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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leuven to Cologne
Showing times and prices for Feb 27
Cheapest price
$104
Average price
$104
Fastest journey
1 h 48 m
Average duration
1 h 58 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
158 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leuven to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leuven to Cologne will cost around $104 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $104.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Leuven to Cologne without transferring at least once.
R 3057 · IC 506 · ICE 1308:03AM2h13
Heverlee10:16AMCologne Hbf
$1041One-way
2 transfers
IC 506 · ICE 1308:27AM1h49
Leuven station10:16AMCologne Hbf
$1041One-way
1 transfer
R 3061 · IC 510 · ICE 31512:03PM2h12
Heverlee02:15PMCologne Hbf
$1041One-way
2 transfers
IC 510 · ICE 31512:27PM1h48
Leuven station02:15PMCologne Hbf
$1041One-way
1 transfer
IC 508 · ICE 1510:27AM1h48
Leuven station12:15PMCologne Hbf
$1041One-way
1 transfer
IC 510 · ICE 31512:27PM1h48
Leuven station02:15PMCologne Hbf
$1041One-way
1 transfer
IC 508 · ICE 1510:27AM1h48
Leuven station12:15PMCologne Hbf
$1041One-way
1 transfer
IC 506 · ICE 1308:27AM1h49
Leuven station10:16AMCologne Hbf
$1041One-way
1 transfer
R 3061 · IC 510 · ICE 31512:03PM2h12
Heverlee02:15PMCologne Hbf
$1041One-way
2 transfers
R 3059 · IC 508 · ICE 1510:03AM2h12
Heverlee12:15PMCologne Hbf
$1041One-way
2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Leuven to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leuven to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 43m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $14, and a train costs an average of $43.
Distance: 98 miles (158 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$74 Average price | $22 Average price Cheapest |
2h 13m Average total duration Fastest 1h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 36m Average total duration 3h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Leuven to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Leuven to Cologne trains for today, Thursday, February 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 2:46 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R 3057 · IC 506 · ICE 13 | On time 7:03 AM Heverlee | 2h13 | 9:16 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | ||
| IC 506 · ICE 13 | On time 7:27 AM Leuven station | 1h49 | 9:16 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | ||
| R 3059 · IC 508 · ICE 15 | On time 9:03 AM Heverlee | 2h12 | 11:15 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | ||
| IC 508 · ICE 15 | On time 9:27 AM Leuven station | 1h48 | 11:15 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | ||
| R 3061 · IC 510 · ICE 315 | On time 11:03 AM Heverlee | 2h12 | 1:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | ||
| IC 510 · ICE 315 | On time 11:27 AM Leuven station | 1h48 | 1:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | ||
This is the last train of the day. | ||||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Leuven to Cologne by train or bus
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.
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Why should you book Leuven to Cologne trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as Eurostar or SNCB offer trains services from Leuven to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leuven to Cologne.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Eurostar or SNCB to find the best option for your trip from Leuven to Cologne.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leuven to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Trainline, Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Eurostar or SNCB to find the best option for your trip from Leuven to Cologne.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Leuven to Cologne.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Leuven to Cologne
Belgium
Germany
Trains from Leuven to Cologne run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $43 (€34) but you can travel from only $14 (€12) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:51, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 98 miles (158 km) distance in 1h 41m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $14 (€12)
Distance 98 miles (158 km) |
Average train duration 1h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $43 (€34) |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 1h 41m |
First train 00:51 |
Last train 23:58 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $14 (€12)
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, SNCB from Leuven to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, SNCB trains will get you between Leuven and Cologne from $14 (€12). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 41m
Cheapest Price
$43 (€34)
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone
Eurostar
About
Eurostar is a high-speed international rail service connecting the UK with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, primarily via the Channel Tunnel. Since merging with Thalys in October 2023, Eurostar now operates an expanded network across Western Europe. Known for its city-center to city-center travel, Eurostar offers a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to flying. Passengers can enjoy amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and power sockets at every seat. Key destinations include London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne, with seasonal services to other locations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 47m
Cheapest Price
$50 (€39)
Eurostar frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included in standard ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage areas at the end of carriages and overhead racks
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café-bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First-class passengers receive complimentary meals on some routes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed for a fee. Large dogs not permitted except guide dogs
Quiet zone
SNCB
About
SNCB is Belgium’s national railway company and the country’s main train operator, offering First Class and Second Class tickets. It runs a variety of services, including Intercity trains for the fastest domestic connections, Interregio trains with more local stops, and international options such as EuroCity, Thalys, and ICE International. Thalys trains connect Belgium with France, Germany, and the Netherlands at high speed, while EuroCity and ICE International link Belgium to Germany and other European destinations. Onboard facilities typically include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Popular routes include Brussels to Antwerp, Brussels to Bruges, Brussels to Ghent, and Brussels to Liège.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 47m
Cheapest Price
$57 (€45)
SNCB frequency
10 a day
FAQs: Trains from Leuven to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leuven 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.
Train ticket prices from Leuven to Cologne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $43 (€34), while the average price is around $74 (€59).
The train from Leuven to Cologne takes 1h 41m and runs 9 per day.
The first train from Leuven to Cologne leaves at 12:51 AM.
The distance by train from Leuven to Cologne is 98 miles (158 km).
The last train from Leuven to Cologne leaves at 11:58 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Leuven to Cologne.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Leuven to Cologne.
The train station in Leuven that goes to Cologne is Leuven station, which connects to Cologne Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Leuven to Cologne is by bus, with a cost of around $14 (€12).
The train journey from Leuven to Cologne offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, passing through picturesque Belgian countryside, charming villages, and the vibrant cityscape of Cologne upon arrival.
A day trip from Leuven to Cologne is feasible as the journey takes 1h 41m and trains run 9 times per day over a distance of 98 miles (158 km).
In Cologne, you can explore the Cologne Chocolate Museum to learn about chocolate history and production, enjoy a scenic Rhine River Cruise, and visit the Botanical Gardens Flora for stunning floral displays. Discover trendy boutiques and vibrant street art in the Belgian Quarter, or attend a concert at the renowned Cologne Philharmonic Hall. Don't miss the iconic Cologne Cathedral, the modern art collection at Museum Ludwig, and the love lock-adorned Hohenzollern Bridge. Wander through the charming Old Town (Altstadt) and visit the diverse Cologne Zoo.
Three days are generally recommended to explore Cologne's main attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, Old Town, and museums.
Yes, you can take the train from Leuven to Cologne.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Leuven to Cologne
Leuven
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Leuven is Leuven. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Leuven for your trip from Leuven to Cologne.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
9Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Access via Martelarenplein.
Dining
- De Klimop
- Domus
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps.
WC
- €0.50
Hotel
- Hotel La Royale
- Park Inn by Radisson Leuven
- Hotel Mille Colonnes
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-9 for trains to Brussels, Antwerp, and Liège
Public transit options for Leuven
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Direct connections to Brussels, Antwerp, and Liège
Heverlee
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelBike ParkingBike RentalThe major train station for arrivals in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your journey to Cologne from Leuven.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockers
ShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
Distance to city center
13 kmDining
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
Hotel
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
Most popular train connections from Leuven
More options for your journey from Leuven to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cologne and Leuven
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