Deutsche Bahn has restored a direct high-speed rail connection to Brussels Airport, with the first ICE train from Cologne arriving on Sept. 7, 2026. The service marks the return of international high-speed rail to Brussels Airport for the first time since 2015. It also allows passengers travelling from western Germany to combine their train and flight journeys under a single booking through a partnership between Deutsche Bahn and Brussels Airlines.
High-Speed Rail Returns to Brussels Airport
The first train departed Cologne at 6:11 a.m., stopping in Aachen, Liège and Leuven before arriving at Brussels Airport at 8:29 a.m. It then continued to Antwerp-Central, its final destination. The new service operates two return journeys each day between Cologne and Antwerp, with stops at Brussels Airport.
Trains from Cologne arrive at the airport at 8:29 a.m. and 4:28 p.m., while services travelling from Antwerp to Cologne stop at Brussels Airport at 11:29 a.m. and 2:29 p.m.
Deutsche Bahn operates the ICE trains in cooperation with Belgian national railway operator NMBS, which provides the drivers for the service.
The restored connection gives travellers from western Germany direct rail access to Brussels Airport and its network of more than 180 destinations worldwide. It also provides passengers arriving at the airport with a direct connection towards western Germany.
One Ticket for Train and Flight Journeys
Through the partnership between Deutsche Bahn and Brussels Airlines, passengers can book their train and flight journeys on a single ticket.
More than 1,000 tickets have already been sold since the partnership was announced in February. New York, Accra and Alicante were among the most popular destinations for travellers using the intermodal service.
Passengers also benefit from a guaranteed connection in the event of delays and can earn Miles & More rewards on eligible journeys.
Brussels Airlines said the partnership allows it to welcome more passengers onto its network without adding flights. Meanwhile, Brussels Airport hopes the new service will contribute to the development of a wider high-speed rail network and make combining train and air travel easier for passengers.
What do you think about combining high-speed rail and air travel on a single ticket? Let us know in the comments section below!
