- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK)
Major fine arts museum with Flemish masters, modern works, and one of Belgium’s oldest public art collections.
Cheapest price
$58
Average price
$83
Fastest journey
2 h 36 m
Average duration
2 h 36 m
Trains per day
11
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 $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $58.
Of the 11 trains that leave Cologne for Ghent on Sat, Jun 20, 1 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 227 km distance in an average of 2 h 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 36 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 2 h 36 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 318 · IC 545
ICE 18 · IC 2831
ICE 1110
ICE 1110 · IC 1533
ICE 14 · IC 2839
ICE 12 · IC 2841
ICE 10 · IC 2843
ICE 316 · IC 2833
ICE 16 · IC 2835
ICE 18 · IC 2831Omio 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
$99 Average price | $30 Average price Cheapest | $637 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 $99 (€81).
A bus is $607 (€497) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Ghent costing on average $637 (€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 $99 (€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, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 18 · IC 2831 | On time 7:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h36 | 10:19 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 1114 · IC 534 | On time 10:43 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h52 | 1:35 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 | |
ICE 14 · IC 8002 | On time 3:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 2h30 | 6:11 PM Ghent St Pieters | 1 transfer | |
ICE 12 · IC 2841 | On time 5:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2h36 | 8:19 PM Ghent St Pieters | 1 transfer | |
ICE 10 · IC 2843 | On time 7:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 2h36 | 10:19 PM Ghent St Pieters | 1 transfer | |
ICE 318 · IC 2845 | On time 9:42 PM Cologne Hbf | 2h59 | 12:41 AM Ghent St Pieters | 1 transfer | |
26834 · 18978 · IC 527 | 10:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 8h16 | 6:31 AM Ghent St Pieters | 2 transfers | |
10934 · 18982 · IC 28403 · ECD 9512 | 10:47 PM Cologne Hbf | 9h45 | 8:32 AM Ghent St Pieters | 4 transfers | |
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 $50 (€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 $50 (€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, modern works, and one of Belgium’s oldest public art collections.
Leading contemporary art museum in Ghent, known for Belgian and international modern and experimental exhibitions.
Well-regarded design museum combining decorative arts, furniture, and contemporary design in a historic setting.
Ghent’s most famous quays, lined with guild houses and waterside views. Essential for walking, photos, and evening atmosphere.
Historic quarter of narrow lanes and old houses, loved for its intimate character and local feel.
Central square surrounded by major monuments, tram connections, and constant city-center activity.
Ghent’s signature creamy stew, traditionally made with fish and now often with chicken, vegetables, cream, and egg yolk. It is one of the city’s most iconic comfort dishes.
A classic Flemish beef stew slowly braised in dark Belgian beer, often served with fries. It is a beloved hearty dish across Flanders and very common in Ghent.
Cone-shaped Ghent candies, also called cuberdons, with a firm outer shell and a soft raspberry-flavored center. They are one of the city’s best-known sweet specialties.
Popular modern fine-dining restaurant offering creative seasonal tasting menus in a relaxed contemporary setting.
Traditional restaurant known for refined Belgian cuisine and classic hospitality, suitable for trying regional dishes in a quieter setting.
Well-known brasserie on the historic Graslei, serving Belgian classics such as waterzooi and Flemish stew in a scenic canal-side setting.
Moderate by Belgian standards. Budget eats are affordable, while hotels and dinner in central areas cost more.
Service is usually included. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for very good service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Gent-Sint-Pieters Station, Ghent -> 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.
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