Travel Guide: Cologne To Belgium

There are several ways to get from Cologne to Brussels, Belgium. The fastest way is by train, which takes around 1 hour and 45-55 minutes. There are direct trains from Cologne to Brussels, and they depart every four hours. The train costs around $18-$56. The distance between the two cities is around 113-137 miles. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which takes around 3 hours and costs around $17.

Cologne to Brussels by train

The fastest trains from Cologne to Brussels take around 1 hour and 47-55 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 185 kilometres. The average journey time is 3 hours and 33 minutes. There are normally 12-17 trains per day travelling from Cologne to Brussels and tickets for this journey start from $18.00-$18.15 when you book in advance. The first train from Cologne is scheduled to depart at around 06:44 and the last departure is usually at around 19:43 or 21:43.

The train from Cologne to Brussels is operated by Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express, with four other operators also servicing this route. The train departs from Köln Hbf station and arrives at Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid station.

You can book your train tickets online with Omio.

Brussels to Cologne by train

Overview

The journey from Brussels to Cologne by train is a quick and easy option, with direct trains taking you from city centre to city centre in under 2 hours. The high-speed Eurostar and ICE trains cover the 185-kilometre distance in around 1 hour and 47 minutes to 1 hour and 51 minutes.

Stations

The journey begins at Brussels South Station (Brussels-Midi/Brussel-Zuid), which is conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from the city centre. The station offers various amenities, including food options, shops, and luggage storage. From there, you'll arrive at Cologne's main train station, Köln Hauptbahnhof (Köln Hbf), situated next to the city's iconic cathedral.

Timings

On weekdays, the first train from Brussels typically departs around 06:23, with the last train leaving around 19:25. On weekends, the schedule is similar, with the first train at 06:23 and the last train departing at 20:25. There are approximately 16 trains running between the two cities each day, with a frequency of about one train every hour.

Tickets

Ticket prices for a single journey start at €16 or US$18, depending on the booking time. Booking in advance can offer savings, with tickets costing around US$31 for 30-day advance bookings and US$34 for 7-day advance bookings. Last-minute bookings on the day of travel tend to be more expensive.

Operators

Multiple train companies operate on this route, including Intercity-Express (ICE).

Cologne to Brussels by night train

The night train from Cologne to Brussels is a comfortable and convenient option for those who want to travel between these two cities. Here is some information to help you plan your journey:

Tickets and Fares:

The night train tickets can be purchased online or at the train station. The prices vary, but you can expect to pay around €16 for a single journey. It is recommended to book in advance, as the fares tend to increase closer to the departure date.

Schedule and Duration:

The night train usually takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete the journey. It is a direct train with no changes required. On weekdays, the train typically departs from Cologne Hauptbahnhof (Cologne Central Station) around 18:25 and arrives at Brussels-Nord station. The schedule may vary on weekends, so it is advisable to check the timetable before your trip.

Onboard Services:

The night train from Cologne to Brussels offers a comfortable journey with basic amenities. The train has seating compartments, and some trains may also have sleeping compartments available. There are usually no dining cars on night trains, so it is advisable to bring your own food and drinks.

Luggage Allowance:

Night trains typically have more generous luggage allowances compared to daytime trains. You can bring one piece of luggage and one small item, such as a handbag or backpack, per person. Make sure your luggage is properly labelled with your name and contact information.

Connecting Transport:

Upon arrival at Brussels-Nord station, you can easily connect to other forms of transportation to reach your final destination. The station has bus, tram, and metro services available, as well as taxi stands nearby. If you need to transfer to another train station in Brussels, such as Brussels-Midi or Brussels-Central, you can use the local trains or public transport options.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Arrive at the station early: Give yourself enough time to find the correct platform and locate your coach number.
• Bring entertainment: Night trains can be a great opportunity to catch up on reading, listen to music, or watch a movie.
• Be considerate: Remember that others may be sleeping, so keep noise levels down and avoid using bright screens or lights that may disturb your fellow passengers.

Brussels to Cologne by bus

Overview

Taking a bus from Brussels to Cologne is a comfortable, affordable, and eco-friendly option. The journey is approximately 113-143 miles (182-185 km) and takes between 2 hours 15 minutes and 5 hours 15 minutes, depending on the provider and time of day.

Bus Companies

Several bus companies offer direct services between Brussels and Cologne, including:

• FlixBus
• BlaBlaCar Bus
• Megabus
• ID Bus
• Eurolines

Bus Stations in Brussels

There are three main bus stations in Brussels:

• Brussels North Train Station
• Brussels Central Train Station
• Gare du Midi Train Station

Bus Fares and Schedule

Bus tickets from Brussels to Cologne can be purchased online, on bus company apps, or at the station. Fares start at $15.49/€11-12 for a one-way trip, and there are usually 1-2 direct buses per hour throughout the day. The first bus typically departs around 1:15 am, and the last bus leaves around 10:10-10:20 pm. It is recommended to book in advance to get the cheapest fares.

Bus Stations in Cologne

Buses from Brussels typically arrive at the Cologne coach station, which is located behind the main Cologne Central Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof).

Cologne to Brussels by car

The driving distance from Cologne, Germany, to Brussels, Belgium, is approximately 130 miles. The journey should take around 2 hours and 3 minutes, but this will depend on traffic and your speed.

The route will take you past the cities of Aachen and Liège, and you will cross the German-Belgian border. The road continues to Brussels, where you will find plenty of parking options near the city's main attractions.

The Cologne-Brussels route is served by several types of roads, including highways and smaller roads. The route is well-connected, and you will find gas stations, restaurants, and rest stops along the way.

Remember to follow the speed limits and drive safely. The speed limit on German highways is typically 130 km/h (80 mph), while in Belgium, the limit is usually 120 km/h (75 mph) on highways.

Enjoy your road trip and have a pleasant stay in Brussels!

Frequently asked questions