Buying Ice Tickets: Brussels To Cologne

If you're looking to travel from Brussels to Cologne by train, you can get there in under two hours with ICE trains. The journey to Germany's fun-loving capital takes less than two hours, with the fastest services getting you there in as little as 1 hour and 50 minutes. The average journey time is around 2 hours and 38 minutes, with 16 trains per day running along the 114-mile route.

The price of train tickets from Brussels to Cologne starts at $17.88 for a one-way standard-class ticket if 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.

How to get to Brussels-Midi station

Brussels-Midi station is the main international train station in Brussels and is located a 20-minute walk from Manneken Pis. It is also known as Brussels South, Brussel-Zuid in Dutch, and Bruxelles-Midi in French. The station is served by Eurostar, TGV Brussels-France, ICE, InterCity, and Thalys trains.

The station is easily accessible by train, métro, bus, tram, car, or bicycle. If you are travelling by train, you can take a SNCB train to your destination in Belgium. Brussels-Midi is also served by metro and tram lines, as well as several bus routes. You can visit stib-mivb.be for a metro map. If you are travelling by car, you can use the website viamichelin.com for directions. Cycle parking is available by the south exit of the station.

Brussels-Midi station has two main entrances on either side of the ground-level concourse under all the tracks. The station has 22 platforms, with Eurostar trains to and from London typically departing from platforms 1 and 2. Platforms 3 to 6 are used by ICE trains to Cologne and Frankfurt, as well as Eurostar and Thalys trains to Paris, Cologne, and Amsterdam. Platforms 7 to 22 are used by domestic trains and non-high-speed international trains to Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

The station offers a range of facilities, including left luggage lockers, a travel centre (international ticket office), self-service ticket machines, toilets with baby-changing facilities, and a lost property office. There are also cafes, shops, and currency exchange services available within the station.

Brussels-Midi station is a large and busy transport hub, so it is recommended to allow ample time for connections, especially if you have a train-specific ticket. The station can be confusing, with signage in multiple languages, so it is advisable to pay close attention to the departure boards and announcements.

How to get to Köln Hbf train station

To get to Köln Hbf train station, you can take either the Eurostar or an Intercity-Express (ICE) train from Brussels. The journey takes around 1 hour and 47 minutes to 1 hour and 48 minutes, and the trains run direct, stopping in Liège and Aachen before arriving at Köln Hbf.

Köln Hbf is Cologne's main train station, and it is located next to the city's cathedral on the left bank of the Rhine. The station is within walking distance of the shopping district, museums, and other attractions. It is also a major rail hub for travel to other destinations in Germany and beyond, including Switzerland, Austria, Scandinavia, and Central and Eastern Europe.

If you are departing from Brussels, the first train usually leaves at around 6:23 am on weekdays, and 6:25 am on weekends. The last train typically departs between 7:25 pm and 8:25 pm, depending on the day of the week. There are about 16 trains travelling between the two cities each day, with a frequency of about one train per hour.

What to do in Brussels

Brussels is a city brimming with culture, history, and stunning architecture. Here are some must-do activities for your trip:

Explore the Grand-Place

The Grand-Place, or Grote Markt, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the bustling heart of Brussels. Admire the medieval architecture, stroll through the flower market, and enjoy a concert or show in the evening. The surrounding bars, restaurants, and cafes are plentiful, so you can easily spend an entire day in this lively square. Time your visit for the morning or a weekday to avoid the crowds.

Visit Manneken-Pis

This mischievous statue of a little boy is synonymous with Brussels. You can find him perched in a fountain close to the Grand-Place, relieving his "water-relieving" pose! Follow the trail of tourists to the most visited site in Brussels and learn about the statue's history.

Discover Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Wander through the gorgeous glass-roofed arcade of Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, the first covered shopping arcade in Europe. Built in the mid-1800s in the Renaissance style, it features cafes, theatres, and luxury stores. Around 6 million visitors come to enjoy high-end shopping and indulge in everything from clothing to chocolate to diamonds.

Explore the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

Art lovers will appreciate this group of six different art museums, four of which are open to the public: the Oldmasters Museum, Meunier Museum, Wiertz Museum, and Magritte Museum. Together, they showcase a collection of 20,000 works dating from the 15th century to modern times.

Indulge in Chocolate and Beer

Brussels is known for its delicious chocolate and beer, so be sure to take a tour or class to learn about these beloved treats. From chocolate-making classes to beer tastings, there are plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.

Visit St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral

Built in the Brabantine Gothic style, this cathedral houses the relics of St. Gudula and is dedicated to the two patron saints of Brussels. Admire the stunning stained-glass windows, statues of the 12 apostles, and a new Grenzing organ. Below the current church, you'll find the remains of an 11th-century Romanesque church and crypt.

Brussels has much to offer, from its lively squares to its rich cultural and historical attractions. Enjoy your exploration of this beautiful Belgian city!

What to do in Cologne

Cologne Cathedral

The city's towering Gothic cathedral is Germany's most visited tourist attraction. It's also the country's tallest religious building, with a facade that's the largest of its kind in the world. Inside, marvel at the vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows, and don't miss the 'Richter-Fenster'—a huge window made up of over 11,000 hand-blown glass panels.

Museum Ludwig

Chocolatier and magnate Peter Ludwig gave his name to this prominent collection of modern art. The museum is home to the third-largest collection of Picasso works in the world and holds spectacular exhibitions. The Cologne Philharmonic Orchestra is also based in the same building.

Farina Fragrance Museum

This museum, in the heart of the city, is one of the oldest factories for fine perfumes in the world. It details the complex process behind every bottle of signature scent.

Schokoladen Museum

Here, you can learn about the 5,000-year history of chocolate and how it's made. There's also a chocolate fountain for a more hands-on experience. The museum is located in a beautifully developed harbour, with the museum cafe offering lovely views of the Dom.

Claudius Therme

Cologne has many spas, but this is the most impressive. With indoor and outdoor areas, you can relax in pools, saunas, and steam rooms.

Peter's Brauhaus

For a traditional German dining experience, head to Peter's Brauhaus. Indulge in rich and fatty dishes like 'Himmel un Äd' and 'Kassler', and wash it all down with a crisp, distinctive Kölsch beer—a speciality of the city.

KölnTriangle

Take in breathtaking panoramas of the city and the serene Rhine from the observation deck of this skyscraper.

Botanical Gardens Flora

These tranquil botanical gardens boast a diverse array of global flora, serene picnic spots, and a charming outdoor cafe.

Hohenzollern Bridge

This historic bridge, adorned with half a million love locks, offers scenic views of the river and a bustling railway. It's ideal for a romantic stroll and cityscape photography.

Kölner Zoo

Located in the heart of Cologne, this expansive zoo houses a diverse range of animals from all over the world. It also has several educational exhibits, interactive displays, and family-friendly facilities.

Wallraf-Richartz Museum

This museum houses artwork covering every genre from the 13th century to the 19th century.

Duftmuseum im Farina-Haus

Learn about perfume essences and the history of Eau de Cologne at this museum.

NS Documentation Centre of the City of Cologne

This museum provides an introspective journey through Germany's past, with a focus on the sobering realities of WWII.

How to get to Brussels from the airport

Brussels Airport (BRU) is located in Zaventem, about 12 km from the city centre of Brussels. There are four ways to get from the airport to the city centre: taxi, private transfer, bus, or train.

Taking a taxi or private transfer is the most convenient and quickest option, with the journey taking under 20 minutes. Taxis are available 24/7 outside the Arrivals Hall on Level 2 and typically cost around €45-55, depending on the time of day.

The train is another fast and inexpensive option, with the journey taking about 17-20 minutes to reach Brussels Central Train Station. The train station is located below the Arrivals Hall (basement level -1), and trains are available every 10-15 minutes. Tickets cost €10.80 for a second-class ticket and €12.10 for first class.

You can also take the STIB Line 12 bus, which runs from 05:00 to 00:30 every day. The bus station is located one floor below the Arrivals Hall. The journey takes around 25-30 minutes, and tickets cost €7 for adults, while children under six travel for free.

Finally, you can book a private airport transfer service, where a chauffeur will be waiting for you at the arrival terminal. This option is slightly more expensive than a taxi but is still a fast and convenient way to get to your hotel, especially if you don't speak the local language.

Frequently asked questions