Rail links between Germany and Belgium are set for a significant summer uplift, as Deutsche Bahn (DB), in partnership with SNCB, introduces a ninth daily return service between Köln and Brussels from June through to the end of August.
Operating from June 3 to July 20 and again from August 6 to 31, the additional ICE will call at Aachen, Liège and Leuven, as well as Brussels Nord. At weekends, the train will extend beyond the Belgian capital for the first time, serving the historic cities of Brugge and Gent, and continuing to the North Sea coast at Oostende.
Weekday departures leave Köln Hbf around 1040 towards Brussels, while on Saturdays and Sundays the coastal service departs earlier at 1008. The weekend return service from Oostende depars at 1424, reaching Aachen at 1700 and Köln at 1750.
Services will be operated by DB’s flagship ICE 3neo units, known for their comfort, accessibility and reliability.
The new trains are now bookable via bahn.de, DB Navigator and DB Travel Centres. Tickets are also on sale for the forthcoming Köln–Antwerpen direct service via Brussels Airport, launching on September 7.
