- Must visit
AfricaMuseum
Distinctive museum in Tervuren showcasing Central Africa collections, architecture, and landscaped park surroundings.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$31
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$74
Fastest journey on Sep 20
2 h 41 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
2 h 42 m
Trains on Sep 20
9
Distance
174 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Zaventem is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Zaventem will cost around $74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Zaventem without transferring at least once.
ICE 312 · R 3780
ICE 18 · R 3759
ICE 316 · R 3761
9486+
3770
9462+
3766
9486+
3770
ICE 18 · R 3759
ICE 316 · R 3761
9462+
3766
9474+
3768Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Zaventem among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $46 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 47m. 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 $46, while a flight costs an average of $888.
Distance: 108 miles (174 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$123 Average price | $888 Average price | $46 Average price Cheapest | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 47m Average total duration Fastest 2h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 26m Average total duration 2h 26m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 54m Average total duration 6h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Zaventem:
A bus is $78 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Zaventem costing on average $123.
A bus is $843 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Zaventem costing on average $888.
Other travel options to Zaventem take longer:
Flight takes on average 2h 26m.
Bus takes on average 6h 24m.
You'll arrive about 5m sooner (2h 17m by train vs 2h 22m by car). Tickets start at around $123 compared to roughly $40 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 Zaventem trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 312 · R 3680 | On time 6:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h55 | 9:06 AM Zaventem station | 1 transfer | |
9414+ 3758 | 6:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h45 | 9:25 AM Zaventem station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 18 · R 3658 | On time 7:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h10 | 9:53 AM Zaventem station | 1 transfer | |
9426+ 3760 | 8:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h46 | 11:25 AM Zaventem station | 1 transfer | |
9438+ 3762 | 10:39 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h46 | 1:25 PM Zaventem station | 1 transfer | |
9450+ 3764 | 12:39 PM Cologne Hbf | 2h46 | 3:25 PM Zaventem station | 1 transfer | |
9474+ 3768 | 4:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2h42 | 7:25 PM Zaventem station | 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 Zaventem run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $89 but you can travel from only $37 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 108 miles (174 km) distance in 1h 58m.
Distance 108 miles (174 km) |
Average train duration 2h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $89 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 1h 58m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Zaventem — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Zaventem trip today.
Distinctive museum in Tervuren showcasing Central Africa collections, architecture, and landscaped park surroundings.
Leading old masters museum in Brussels, featuring Bruegel, Rubens, and Flemish painting highlights.
Major aviation museum at nearby Brussels Airport with preserved aircraft and exhibits on Belgian civil and military flying history.
Large public park and arboretum in nearby Tervuren, perfect for scenic walks, cycling, and classic landscape views.
Central square of Zaventem with shops, events, and an easy base for seeing the town’s everyday character.
Popular urban park with sports areas, paths, and open lawns, ideal for a relaxed walk close to the center.
Crisp twice-fried potato fries, a Belgian staple often served with mayonnaise. They are iconic street food eaten across Flanders and Brussels.
Mussels cooked with white wine, celery, onion, and herbs, usually served with fries. A classic Belgian brasserie dish popular nationwide.
A hearty Flemish beef stew simmered with dark Belgian beer and onions. It is a beloved comfort dish with rich regional beer flavor.
Casual local brasserie serving Belgian comfort food and grills in an approachable neighborhood setting close to central Zaventem.
Refined fine dining near Brussels Airport, known for elegant French-Belgian cooking and polished service in a contemporary setting.
Well-known airport dining spot with Belgian beers, brasserie classics, and a relaxed atmosphere suited to travelers and locals.
Moderate for Belgium: stays and dining cost more than smaller towns, but transit is efficient and everyday meals remain manageable for most travelers.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis are often rounded up. Small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Zaventem -> Brussels-North Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Zaventem 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 Zaventem, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Zaventem trains use the Köln Hbf to Brussels Airport-Zaventem station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Zaventem 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.
Zaventem has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Belair, Black Pearls
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zaventem. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zaventem. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zaventem: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zaventem: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zaventem: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel, Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport, NH Brussels Airport.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need