Explore Brussels to Cologne by rail

Getting ready for a trip from Brussels to Cologne aboard a local train? Here’s what you need to know — including departure times, fastest routes and ticket prices — about the trip.

Train cost for travel between Brussels and Cologne

The first thing many travellers ask before booking a trip is: 'How much will it cost?' While train travel combines comfort and cost, the price of a ticket depends on a few things.

For starters, how early you book your trip comes into play with the price tag. For this specific route, the cheapest fare is US$23.00, but can go to US$36 when purchased thirty days before your train departs, and US$46 when locked in seven days before. Don’t wait until the last minute to plan your trip. Instead, you can book these tickets 12 months in advance.

Cheap train tickets with slower trains

Another factor that comes into play when it comes to ticket price is speed. Let us explain. Many travellers automatically opt for the high-speed train option because faster is always better, right? Not necessarily. As experienced train travellers ourselves, the Rail Europe team often chooses to go for the slower trains for a number of reasons, including the fact that these trains often:

  • Allow for more time to take in the city scapes and countrysides

  • Set a more leisurely pace to better soak up the travel experience

  • Stop in areas that are less-travelled, offering a more unique journey

  • Are less-crowded than their high-speed counterparts

  • Are an even greener travel option than high speed

  • Are the cheapest train tickets you can find

Whether you choose to go with a low-, medium- or high-speed train, Rail Europe compiles all train options so you can choose by cost, speed, timing and operator to find the best fit for your travels.

Departure frequency and timetable from Brussels to Cologne

Here are the scheduling basics for trains from Brussels to Cologne:

  • 06:23 is the first scheduled train (Monday-Friday).

  • 20:25 the the last scheduled train (Monday-Friday).

  • 06:23 is the first scheduled train (Saturday and Sunday).

  • 21:25 is the last scheduled train (Saturday and Sunday).

  • A train departs every 1 hour from Brussels toward Cologne.

Start booking your ticket aboard one of the 17 trains serving this route each day.

Train travel time and distance from Brussels to Cologne

Trains can complete this route in as little as 1 hour and 48 minutes. The total distance travelled is 185 kilometres.

How far in advance can you reserve train tickets between Brussels and Cologne?

You can secure tickets for travel between Brussels and Cologne up to 12 months in advance. The earlier you book, the better the fares.

Making your Brussels to Cologne travels smooth and enjoyable

Explore our wide range of help articles for a hassle-free journey and find travel ideas from our city guide: Cologne.

Frequently asked questions

What is the travel distance between Brussels and Cologne by train?

The total journey from Brussels to Cologne is 185 kilometres.

What is the Brussels to Cologne train price?

The lowest price available on this route is US$23.00. Tickets booked 30 days in advance are priced around US$36. Booking 7 days before departure ensures that prices are usually around US$46.

When are tickets available for booking for travel from Brussels to Cologne by train?

You can purchase tickets for this journey 12 months ahead of the travel date.

What’s the travel time from Brussels to Cologne by train?

The shortest trip is 1 hour and 48 minutes.