- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts Ghent
Major fine arts museum with Flemish masters, Belgian art, and rotating exhibitions. Essential for understanding Ghent's artistic heritage.
Cheapest price
$58
Average price
$101
Fastest journey
3 h 19 m
Average duration
3 h 31 m
Trains per day
8
Distance
227 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Ghent is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Ghent will cost around $101 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $58.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Ghent without transferring at least once.
ICE 18 · IC 2831
S19 · S41 · IC 530
ICE 316 · IC 2833
26801 · S8 · 10311 · S41
S19 · 92008 · ICE 316 · IC 2833
S19 · 92008 · ICE 316 · IC 2833
S19 · 91990 · ICE 16 · IC 2835
ICE 18 · IC 2831
ICE 316 · IC 2833
ICE 16 · IC 2835Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Ghent among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 37m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, and a flight costs an average of $191.
Distance: 141 miles (227 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$98 Average price | $30 Average price Cheapest | $636 Average price | $52 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 7m Average total duration Fastest 2h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 58m Average total duration 4h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 30m Average total duration 5h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Ghent:
A bus is $68 (€56) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Ghent costing on average $98 (€81).
A bus is $606 (€497) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Ghent costing on average $636 (€522).
Other travel options to Ghent take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 28m.
Flight takes on average 5h 30m.
You'll arrive about 35m sooner (2h 37m by train vs 3h 12m by car). Tickets start at around $98 (€81) compared to roughly $52 (€43) 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 to Ghent trains for today, Friday, July 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S19 · 92024 · ICE 9496 · IC 2841 | 4:58 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h21 | 8:19 PM Ghent St Pieters | 3 transfers | |
ICE 10 · IC 2844 | On time 7:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h36 | 11:19 PM Ghent St Pieters | 1 transfer | |
S19 · 92030 · ICE 10 · IC 2844 | 7:58 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h21 | 11:19 PM Ghent St Pieters | 3 transfers | |
ICE 318 · IC 2845 | On time 8:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h12 | 12:47 AM Ghent St Pieters | 1 transfer | |
S19 · 92032 · ICE 318 · IC 2845 | 8:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h07 | 12:47 AM Ghent St Pieters | 3 transfers | |
10632 · 20094 · 32281 · IC 3579 | 9:25 PM Cologne Hbf | 9h06 | 6:31 AM Ghent St Pieters | 5 transfers | |
| Saturday, July 18 | |||||
S19 · S41 · IC 530 | 1:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h51 | 9:31 AM Ghent St Pieters | 2 transfers | |
26847 · 10311 · S41 · IC 530 | 2:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h42 | 9:31 AM Ghent St Pieters | 3 transfers | |
26801 · S8 · 10311 · S41 | 3:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h42 | 9:31 AM Ghent St Pieters | 4 transfers | |
ICE 18 · IC 2831 | On time 6:52 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h27 | 10:19 AM Ghent St Pieters | 1 transfer | |
ICE 316 · IC 2833 | On time 8:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h44 | 12:19 PM Ghent St Pieters | 1 transfer | |
S19 · 92008 · ICE 316 · IC 2833 | 9:00 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h19 | 12:19 PM Ghent St Pieters | 3 transfers | |
ICE 16 · IC 2835 | On time 10:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h44 | 2:19 PM Ghent St Pieters | 1 transfer | |
S19 · 91990 · ICE 16 · IC 2835 | 10:58 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h21 | 2:19 PM Ghent St Pieters | 3 transfers | |
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 Cologne to Ghent run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 (€41) but you can travel from only $19 (€15) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 141 miles (227 km) distance in 1h 56m.
Distance 141 miles (227 km) |
Average train duration 2h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€41) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 1h 56m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 11:48 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Ghent — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ghent trip today.
Major fine arts museum with Flemish masters, Belgian art, and rotating exhibitions. Essential for understanding Ghent's artistic heritage.
Bold contemporary art museum beside the fine arts museum, known for modern Belgian and international works and ambitious temporary shows.
Museum in the former Bijloke abbey and hospital complex exploring the city's history through objects, stories, and changing exhibitions.
Historic quay lined with guild houses and river views. It is Ghent's signature postcard scene and one of the best places for a stroll.
Opposite the Graslei, this elegant quay offers classic canal panoramas, boat departures, and some of the city's finest evening views.
Lively square in the medieval core surrounded by major landmarks. A practical meeting point and excellent base for exploring central Ghent.
A creamy Gentian stew of chicken or veal with mushrooms, meatballs and white wine, traditionally served with fries or bread.
A rich mash of potatoes with carrots and onions, often served with sausage or bacon; a classic hearty Flemish comfort dish.
A smooth mustard from nearby East Flanders, known for its strong fresh heat and traditional stone-ground character.
City brewery and taproom pouring house-brewed gruut beers with a relaxed atmosphere and good introduction to Ghent beer culture.
Historic brasserie in central Ghent known for refined Belgian classics, seafood and elegant Art Nouveau surroundings.
Traditional restaurant focused on East Flemish cuisine, especially waterzooi and other regional dishes, in a warm classic setting.
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels and dining are mid-priced, while transit is reasonable. Cheaper than Brussels in some areas, but pricier than smaller Belgian cities.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Round up for taxis, and small change is enough at cafes.
Official public transport app
Gent Sint-Pieters -> Korenmarkt, Ghent
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Ghent 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 Ghent, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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