- 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 on Sep 01
$54
Average ticket price on Sep 01
$74
Fastest journey on Sep 01
2 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 01
2 h 36 m
Trains on Sep 01
9
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 $74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $54.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Ghent without transferring at least once.
ICE 316 · IC 2833
ICE 18 · IC 2831
ICE 16 · IC 2835
9486+
2842
ICE 314 · IC 2837
9486+
2842
ICE 16 · IC 2835
ICE 316 · IC 2833
ICE 18 · IC 2831
9474+
2840Omio 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 an average ticket price of $29 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 30m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $29, while a flight costs an average of $414.
Distance: 141 miles (227 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$73 Average price | $29 Average price Cheapest | $414 Average price | $53 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 30m Average total duration Fastest 3h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 37m Average total duration 4h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 26m Average total duration 4h 26m Onboard + 2h 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 $44 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Ghent costing on average $73.
A bus is $385 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Ghent costing on average $414.
Other travel options to Ghent take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 7m.
Flight takes on average 4h 26m.
You'll arrive about 12m sooner (3h 0m by train vs 3h 12m by car). Tickets start at around $73 compared to roughly $53 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.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Ghent trains for today, Monday, August 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9486+ 2842 | 6:44 PM Cologne Hbf | 2h35 | 9:19 PM Ghent St Pieters | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, September 1 | |||||
9414+ 2830 | 6:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h40 | 9:19 AM Ghent St Pieters | 1 transfer | |
ICE 18 · IC 2831 | On time 7:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h36 | 10:19 AM Ghent St Pieters | 1 transfer | |
9426+ 2832 | 8:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h40 | 11:19 AM Ghent St Pieters | 1 transfer | |
ICE 316 · IC 2833 | On time 9:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h36 | 12:19 PM Ghent St Pieters | 1 transfer | |
ICE 16 · IC 2835 | On time 11:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h36 | 2:19 PM Ghent St Pieters | 1 transfer | |
9450+ 2836 | 12:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 2h40 | 3:19 PM Ghent St Pieters | 1 transfer | |
ICE 314 · IC 2837 | On time 1:42 PM Cologne Hbf | 2h37 | 4:19 PM Ghent St Pieters | 1 transfer | |
9474+ 2840 | 4:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2h36 | 7:19 PM Ghent St Pieters | 1 transfer | |
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 3h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $34 but you can travel from only $18 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 2h 31m.
Distance 141 miles (227 km) |
Average train duration 3h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $34 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 31m |
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 Tue |
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.

Most Cologne to Ghent trains use the Köln Hbf to Gent St Pieters station pair, with some services arriving at Bruxelles-Midi. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Ghent 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/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.
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.
Gent St Pieters is 1 km from Ghent city centre. Public transport options include:
Gent St Pieters has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: De Graslei, Restaurant Patrick Foley's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Gent St Pieters. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Gent St Pieters. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gent St Pieters: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gent St Pieters: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gent St Pieters: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include NH Gent Sint Pieters, Hotel Carlton, Astoria Hotel Gent.
Gent-Dampoort is 1 km from Ghent city centre. Public transport options include:
Gent-Dampoort 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, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: De Graslei, Amadeus Ghent 1
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Gent-Dampoort. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Gent-Dampoort. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gent-Dampoort: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gent-Dampoort: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gent-Dampoort: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Adagio Access Gent Centrum Dampoort, Hotel Cathedral, Ibis Gent Centrum St-Baafs Kathedraal.
Wondelgem is 4 km from Ghent city centre. Public transport options include:
Wondelgem has practical services for this route, including Dining, WC, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Wondelgem.
Available at Wondelgem: WC.
Available at Wondelgem: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need