- 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
$49
Average price
$65
Fastest journey
3 h 35 m
Average duration
4 h 1 m
Trains per day
18
Distance
183 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Brussels South Charleroi 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 South Charleroi Airport to Cologne will cost around $65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.
It's difficult to get from Brussels South Charleroi Airport to Cologne without transferring at least once.
Flibco+
ICE 13
Flibco+
ICE 13
Flibco+
ICE 13 · 26815
Flibco+
ICE 13 · 26815
Flibco+
ICE 15
IC 4509 · ICE 15 · 91991 · S19
IC 4509 · ICE 15
R 4558 · IC 3808 · ICE 15 · 91991
R 4558 · IC 3808 · ICE 15
Flibco+
ICE 13 · 26815Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Brussels South Charleroi Airport to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 26m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, and a train costs an average of $36.
Distance: 113 miles (183 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$81 Average price | $27 Average price Cheapest | $41 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 56m Average total duration Fastest 2h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 29m Average total duration 2h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Brussels South Charleroi Airport to Cologne:
A bus is $54 (€44) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Brussels South Charleroi Airport to Cologne costing on average $81 (€67).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 59m.
Tickets start at around $81 (€67) compared to roughly $41 (€33) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-40.42 (€-33.21). The journey takes 2h 26m versus 2h 13m 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 Brussels South Charleroi Airport to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:01 PM Brussels South Charleroi Airport | 6h39 | 1:40 AM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, July 15 | |||||
Flibco+ ICE 13 | 12:30 AM Charleroi, Aéroport de Charleroi Bruxelles Sud (Gare des navettes) | 10h33 | 11:03 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
Flibco+ ICE 13 · 91987 · S19 | 12:30 AM Charleroi, Aéroport de Charleroi Bruxelles Sud (Gare des navettes) | 10h30 | 11:00 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
Flibco+ ICE 13 · 26815 | 12:30 AM Charleroi, Aéroport de Charleroi Bruxelles Sud (Gare des navettes) | 10h14 | 10:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
Flibco+ ICE 13 | 12:30 AM Charleroi, Aéroport de Charleroi Bruxelles Sud (Gare des navettes) | 10h45 | 11:15 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
Flibco+ ICE 13 | 6:15 AM Charleroi, Aéroport de Charleroi Bruxelles Sud (Gare des navettes) | 4h48 | 11:03 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
Flibco+ ICE 15 | On time 6:15 AM Charleroi, Aéroport de Charleroi Bruxelles Sud (Gare des navettes) | 7h00 | 1:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
Flibco+ ICE 15 | Delayed 6:15 AM Charleroi, Aéroport de Charleroi Bruxelles Sud (Gare des navettes) | 6h49 | 11:15 AM 11:15 AMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
Flibco+ ICE 13 · 91987 · S19 | 6:15 AM Charleroi, Aéroport de Charleroi Bruxelles Sud (Gare des navettes) | 4h45 | 11:00 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
Flibco+ ICE 13 · 26815 | 6:15 AM Charleroi, Aéroport de Charleroi Bruxelles Sud (Gare des navettes) | 4h29 | 10:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
Flibco+ ICE 13 | 6:15 AM Charleroi, Aéroport de Charleroi Bruxelles Sud (Gare des navettes) | 5h00 | 11:15 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
Flibco+ ICE 15 · 91991 · S19 | 7:45 AM Charleroi, Aéroport de Charleroi Bruxelles Sud (Gare des navettes) | 5h15 | 1:00 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
Flibco+ ICE 15 | On time 7:45 AM Charleroi, Aéroport de Charleroi Bruxelles Sud (Gare des navettes) | 5h30 | 1:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
Flibco+ ICE 15 · 26819 | 7:45 AM Charleroi, Aéroport de Charleroi Bruxelles Sud (Gare des navettes) | 4h59 | 12:44 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
Flibco+ ICE 15 | Delayed 7:45 AM Charleroi, Aéroport de Charleroi Bruxelles Sud (Gare des navettes) | 5h19 | 11:15 AM 11:15 AMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
R 4558 · IC 3808 · ICE 15 · 91991 | 9:01 AM Lodelinsart | 3h59 | 1:00 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
R 4558 · IC 3808 · ICE 15 | On time 9:01 AM Lodelinsart | 4h14 | 1:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 4509 · ICE 15 | On time 9:25 AM Charleroi-Sud | 3h50 | 1:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 4509 · ICE 15 · 91991 · S19 | 9:25 AM Charleroi-Sud | 3h35 | 1:00 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 South Charleroi Airport to Cologne run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $36 (€30) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:19, the last at 19:01. The fastest train covers the 113 miles (183 km) distance in 2h 50m.
Distance 113 miles (183 km) |
Average train duration 2h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 (€30) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 50m |
First train 6:19 AM |
Last train 7:01 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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 South Charleroi 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 South Charleroi 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 South Charleroi 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.
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