- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cheapest price
$37
Average price
$53
Fastest journey
1 h 41 m
Average duration
1 h 41 m
Trains per day
20
Distance
180 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Schaerbeek to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Schaerbeek to Cologne will cost around $53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $37.
Of the 20 trains that leave Schaerbeek for Cologne on Sat, Jun 20, 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 180 km distance in an average of 1 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 41 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 1 h 41 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
ICE 317
ICE 1111
ICE 319
R 3687 · ICE 317
R 3686 · ICE 1111
ICE 15
ICE 17
ICE 315
ICE 317
ICE 19Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Schaerbeek to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $13, and a flight costs an average of $335.
Distance: 111 miles (180 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$75 Average price | $25 Average price Cheapest | $573 Average price | $41 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 43m Average total duration 3h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 39m Average total duration 5h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Schaerbeek to Cologne:
A bus is $50 (€41) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Schaerbeek to Cologne costing on average $75 (€62).
A bus is $548 (€449) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Schaerbeek to Cologne costing on average $573 (€469).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 13m.
Flight takes on average 5h 39m.
You'll arrive about 39m sooner (1h 50m by train vs 2h 29m by car). Tickets start at around $75 (€62) compared to roughly $41 (€34) 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 Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), SNCB.
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 Schaerbeek to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
R 3695 · IC 522 · R 5005 · 26809 | 12:16 AM Station Brussel-Schaarbeek | 7h28 | 7:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 522 · R 5005 · 26809 | 12:31 AM Brussels-North | 7h13 | 7:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3427 · ICE 11 | On time 6:12 AM Station Brussel-Schaarbeek | 2h04 | 8:16 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 11 | On time 6:31 AM Brussels-North | 1h45 | 8:16 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
R 3679 · ICE 13 | On time 8:18 AM Station Brussel-Schaarbeek | 1h58 | 10:16 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 13 | On time 8:34 AM Brussels-North | 1h42 | 10:16 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
R 3681 · ICE 15 | On time 10:18 AM Station Brussel-Schaarbeek | 1h57 | 12:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 15 | On time 10:34 AM Brussels-North | 1h41 | 12:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
R 3683 · ICE 315 | On time 12:18 PM Station Brussel-Schaarbeek | 1h57 | 2:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 315 | On time 12:34 PM Brussels-North | 1h41 | 2:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
R 3685 · ICE 17 | On time 2:18 PM Station Brussel-Schaarbeek | 1h57 | 4:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 17 | On time 2:34 PM Brussels-North | 1h41 | 4:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
R 3686 · ICE 1111 | On time 3:18 PM Station Brussel-Schaarbeek | 2h32 | 5:50 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1111 | On time 3:52 PM Brussels-North | 1h58 | 5:50 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
R 3687 · ICE 317 | On time 4:18 PM Station Brussel-Schaarbeek | 1h57 | 6:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 317 | On time 4:34 PM Brussels-North | 1h41 | 6:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
R 3689 · ICE 19 | On time 6:18 PM Station Brussel-Schaarbeek | 1h57 | 8:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 19 | On time 6:34 PM Brussels-North | 1h41 | 8:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
R 3691 · ICE 319 | On time 8:18 PM Station Brussel-Schaarbeek | 1h57 | 10:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 319 | On time 8:34 PM Brussels-North | 1h41 | 10:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Schaerbeek to Cologne run on average 10 times per day, taking around 1h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) but you can travel from only $13 (€11) by bus.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:15. The fastest train covers the 111 miles (180 km) distance in 1h 41m.
Distance 111 miles (180 km) |
Average train duration 1h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 1h 41m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.
Cologne’s key archaeology museum for Roman heritage, especially famous for the Dionysus mosaic and Roman artifacts from the city.
Important fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century painting, including one of Germany’s leading Impressionist collections.
Popular riverfront promenade in Deutz with one of the city’s best postcard views toward the cathedral skyline, especially at sunset.
Classic walking area with narrow lanes, traditional houses, churches, and river access, ideal for first-time visitors.
One of the Old Town’s best-known squares, surrounded by historic facades and a lively atmosphere close to major sights.
Cologne’s signature top-fermented pale beer, traditionally served in small cylindrical glasses. It is central to the city’s brewing culture and best enjoyed in a local brauhaus.
A classic Cologne dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, usually served with black pudding and fried onions. The sweet-savory combination is strongly associated with Rhineland home cooking.
Despite the name, this is not chicken but a rye bread roll with aged Gouda, butter, mustard, and onions. It is a beloved Kölsch beer snack in traditional Cologne pubs.
An established fine-dining restaurant in central Cologne offering refined modern European cuisine, polished service, and an elegant hotel dining room.
A well-known casual restaurant loved for schnitzel and hearty German comfort food. It has a relaxed, local feel and a strong reputation among visitors and residents.
One of Cologne’s most famous brauhäuser near the cathedral, known for Kölsch and classic Rhineland dishes in a lively traditional atmosphere.
Moderate by German standards. Museums and transit are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up small bills; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Add EUR 1-2 for taxis, and round up in cafés if table service is provided.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf -> Cologne City Center
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Schaerbeek 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.

Most Schaerbeek to Cologne trains use the Brussels-Nord to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln-Ehrenfeld. Use this guide to compare Schaerbeek and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Station Brussel-Schaarbeek is 1 km from Schaerbeek city centre. Public transport options include:
Station Brussel-Schaarbeek has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Station Brussel-Schaarbeek.
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-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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need