Deutsche Bahn inaugurated a new ICE high-speed train service on September 7, 2026, connecting Cologne, Germany, directly to Brussels Airport in Belgium for the first time since 2015. The inaugural train departed Cologne at 06:11, stopping at Aachen, Liège, and Leuven before arriving at Brussels Airport at 08:29. The service then continued to Antwerpen-Centraal.
The route operates two return trips daily between Cologne and Antwerp, with both trains stopping at Brussels Airport. This schedule includes trains arriving at the airport from Cologne at 08:29 and 16:28, and from Antwerp at 11:29 and 14:29.
Partnership Enables Combined Bookings and Loyalty Benefits
The new ICE connection is part of
a partnership between Deutsche Bahn and Brussels Airlines that allows passengers to book combined tickets covering both rail and air travel segments. The joint ticketing arrangement guarantees connections in case of delays and permits eligible travelers to accumulate Miles & More loyalty program miles. The Belgian national railway operator NMBS/SNCB provides the train drivers for the Belgian portion of the route, supporting operational collaboration.
Ticket Sales and Schedule Details
Since February 2026, more than 1,000 combined rail-and-flight tickets have been sold under this partnership. Currently, two round-trip ICE train services operate daily, connecting Cologne and Antwerp with stops at Brussels Airport and intermediate stations Aachen,
Liège, and Leuven. Departure times from Antwerp towards Cologne are at 11:01 and 19:01, arriving in Cologne at 13:24 and 21:24 respectively. One additional Cologne departure at 14:38 serves intermediate stations, reinforcing connectivity.
Service Restores Decade-Long Absence of Direct Rail Link
This ICE service reinstates Brussels Airport’s link to the international high-speed rail network after an absence exceeding ten years. The route extends Brussels Airlines’ reach into western Germany without requiring extra feeder flights, addressing rising cross-border travel demand. Deutsche Bahn reported an 18% passenger increase on ICE services between Germany and Belgium from 2019 to 2025, underlining the demand that motivated the new connection.
Officials Highlight Benefits and Future Potential
Nina Öwerdieck, Chief
Financial Officer of Brussels Airlines, stated, “We’re able to welcome more guests on our network, without the need of adding flights.” She expressed hope that this link represents the start of a larger high-speed train network serving Brussels Airport, enabling more seamless intermodal options. Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport, described the service as an important step in strengthening transport connections between modes.
Dr. Michael Peterson, Deutsche Bahn board member for long-distance passenger transport, emphasized that this direct ICE route between Cologne and Brussels Airport enhances convenience for international rail travelers.
Expanded Connectivity for Travelers
Passengers can now directly access Brussels Airport via high-speed
rail from Cologne and Antwerp, using a single ticket for combined train and flight travel. This eliminates separate transfers between western Germany and the airport, supporting Brussels Airport’s role as a key intermodal transport hub. The collaboration also allows Brussels Airlines to capture a wider passenger base from western Germany without increasing flight capacity.
