- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for Pop Art, Picasso works, and a strong international collection.
Cheapest price
$54
Average price
$96
Fastest journey
1 h 49 m
Average duration
1 h 50 m
Trains per day
18
Distance
184 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Brussels-Midi 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-Midi to Cologne Hbf will cost around $96 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $54.
Of the 18 trains that leave Brussels-Midi for Cologne Hbf on Fri, Jun 19, 15 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 184 km distance in an average of 1 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 49 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 1 h 50 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
ICE 319
IC 522 · R 5005 · 26809
ICE 11
ICE 19
IC 520 · R 18981 · 26845
9435
ICE 315
ICE 15
ICE 19
ICE 1113Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Brussels-Midi to Cologne Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 16m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $15, and a flight costs an average of $399.
Distance: 114 miles (184 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$79 Average price | $26 Average price Cheapest | $654 Average price | $46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 46m Average total duration Fastest 2h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 34m Average total duration 3h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 27m Average total duration 5h 27m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Brussels-Midi to Cologne Hbf:
A bus is $53 (€43) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Brussels-Midi to Cologne Hbf costing on average $79 (€65).
A bus is $628 (€515) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Brussels-Midi to Cologne Hbf costing on average $654 (€536).
Other travel options to Cologne Hbf take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 4m.
Flight takes on average 5h 27m.
You'll arrive about 20m sooner (2h 16m by train vs 2h 36m by car). Tickets start at around $79 (€65) compared to roughly $46 (€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.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, 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-Midi to Cologne Hbf trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 19 | On time 6:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 1h50 | 8:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
9471 | 7:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 1h50 | 9:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 319 | On time 8:22 PM Brussels-Midi | 1h53 | 10:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
9477 | 8:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 1h57 | 10:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 519 · R 18977 · 26843 | 8:56 PM Brussels-Midi | 3h48 | 12:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 520 · R 18981 · S19 | 9:56 PM Brussels-Midi | 5h44 | 3:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| Friday, June 19 | |||||
IC 522 · R 5005 · 26809 | 12:20 AM Brussels-Midi | 7h24 | 7:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 11 | On time 6:23 AM Brussels-Midi | 1h53 | 8:16 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 13 | On time 8:25 AM Brussels-Midi | 1h51 | 10:16 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
9411 | 9:25 AM Brussels-Midi | 1h50 | 11:15 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 15 | On time 10:25 AM Brussels-Midi | 1h50 | 12:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
9423 | 11:25 AM Brussels-Midi | 1h50 | 1:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 315 | On time 12:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 1h50 | 2:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
9435 | 1:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 1h49 | 3:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 17 | On time 2:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 1h50 | 4:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1113 | On time 3:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 1h50 | 5:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 317 | On time 4:22 PM Brussels-Midi | 1h53 | 6:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
9459 | 5:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 1h50 | 7:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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-Midi to Cologne Hbf run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $33 (€27) but you can travel from only $15 (€12) by bus.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:23, the last at 23:27. The fastest train covers the 114 miles (184 km) distance in 1h 19m.
Distance 114 miles (184 km) |
Average train duration 2h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 (€27) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 1h 19m |
First train 4:23 AM |
Last train 11:27 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for Pop Art, Picasso works, and a strong international collection.
Cologne’s key archaeological museum for Roman heritage, famous for mosaics and finds from the city’s ancient past. Parts of the collection may be presented in temporary locations during building works
Leading fine arts museum with important medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century paintings, offering one of Cologne’s strongest classic art collections.
Revitalized waterfront district with striking modern architecture, promenades, and photogenic Rhine views, popular on social media.
Wide riverside steps and promenade on the right bank, famous for postcard views back toward the cathedral skyline.
Historic Old Town square lined with traditional facades and lively public life, ideal for absorbing the classic Cologne atmosphere.
The city’s signature top-fermented beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses. It is central to Cologne’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a classic brauhaus.
A classic Cologne snack of rye roll, Gouda cheese, mustard, onions, and pickles. Despite the name, it contains no chicken and is a staple in local beer halls.
A traditional Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, often served with black pudding and fried onions. The name means 'Heaven and Earth.'
Established traditional brewery restaurant in the old town, popular for authentic Cologne specialties, Kölsch, and rustic historic atmosphere.
Well-known central brauhaus serving Sion Kölsch and dependable local dishes. A solid choice for visitors wanting a classic Cologne beer hall experience.
A long-established restaurant by the Rhine, especially known for pork knuckle and hearty German fare in a traditional, tourist-friendly setting.
Moderate by German standards. Budget eats are easy to find, but hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. In restaurants, add about 5-10% for good service. Round up taxis. Small tips are optional in cafes and bars.
Official public transport app
Köln Hbf, Köln -> Köln Dom, Köln
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brussels-Midi 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.

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