is located on the left side from the main entrance.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on Level 0 near Platforms 1 and 2.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bruxelles-Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bruxelles-Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bruxelles-Central: Station has a wide range of facilities for passengers with limited mobility: elevators and escalators to platforms, wheelchair lifts and mobile ramps, barrier-free toilets and accessible parking spaces. Additional assistance can be contacted via the SNCB Mobility Call Center.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hilton Brussels Grand Palace, Hotel NH Brussels Carrefour de l'Europe, Hôtel The Moon.
Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hbf train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Tickets and information
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 and lost property
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Most popular train connections from Brussels-Central
More options for your journey from Brussels-Central to Cologne Hbf
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne Hbf and Brussels-Central
Most popular train connections to Cologne Hbf
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