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Travelling from Brussels to Cologne by train
If you’re looking to travel from Brussels to Cologne by train, you’ve come to the right place!
Trains from Brussels to Cologne take around 2 hours and 39 minutes on average. The fastest services, however, will get you there in as little as 1 hour 50 minutes.
The main operators which serve this route are:
- Eurostar
- Deutsche Bahn (DB)
- SNCB
- ÖBB Nightjet (sleeper trains only)
Standard amenities on board high-speed services (Eurostar and DB) include luggage racks, plug sockets, WiFi and access to the bar/restaurant carriage.
A perfect accompaniment to Brussels for a European break by train, Cologne is a chilled-out yet vibrant city, filled with bars, museums and spectacular architecture. Once you step out of Cologne’s main train station, you’re only steps away from these famous landmarks:
- Cologne Cathedral — one of the most stunning Gothic cathedrals in Europe, it’s Germany’s most visited landmark and the third tallest church in the world.
- Museum Ludwig— a modern art museum showcasing a vast collection of German Expressionist, Pop Art and Russian avant-garde masterpieces, as well as the third-largest Picasso collection in the world.
- Heumarkt— a beautiful cobblestone square lined with cafés and home to the city’s famous Christmas market.
Ready to book? Get your cheap train tickets from Brussels to Cologne using out Journey Planner at the top of the page.
Brussels to Köln Hbf by train
It takes an average of 2h 31m to travel from Brussels to Köln Hbf by train, over a distance of around 114 miles (183 km). There are normally 14 trains per day travelling from Brussels to Köln Hbf and tickets for this journey start from £17.42 when you book in advance.
FAQs about the train journey from Brussels to Köln Hbf
Want to know more about your journey from Brussels to Köln Hbf? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
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Deutsche Bahn, SNCF, Eurostar and ÖBB trains from Brussels to Köln Hbf
Deutsche Bahn
SNCF
Eurostar
ÖBB
The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.
More information
SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).
More information
Eurostar is the exclusive high-speed train service that links London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and the rest of Europe at speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). All Eurostar trains have modern, comfortable facilities, plenty of room for luggage, and onboard food and beverage carriage. There are three comfort classes on offer – Standard, Standard Premier (equivalent to Premium Economy, with light refreshments served), and Business Premier (equivalent to First or Business Class, with flexible travel options, priority boarding, lounge access and delicious food and drink included). On 1st October, 2023, Eurostar and Thalys joined forces and are now united under the Eurostar name. Eurostar now runs trains on more routes between France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. These trains, with their distinctive red colour scheme, have three classes: Standard, Comfort and Premium (equivalent to First Class, with lounge access included).
ÖBB is the major railway company for Austria, subdivided into several subsidiaries, responsible for certain areas of transport, such as long distance and local transport, the operation of postal buses and the transport of goods. Railjet is ÖBB's high-speed train, which travels at speeds of up to 143 mph (230 km/h) and connects the main Austrian cities with Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Italy.
More information
- ÖBB /
- Railjet /
- Nightjet /
- Trains in Austria
Eurostar, ICE and SNCB classes from Brussels to Köln Hbf
Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurostar, ICE and SNCB when travelling from Brussels to Köln Hbf.
Eurostar
ICE
SNCB
Eurostar Standard
In Eurostar Standard, you'll find comfortable seats, free WiFi and a large selection of drinks and snacks for sale in the onboard café-bar.
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Catering at your seat
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
Eurostar Plus
As well as all the facilities you'll find in Eurostar Standard, in Eurostar Plus you'll also get a light meal served at your seat for trips to and from London. Though you won't get a meal at your seat for trips solely in Europe, you'll get to sit back and relax in comfier seats.
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Complimentary meal at seat (1)
- Catering at your seat
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
- (1) A meal at your seat is only provided on trains travelling to or from the United Kingdom.
Eurostar Premier
Eurostar Premier gives you the freedom to travel in your own time, with same-day boarding guaranteed and Eurostar's exclusive lounges (where available) where you can relax before your trip. In Eurostar Premier, you'll also benefit from complete comfort, including a free meal and free drinks at your seat.
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Catering at your seat
- Gourmet menu (1)
- Lounge access
- (1) A gourmet hot meal is exclusive to trains to and from the United Kingdom; on trains in Europe, you'll have a cold meal served at your seat.
Second Class
If you're travelling in ICE's Second Class, you'll get to enjoy free WiFi and a bistrò carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment portal
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Catering at your seat
- Fast track
- Quiet area
First Class
In addition to all the amenities in Second Class, in First Class you'll get more legroom, a catering service, Fast Track in some stations and free access to DB lounges.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment portal
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Catering at your seat
- Fast track
- Quiet area
Second Class
If you're travelling in Second Class, you'll find plenty of luggage storage and power sockets as standard. You can reserve your seat only if you buy a group ticket.
- Power sockets
- Luggage storage
- More legroom
First Class
Upgrade to First Class and enjoy more legroom and comfier seats. You can reserve your seat only if you buy a group ticket.
- Power sockets
- Luggage storage
- More legroom
Onboard services on Eurostar, ICE and SNCB
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Brussels to Köln Hbf.
Eurostar
ICE
SNCB
Although there's no weight limit for your luggage on Eurostar trains, you must be able to carry your bags safely by yourself.
Each bag must be clearly labelled and must be no longer than 85 cm (for trains to and from the United Kingdom) or no larger than 75 x 53 x 30 cm (for trains in Europe).
Are you travelling to or from the United Kingdom? In Eurostar Standard, choose from a wide selection of drinks and snacks at the Eurostar Café, the onboard café-bar in the middle of the train. Cards and cash (Euros or pounds) are accepted. If you're travelling in Eurostar Plus, a light meal and a drink will be served at your seat.
Travel in Eurostar Premier and you'll be treated to a gourmet meal, as well as a continuous drinks service throughout your journey.
For all other Eurostar trains (red trains, formerly Thalys), head to the bar car and choose from a wide range of hot and cold drinks as well as sweet and savoury snacks.
In Eurostar Premier on European routes, you'll get a free meal served directly to your seat.
Eurostar doesn't have an onboard entertainment portal. However, there is free WiFi available, as well as UK and EU plug sockets at your seat so you can charge your devices while travelling.
Children under 4 can travel free on Eurostar trains, as long as they're sitting on an accompanying adult's lap. Alternatively, buying a child ticket guarantees them their own seat.
You'll find changing tables on all Eurostar trains, as well as family-oriented seating (4 seats facing one another) where available.
Currently, only certain Eurostar trains running between London and Brussels can transport fully assembled bikes - contact Eurostar for more information. You can, however, take a foldable bike on board Eurostar trains to and from the UK provided that it's no more than 85 cm long and it fits in a protective bag that covers the whole bicycle. Folded bikes are treated as standard luggage.
For all other Eurostar trains in Europe, a limited number of non-foldable bikes can be brought on board, provided that the wheels are taken off and the whole bicycle is stored in a suitable cover (max. size 135 x 85 x 30 cm). Foldable bicycles are also allowed and count towards standard luggage limits.
The rules around travelling with your pets depend on whether you're travelling across the Channel or not, so check before you travel:
Eurostar trains to and from the United Kingdom:
- Pets are not permitted on board.
- Guide dogs and assistance dogs can travel, but they must be accompanied by their owner. You must also reserve a ticket for your assistance dog at least 48 hours before travel, by filling out Eurostar's contact form.
Trains in the rest of Europe:
- Small dogs and other pets weighing less than 6 kg can travel for free. They must travel in a cage or carrier (max. dimensions 45 x 30 x 25 cm).
- If your dog is larger than this, you must buy them a dog ticket (generally the price is fixed at €30, around £26), and the dog must travel on your lap or on the ground, on a lead and with a muzzle.
- Guide dogs and assistance dogs, whatever their size, travel for free.
If you need help getting on or off the train, you should contact Eurostar directly before your trip. To use Eurostar's special assistance program, fill in the contact form at least 48 hours before your journey so that the team can help you.
If you're travelling to/from the United Kingdom:
- Arrive at least one hour before your train's scheduled departure time, then head to the Eurostar Assist desk or ask a member of staff.
- If you have a wheelchair, you must reserve a wheelchair space in either Eurostar Plus or Eurostar Premier - you'll only pay for a Eurostar Standard ticket. Someone can travel with you at a discounted rate.
If you're travelling on red trains in the rest of Europe:
- Wheelchair users travel in Eurostar Premier on routes in Europe.
- Wheelchairs can be transported as long as they're no bigger than 70 cm long and 120 cm high. The wheelchair's turning circle must be no larger than 150 cm in diameter. The combined weight of the wheelchair, passenger and any luggage must not exceed 300 kg.
- Please note that combustion engine-powered wheelchairs are not permitted on board. However, electric wheelchairs are allowed.
Specific restrictions for trains to/from the United Kingdom:
Liquids:
- There's no restriction on liquids. However, there are restrictions on alcohol: you can take 4 bottles/cans of beer or 1 bottle of wine per person to enjoy on the journey, but large bottles of spirits are not permitted. If you're travelling with large quantities of alcohol, you should contact a courier service.
Sports equipment:
- You can travel with a golf bag as long as it's no larger than 120 x 35 x 35 cm.
- You can bring tents or other shelters if they're stored in bags or cases less than 85 cm long.
- Camping gas or butane bottles are not permitted on board.
- Camping utensils or tools such as pocket knives and Swiss army knives are permitted provided the blades are less than 75 mm long. Folding knives where the blade locks into place are prohibited.
- You can bring bats, snooker or pool cues and darts on board if they're stored in a protective case.
You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.
When travelling with ICE, you can enjoy an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you choose the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.
Upgrade to First Class and you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
DB change their menu every three months, but you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
If you’re travelling on a ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favourite TV show.
You can also connect to the ICE portal, where you’ll find a wide range of entertainment, such as films, television, audiobooks, games, newspapers and magazines.
On DB’s ICE trains, kids under 5 years old travel for free and don’t need a ticket. Children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.
You can also book family areas and children compartments on all ICE trains.
With ICE, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle onboard. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.
Generally, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.
You can travel with your pet on all ICE trains. You do not need an extra ticket If you have a small dog and they can travel in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.
Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.
DB’s Mobility Service can assist you with boarding, disembarking or changing trains. Also, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
When travelling with SNCB, each passenger can take 3 items of luggage on board, as long as the total weight does not exceed 30kg. Once you’ve found your seat, you can stow your luggage in the space provided above and below your seat. You can take the following luggage on board for free:
- Briefcases, rucksacks and suitcases
- Wheelchairs (manual or automatic)
- Pushchairs and prams
- Folding bikes, unicycles, scooters
- Sports equipment (e.g. skis)
Currently, SNCB does not offer a food and drink service. Although, you may bring food and drink with you to enjoy on the train.
SNCB offer free WiFi in their main stations, including Brussels Central, Bruges, Antwerp Central and more. Currently, SNCB do not offer WiFi onboard their trains.
As long as they are travelling with a person aged 12 or above with a valid ticket, children under 12 can travel for free without a ticket. However, please note that this only applies to a maximum of 4 children per passenger with a valid ticket. If you have any additional children travelling with you, they will need a half-price Kids Ticket.
Hoping to travel with your bike? You’ll need to add a Bike Supplement to your ticket. However, if you’re travelling with a folding bike, you don’t need to worry about paying. Bike Supplements are paid on top of your rail fare and cost €4 for a single journey.
When boarding, speak to the train conductor and they will tell you if there are spaces available and where you can put your bicycle. SNCB advise you not to travel with a bike at Peak times, because bicycle spaces may not be available.
Guide and assistance dogs
Travel is free for guide and assistance dogs. You won’t need to add a Pet Supplement to your ticket.
Pets
Pets are welcome to travel on SNCB trains if they are on a lead or in a small basket, cage or box. For animals on a lead, a Pet Supplement costs €3 for a single trip. If your pet is in a small basket, cage or box that is smaller than 30 x 55 x 30 cm, you do not need to pay for a Pet Supplement. Finally, your pet is not allowed to sit on the seats or tables.
Passengers with reduced mobility should directly contact SNCB to make use of their free assistance service. You can take your wheelchair on board the train for free, regardless of whether or not you use the SNCB's free assistance service. If you are blind or partially sighted, you can take the train for free in 2nd class.
Cheap train tickets from Brussels to Köln Hbf
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Brussels to Köln Hbf by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Travelling from the airport to central Brussels
If you’re arriving in Brussels by plane, here’s how to get from the airport to the city centre by train.
Brussels has one main airport, Brussels-Zaventem Airport, which is located around 7 miles northeast of Brussels city centre. From the airport, you can take a taxi, train or bus to reach the city centre.
Trains from Brussels Airport
If you want to get from Brussels Airport to central Brussels quickly, you should take the train!
A train from Brussels Airport to Brussels-Midi station takes around 20 minutes on the quickest SNCB services. Generally, the train from Brussels Airport to Brussels-Midi runs every 10 minutes between 05:30 am and midnight, 7 days a week. The airport train station is located directly below the terminal.
Buses from Brussels airport
Although not the fastest option, taking the bus from the airport to the city centre is certainly the cheapest option.
From Brussels Airport, you can take the Airport Line (Line 12) from in front of the terminal building at bus platform C. The bus will drop you off at the European district, which is a stone's throw from the shops in the upper town, in about 30 minutes.
You can buy a ticket from an automated machine at the airport before you board the bus. A single trip from the airport to the city centre costs €7 (around £5.99) when buying on the bus using a contactless card as of March 2024.
Taxis from Brussels airport
Taxis will get you from the airport to your accommodation directly and in privacy. They can be hailed at the taxi stand in front of the terminal building. Just be aware that prices are around €50 (£42.75) for a single trip, which makes them the most expensive option for airport transfers.
How to get to Brussels-Midi station
Brussels-Midi station is the main train station in the city for high-speed trains. Here’s how to get there.
If you've travelled to Brussels by taking the Eurostar from London to Brussels, you’ll already be in the right place! Trains to Brussels from London St Pancras International terminate at Brussels-Midi.
If you’re looking for the station and you’re already in Brussels, you’ll find Brussels-Midi just southwest of the city’s historic centre. You have a number of options for getting there:
- Walk: If you’re already in the centre of Brussels, you can walk to the station in under half an hour. From the Grand-Place, it will take around 25 minutes.
- Metro: Lines 2 and 6 stop at Brussels-Midi—just look for the station marked as Gare du Midi/Zuidstation.
- Tram: Lines 3 and 4, which both pass through the city’s historic centre, connect to Brussels-Midi.
- Bus: You can also take one of the many bus services that run between the city centre and the train station.
- Bike: Brussels has a bike share system, so if you’re light on luggage, you can rent a bike and cycle to Brussels-Midi.
Top tip: Both French and Dutch are spoken in Brussels, so you will find the station signposted as Zuidstation or Brussel-Zuid (Dutch) and Gare du Midi or Bruxelles-Midi (French).
Fun fact:Gare du Midi is named after Le Midi, a region of Southern France, which the trains departing the station in the 19th century had as their destination.
Everything you need to know about Brussels-Midi station
Brussels-Midi is the largest station in the city and has plenty of shops and cafes to keep you busy while you wait for your train to Cologne.
- Shops and boutiques: Brussels-Midi has a variety of shops and boutiques to browse while waiting for your train, including a Carrefour Express supermarket.
- Restaurants and cafés: There are several places to grab food and drink at the station, including Pret A Manger and Starbucks.
- Bureau de change: Bureau de change services are available if you need to convert money.
- Waiting areas: There are designated waiting areas with seating for passengers, making your wait for your train more comfortable. There’s also free WiFi available.
- Luggage storage: Luggage lockers are available near the toilets alongside the international ticket office by platform 3 if you want to store your bags while waiting for your train. There are four different sizes of locker and you can pay by contactless payment.
- Accessibility: The station is equipped with facilities and services to assist passengers with reduced mobility, including lifts and escalators to all platforms, wheelchair lifts, mobile ramps and disabled toilet and parking spaces.
Arriving in Cologne from Brussels
Once you arrive in Cologne, you can start sightseeing right away.
Cologne’s main train station (Köln Hbf in German) is right in the centre of the city by the river and just north of the city’s main attractions.
Step out of the station’s south exit, and you’ll find yourself right in front of Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom in German), Germany’s most visited attraction—and the first photo opportunity of your trip!
From here, whether you want to jump straight into sightseeing or want to drop off your bags at your accommodation, there are multiple ways of getting around the city quickly:
- Walk: Most of the city’s historic centre is within a 15-minute walk from the train station.
- U-Bahn/tram: The city’s tram/light rail network will get you where you need to go. From the Dom/Hbf U-Bahn station, line 5 will quickly get you to the Heumarkt, the home of the city’s famous Christmas market. You can also catch line 16 or 18 for fast connections to Appellhofplatz and Neumarkt.
- S-Bahn: S-Bahn trains serve locations a bit further afield and are the best option for getting to the airport or if you need to cross to the other side of the Rhine. You can hop on one of these trains from the platforms at Köln Hbf.
- Bus: A cheap option for reaching Cologne’s suburbs and neighbouring towns. The main train station is a major hub for buses.
Using public transport in Cologne
Cologne’s public transport system connects you everywhere in the city. Here’s how to use it.
Public transport in Cologne is managed by the Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe (KVB). Look out for the signs and ticket machines with the KVB badge to find tickets.
Where to buy tickets
You can buy tickets at:
- Ticket machines at the stops
- Customer Centres in major train stations (including Köln Hbf)
- KVB Retail outlets
- Private retail outlets (kiosks)
What type of tickets are available?
The following tickets are available from KVB:
- Single ticket
- 4-journey ticket
- 24-hour ticket
- KölnCard (a 24- or 48-hour ticket for visitors)
- 10-day flex ticket
- Week ticket
- Month ticket
Keep in mind: Tickets purchased at retail outlets must be validated on board. Tickets purchased from ticket machines are already validated.
Discover Cologne and Germany
Cologne is the ultimate gateway to what the rest of Germany has to offer. Take some inspiration for your next journey:
Where to travel next after Cologne
Cologne doesn’t have to be the final destination on your European trip. Here are some popular rail journeys from Cologne.
Explore Europe with an Interrail Pass
After visiting Cologne, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With an Interrail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
You can use an Interrail Pass if you're a European citizen (this includes UK citizens) or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country. If you’re not a European citizen or someone legally resident in Europe, such as an American or Canadian citizen, you can use a Eurail Pass instead.
Travelling from central Cologne to nearby airports
Cologne is served by three major airports, all of which are less than an hour away by train.
Cologne–Bonn Airport
Cologne–Bonn Airport is the closest airport to Cologne, at 7.5 miles from the city centre. You can reach the airport by taxi, bus and train.
The most frequent service is the S-Bahn line S19, which you can catch at Cologne’s central train station (Köln Hbf). This journey takes only 15 minutes.
Düsseldorf Airport
Düsseldorf Airport is another popular airport to fly from. It is about 26 miles north of Cologne and can be reached by S-Bahn and intercity train services.
If you take the S-Bahn line S11 northbound from Cologne’s central train station, the journey time is around 1 hour 25 minutes. The train will arrive directly at the airport terminal’s basement.
The faster option is an IC (intercity) or ICE (intercity express) train which will get you from Cologne’s central train station to Dusseldorf Airport’s train station in under 40 minutes. From there, you can take a seven-minute connection on the airport’s SkyTrain to transfer to the terminal. The SkyTrain runs every 5 to 7 minutes.
Frankfurt Airport
Although it’s much further afield, high-speed Deutsche Bahn ICE trains mean Frankfurt Airport is less than an hour from Cologne’s main train station.
Not only that: Frankfurt Airport is served by its own long-distance train station, meaning you can jump off the train and be only a few minutes’ walk from the check-in desks.
Find more information on Cologne to Frankfurt Airport trains.