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Taking the train from Cologne to Brussels

On 1st October 2023, Thalys became Eurostar. Thalys' red trains will stay the same, including the classes and services available on board, but every Thalys train now displays the Eurostar name and logo. 

➡️ Head to our dedicated Eurostar page for more information.

You can travel by train from Cologne to Brussels in under two hours - it's much faster than the nearly three-hour car journey. Crossing the border from Germany to Belgium by train is completely seamless. The fastest, direct services are operated by Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn. Services depart from Cologne main station (Koln Hbf in German) in the centre of the city and arrive in Brussels-Midi (also known as Brussels-Zuid), which is situated in the heart of the Belgian capital. What easier way to travel to the beating heart of continental Europe?

Once in Brussels there is so much to discover, from the famous Mannequin Pis to the iconic Atomium structure. The historic, UNESCO-protected Grand Place provides an understanding of the city's significant past, whilst the European Parliament proves its importance today. Walk the streets to discover some of Europe's best examples of Art Nouveau architecture, but don't forget to sample Brussel's famous frites and beer along the way.

As the fastest, cheapest and most comfortable way to reach Brussels from Cologne, rail travel takes you to the heart of this unique city.  Want to know more about saving money and travelling in style?  Check out our Journey Planner and journey FAQs below and start your train journey from Cologne to Brussels today.

Köln Hbf to Brussels by train

It takes an average of 3h 47m to travel from Köln Hbf to Brussels by train, over a distance of around 114 miles (183 km). There are normally 18 trains per day travelling from Köln Hbf to Brussels and tickets for this journey start from £17.85 when you book in advance.

First train

06:44

Last train

23:15

Departure station

Köln Hbf

Arrival station

Brussels

Journey time

From 1h 51m

Distance

114 miles (183 km)

Frequency

18 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £17.85

Train and bus operators

Deutsche Bahn, SNCF, BlaBlaCar Bus, Eurostar, ÖBB

Köln Hbf to Brussels train times

Check out the next trains departing from Köln Hbf to Brussels for Tuesday 2nd April 2024. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
10:42 12:35 1h 53m, direct
11:42 13:35 1h 53m, direct
12:42 14:35 1h 53m, direct
14:40 16:35 1h 55m, direct
15:44 17:35 1h 51m, direct
16:41 18:35 1h 54m, direct
17:43 19:35 1h 52m, direct
18:40 20:35 1h 55m, direct
19:15 23:27 4h 12m, 2 changes
20:15 04:49 8h 34m, 3 changes

Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), ÖBB and SNCF trains from Köln Hbf to Brussels

You can travel from Köln Hbf to Brussels on Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), ÖBB and SNCF trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

PhotoJoachimKohlerBremen, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

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.

PhotoNelso Silva, under licence CC BY-SA 2.0

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.

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.

PhotoCtruongngoc, under licence CC BY-SA 3.0

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).

Eurostar and ICE classes from Köln Hbf to Brussels

Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurostar and ICE when travelling from Köln Hbf to Brussels.

Onboard services on Eurostar and ICE

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Köln Hbf to Brussels.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

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).

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

Are you travelling to or from the United Kingdom? In Eurostar Standard Class, 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 Standard Premier, a light meal and a drink will be served at your seat.

Travel in Business 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 Premium class, you'll get a free meal served directly to your seat.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

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.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

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.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

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.

PetPetPets

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.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

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 Standard Premier or Business Premier - you'll only pay for a Standard Class ticket. Someone can travel with you at a discounted rate.

If you're travelling on red trains in the rest of 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.
InfoInfoOther

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.
LuggageLuggageLuggage

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.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

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.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

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.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

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.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

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.

PetPetPets

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.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

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 Köln Hbf to Brussels

The price of train tickets from Köln Hbf to Brussels starts at £17.85 one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Booking on the day is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or class.

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 Köln Hbf to Brussels 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.

§Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Köln Hbf to Brussels? 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 Köln Hbf to Brussels take?

The average journey time by train between Köln Hbf and Brussels is 3 hours and 47 minutes, with around 18 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 Köln Hbf and Brussels by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Köln Hbf to Brussels is 1 hour and 51 minutes.

How much does the train from Köln Hbf to Brussels cost?

Train ticket prices from Köln Hbf to Brussels can start from as little as £17.85 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

Is there a direct train from Köln Hbf to Brussels?

Yes, it is possible to travel from Köln Hbf to Brussels without having to change trains. There are 12 direct trains from Köln Hbf to Brussels each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from Köln Hbf to Brussels leave?

The first train from Köln Hbf to Brussels leaves at 06:44. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Köln Hbf to Brussels leave?

The last train from Köln Hbf to Brussels leaves at 23:15. 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 Köln Hbf and Brussels by train?

Trains travelling from Köln Hbf to Brussels cover a distance of around 114 miles (183 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Brussels to Köln Hbf.

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