Best Sites For Brussels-Cologne Train Tickets

There are several websites where you can buy train tickets from Brussels to Cologne. These include Omio, SNCB International, Eurostar, and SNCF Connect. The average journey time is around 1 hour 50 minutes, with prices starting at €16.

How much do Brussels to Cologne train tickets cost?

The price of a train ticket from Brussels to Cologne varies depending on the type of ticket purchased, the time of booking, and the time of travel. The cheapest tickets can be found by booking in advance, and prices fluctuate based on factors like the day of the week and time of year. Tickets start from €16 for a single journey, with prices increasing to €22.62 for a ticket booked 30 days in advance, and €49.41 for a ticket booked 7 days in advance.

SNCB International offers single journeys from €16, with the option to book up to 4 months in advance. Rail Europe also advertises tickets from €16.67, with 30-day and 7-day advance prices of €22.62 and €49.41, respectively. Eurostar offers tickets from €16, with Standard and Comfort tickets exchangeable and refundable for free up to 7 days before departure. Eurostar Plus tickets are also refundable with a €25 charge per person/per journey up to 7 days before departure. Eurostar Premier tickets are exchangeable and refundable for free up to 1 hour after departure, with any price difference between the old and new ticket applicable.

Omio advertises an average ticket price of £73, with prices as low as £34 when booked in advance. The average ticket price for same-day bookings is £62, with prices as low as £51.

How long is the train journey from Brussels to Cologne?

The train journey from Brussels to Cologne takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. This duration can vary depending on the specific train and any potential delays. The fastest services can get you there in as little as 1 hour and 50 minutes, while the slowest trains can take up to 1 hour and 52 minutes.

The Thalys trains, which are now managed by Eurostar, and the ICE trains operated by Germany's national rail company provide alternative services on this route. Both types of trains offer high-speed travel, with speeds reaching up to 270 km/h. The Thalys trains are known for their red colour scheme and provide three classes: Standard, Comfort, and Premium. The ICE trains have two classes: First and Second.

The Thalys trains depart from Brussels-Midi/Zuid station, while the ICE trains depart from Bruxelles-Nord station. The Thalys trains do not call at Bruxelles-Nord. Both types of trains arrive at Köln Hbf/Cologne, which is conveniently located in the city centre.

When planning your journey, it is recommended to arrive at the station 15 to 20 minutes before your train's scheduled departure time to avoid any unnecessary stress. Additionally, keep in mind that security checks and boarding processes may vary depending on the train operator.

Which companies offer direct trains from Brussels to Cologne?

There are several companies that offer direct trains from Brussels to Cologne. These include:

• Eurostar (formerly known as Thalys)
• Deutsche Bahn
• ICE (Intercity Express)
• SNCB
• ÖBB
• SNCF

What are the departure and arrival stations for the Brussels to Cologne train?

When travelling by train from Brussels to Cologne, passengers will depart from Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid train station and arrive at Köln Hbf/Cologne train station.

Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid train station is conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from the city centre and is easily accessible via the city's buses, trams and metros. The station has various food stands and restaurants, stores, newsagents, a ticket office, luggage storage and toilets.

Köln Hbf/Cologne train station is situated right in the heart of the city, next to the celebrated cathedral on the left bank of the Rhine. The station is within walking distance of the shopping district, the main museums and many other attractions. It also offers easy access to the metro, train and tram lines.

What are the luggage allowances for the Brussels to Cologne train?

When travelling from Brussels to Cologne by train, you can bring two items of luggage per person (three if you have a Eurostar Premier ticket), each measuring a maximum of 75 x 53 x 30 cm, plus one piece of hand luggage. There is no weight restriction, but you must be able to carry and move your luggage yourself. Remember to label your luggage, and don't forget to take all your belongings with you when you reach your destination!

If you are travelling with a bike, there are only a few bike storage spaces available on the Eurostar trains. For non-folding bikes, the wheels must be dismantled, and the bike must be stored in a bag no larger than 135 x 85 x 30 cm to be allowed on board. Folding bicycles are treated as normal luggage if they measure no more than 75 x 53 x 30 cm.

Small pets weighing under 6 kg can travel for free in a pet carrier no bigger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. If your pet isn't travelling in a carrier, you'll have to pay a "Dog fare" of €30. Your pet must be placed on your lap or kept on a lead at your feet, and for the safety of other passengers, it must wear a muzzle.

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