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Trip Summary
There are 19 daily trains from Cologne to Brussels. Traveling by train from Cologne to Brussels usually takes around 3 hours and 6 minutes, but the fastest Deutsche Bahn train can make the trip in one hour and 52 minutes.
| Distance | 114 mi (183 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 52m |
| Lowest price | £31.41 |
| Most frequent service | Deutsche Bahn |
| Train lines | 3 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Cologne to Brussels?
In the last month, £47.19 was the average price of a train ticket from Cologne to Brussels. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 9 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around £4.89 more than that for a same-day booking.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Cologne to Brussels often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in November when the average ticket price is only £41,
If you're thinking of traveling from Cologne to Brussels during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £50 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Which train should you take from Cologne to Brussels?
There are 3 train lines with service from Cologne to Brussels. Deutsche Bahn is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 18 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DB Intercity-Express | 5 | 2h 17m | £54.37 |
| Deutsche Bahn | 18 | 3h 28m | £51.36 |
| Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company | 4 | 3h 0m | £49.45 |
The most popular Deutsche Bahn ICE routes travel to Berlin, Cologne, Paris, and Munich. Seating is spacious with a good amount of legroom, and onboard amenities include complimentary WiFi, restrooms, and a restaurant car selling beverages, snacks, sandwiches, and hot meals. Unlike the rest of the Deutsche Bahn network, ticket prices on Deutsche Bahn ICE services are not based on a per-kilometer rate but on specific station-to-station links.
Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train tickets from Cologne to Brussels start from £44, and on average cost . Daily there are 4 Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company schedules to Brussels. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company in Cologne leaves from Central Station . And in Brussels trains arrive at Schaarbeek and 7 other train stations.
From Cologne to Brussels train travel on Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company takes 3 hours and 0 minutes. If you are looking to get to Brussels faster, Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 1 hours and 52 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company offers 2 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to Brussels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Cologne to Brussels. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Thursday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Cologne at 01:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 19:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 19 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Brussels to Cologne.
City Information
Cologne
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
There's no shortage of sights, culture, history, and adventure in Cologne, an alluring city on the Rhine. One of the most famous landmarks of the city is the Cologne Cathedral. This Gothic building and UNESCO World Heritage site remains the most iconic structure in the city. In fact, the Cologne Cathedral is the most visited landmark in Germany. Next door, the Museum Ludwig contrasts the cathedral's sense of history with an impressive collection of modern art, including works by Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.
Cologne's breadth of museums also caters to a younger crowd. Families with children should head to the Cologne Chocolate Museum along the river or the Cologne Zoological Garden for memorable, kid-friendly experiences.
Foodies, rejoice! Cologne is home to mouthwatering German delicacies and upscale restaurants. Start your day with breakfast at Café Sehnsucht. For lunch, visit Herings Im Martinswinkel, and for dinner, head over to Bei Oma Kleinmann to feel like you're visiting your long-lost German grandmother.
Trains like Deutsche Bahn, DB Intercity, and FlixTrain connect Cologne to other major European cities, including Munich, Paris, and Vienna. You can also catch a coach from Cologne on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Sindbad, Union Ivkoni, or Columbuzz. Plus, the Cologne Bonn Airport is a large, well-outfitted airport with daily international flights for travelers coming from afar.
Brussels
The center of European activities, Brussels is a cosmopolitan hub that features many cultural elements, making it one of the top destinations for international travelers. Sitting at the heart of Brussels is the famous Grand-Place, a world heritage site that boasts many nearby Gothic and Baroque architectural marvels. During the holiday season, the square hosts the Winter Wonders light show, as well as a giant Christmas tree. If you enjoy museums, don’t miss out on the Musical Instruments Museum, which is housed in an Art Nouveau building. Featuring as many as 1,200 instruments from around the world, the museum is every music fan’s dream. If you want to go on a shopping spree while in Brussels, head for the Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, which is housed in a stunning Renaissance-style arcade.
Brussels is the home to many Michelin-starred restaurants, and its food scene is among the top-rated in the country. For those wishing to enjoy a contemporary twist on Belgian classics, head towards La Quincaillerie. If seafood is your go-to, Noordzee Mer du Nord will definitely satisfy your palate.
Brussels’ three main rail stations are Brussels-South, Brussels-Central, and Brussels-North, all of which are the busiest in the country. Gare du Midi, located in the Brussels-South station, is the main hub for bus travel in and out of Brussels. The city is served by several airports, the most prominent of which is the Brussels-National Airport, located 10 miles east of the city.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Cologne?
Image credit: Magnus Hagdorn
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Central Station
Cologne Central Station is, unsurprisingly, the central station and main transport hub of Cologne. Multiple nationwide and regional trains stop here and connect to other routes. Thalys and Deutsche Bahn ICE provide service to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and many more. Inside the station, you can kill some time perusing souvenir shops and grab a meal at one of the restaurants- or skip straight to desert at one of the multiple bakeries available. There's even a shop for clothes and a bank in the building. Once outside, you'll be in the center of Cologne, so there are plenty of attractions and restaurants nearby.
All train stations in Cologne:
Central Station
Köln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12
Where is the train station in Brussels?
Main arrival station: Schaarbeek
There are more train stations and stops in Brussels than most cities. Most trains from Cologne will stop at one (or more) of the 8 following stations in Brussels:
Train stations in Brussels:
Schaarbeek
Haren-Zuid/Haren-Sud
Bruxelles Tour-et-Taxis
Bockstael
Bruxelles-Schuman
Bruxelles-Central
Congres
Bruxelles-Chapelle
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