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About the train journey from Leuven to Köln Süd
Want to travel from Leuven to Köln Süd by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from Leuven to Köln Süd usually takes 3 hours 8 minutes on average to travel 97 miles (156 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 2 hours 4 minutes. You can expect to find 15 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren’t any direct services running between Leuven and Köln Süd, you’ll need to make 2 changes on your way to Köln Süd. You can choose to travel with ICE, SNCF or DB to get to Köln Süd. As the main rail operators on this route, their trains offer modern comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.
To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Leuven to Köln Süd in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save!
Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Köln Süd, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you’re ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.
Deutsche Bahn, SNCF and ICE (Intercity Express) trains from Leuven to Köln Süd
Deutsche Bahn
SNCF
ICE (Intercity Express)
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.
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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).
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The high-speed train of Deutsche Bahn, with a maximum speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), the ICE connects major cities and is also used for international travel to neighbouring countries such as Austria, France and Denmark. This train is equipped with air conditioning, a dining car, a children's compartment and power sockets. Passengers enjoy a free WiFi connection throughout the duration of the ICE trip.
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ICE classes from Leuven to Köln Süd
Compare the different travel classes offered by ICE when travelling from Leuven to Köln Süd.
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
Onboard services on ICE
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Leuven to Köln Süd.
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.
Cheap train tickets from Leuven to Köln Süd
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 Leuven to Köln Süd 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.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Leuven to Köln Süd? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Leuven to Köln Süd take?
The average journey time by train between Leuven and Köln Süd is 3 hours and 8 minutes, with around 15 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Leuven and Köln Süd by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Leuven to Köln Süd is 2 hours and 4 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Leuven to Köln Süd?
No, there are no direct train services from Leuven to Köln Süd. Travelling from Leuven to Köln Süd by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.
What time does the first train from Leuven to Köln Süd leave?
The first train from Leuven to Köln Süd leaves at 00:51. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Leuven to Köln Süd leave?
The last train from Leuven to Köln Süd leaves at 20:47. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Leuven and Köln Süd by train?
Trains travelling from Leuven to Köln Süd cover a distance of around 97 miles (156 km) during the journey.