- Must visit
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
Premier fine arts complex with Old Masters, Magritte, and modern collections, essential for understanding Belgian and European art.
Cheapest price
$41
Average price
$61
Fastest journey
3 h 32 m
Average duration
3 h 32 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
194 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne Bonn Airport to Brussels is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne Bonn Airport to Brussels will cost around $61 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $41.
It's difficult to get from Cologne Bonn Airport to Brussels without transferring at least 2 times.
89709 · ICE 18
S19 · 92100 · ICE 18
89713 · ICE 316
S19 · 92104 · ICE 316
89721 · ICE 314
S19 · 92108 · ICE 16
S19 · 92104 · ICE 316
S19 · 92100 · ICE 18
S19 · 92112 · ICE 314
S19 · 92116 · ICE 14Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cologne Bonn Airport to Brussels among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 3m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a flight costs an average of $144.
Distance: 120 miles (194 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$65 Average price | $16 Average price Cheapest | $462 Average price | $36 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 33m Average total duration Fastest 2h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration 3h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 12m Average total duration 5h 12m 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 Cologne Bonn Airport to Brussels:
A bus is $49 (€49) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne Bonn Airport to Brussels costing on average $65 (€65).
A bus is $446 (€446) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne Bonn Airport to Brussels costing on average $462 (€462).
Other travel options to Brussels take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 30m.
Flight takes on average 5h 12m.
You'll arrive about 32m sooner (2h 3m by train vs 2h 35m by car). Tickets start at around $65 (€65) compared to roughly $36 (€36) 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 Cologne Bonn Airport to Brussels trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, July 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
89709 · ICE 18 | On time 5:48 AM Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 3h47 | 9:35 AM Brussels-Midi | 1 transfer | |
S19 · 92100 · ICE 18 | On time 6:03 AM Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 3h32 | 9:35 AM Brussels-Midi | 2 transfers | |
89713 · ICE 316 | On time 7:48 AM Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 3h47 | 11:35 AM Brussels-Midi | 1 transfer | |
S19 · 92104 · ICE 316 | On time 8:03 AM Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 3h32 | 11:35 AM Brussels-Midi | 2 transfers | |
89717 · ICE 16 | On time 9:48 AM Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 3h47 | 1:35 PM Brussels-Midi | 1 transfer | |
S19 · 92108 · ICE 16 | On time 10:03 AM Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 3h32 | 1:35 PM Brussels-Midi | 2 transfers | |
89721 · ICE 314 | On time 11:48 AM Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 3h47 | 3:35 PM Brussels-Midi | 1 transfer | |
S19 · 92112 · ICE 314 | On time 12:03 PM Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 3h32 | 3:35 PM Brussels-Midi | 2 transfers | |
89725 · ICE 14 | On time 1:48 PM Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 3h47 | 5:35 PM Brussels-Midi | 1 transfer | |
S19 · 92116 · ICE 14 | On time 2:03 PM Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 3h32 | 5:35 PM Brussels-Midi | 2 transfers | |
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 Cologne Bonn Airport to Brussels run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $31 (€31) but you can travel from only $12 (€12) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:39, the last at 20:54. The fastest train covers the 120 miles (194 km) distance in 1h 51m.
Distance 120 miles (194 km) |
Average train duration 2h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 (€31) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 1h 51m |
First train 5:39 AM |
Last train 8:54 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Discover the best of Brussels — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Brussels trip today.
Premier fine arts complex with Old Masters, Magritte, and modern collections, essential for understanding Belgian and European art.
Dedicated to surrealist René Magritte, this popular museum presents major works and context for one of Belgium’s most celebrated artists.
Leading comic art museum in a Horta-designed building, highlighting Tintin, the Smurfs, and Belgium’s influential comics culture.
Grand square at Brussels’ heart, lined with ornate guildhalls and lively events, perfect for first-time visitors and evening atmosphere.
Large urban park with the triumphal arch, museums, and wide lawns, excellent for walking, picnics, and classic city photographs.
Popular hilltop viewpoint and garden terrace with one of the best panoramas over central Brussels, especially at sunset.
Mussels steamed with white wine, celery and onion, often served with fries. A Brussels brasserie classic, especially popular in mussel season.
Double-fried potato fries, traditionally served in paper cones with sauces. They are a point of national pride and central to everyday Belgian street food.
A rich beef and onion stew braised with Belgian dark beer. It is a beloved comfort dish found in traditional Brussels restaurants.
Two-Michelin-star restaurant by chef Karen Torosyan, celebrated for pâté en croûte and inventive fine dining in an intimate setting.
Elegant Belle Époque brasserie serving refined Belgian classics, seafood and game in a grand old-world dining room.
Famous casual stop for Brussels waffles with many toppings. Popular, fast-moving and central for a classic sweet local treat.
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels can be pricey, but dining and transit are manageable for most tourists.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service; round up taxi fares; small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Brussels-Midi -> Brussels-Central
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne Bonn Airport to Brussels 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 Brussels, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne Bonn Airport to Brussels trains use the Köln Hbf to Bruxelles-Midi station pair, with some services arriving at Bruxelles-Central. Use this guide to compare Cologne Bonn Airport and Brussels train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bruxelles-Midi 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 options include: Pullman Hotel Bar, Quick Gare du Midi, Subway, EXKi Zuid, Starbucks, Häagen-Dazs, Sbarro, The Coffee Club, The Belgian Chocolate House, PAUL, & many more
Wi-Fi is available for a fee. ATMs are available at Bruxelles-Midi.
Ticket office support is available at Bruxelles-Midi. Information desks are located in the main concourse and next to the international platforms.
Luggage storage is baggage storage facility is located across from the Thalys business lounge.
Available at Bruxelles-Midi: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bruxelles-Midi: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bruxelles-Midi: Station has a wide range of facilities for passengers with reduced mobility: elevators and escalators to all platforms, wheelchair lifts and mobile ramps, disabled toilet and parking spaces. Additional assistance can be contacted via the SNCB Mobility Call Center.
Nearby hotels include Les Lofts De Styliste, Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi, Pullman Brussels Centre Midi.
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 options include: Starbucks, Brasserie 28 Brewery, Panos, Delitraiteur Eat & Go
Free Wi-Fi available in Starbucks. ATMs are aTM machine is downstairs from the main entrance on the right side.
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 storage is luggage lockers are located on Level 0 near Platforms 1 and 2.
Available at Bruxelles-Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bruxelles-Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Hilton Brussels Grand Palace, Hotel NH Brussels Carrefour de l'Europe, Hôtel The Moon.
Brussels-Nord is 1 km from Brussels city centre. Public transport options include:
Brussels-Nord has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Chabrol Brasserie, Winok Café, Félix Wine Bar
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Brussels-Nord. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Brussels-Nord. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Brussels-Nord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Brussels-Nord: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Brussels-Nord: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Progress, Hilton Brussels City, Hotel Siru.
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