Cologne Gets Direct Rail Link To Brussels Airport Flights

Deutsche Bahn will introduce a new high-speed rail connection linking Cologne with Brussels Airport starting in September 2026. The service will connect western Germany with one of Europe’s major aviation hubs in roughly two hours. Operated in cooperation with Brussels Airlines, the route allows rail journeys to appear as part of a single airline booking, simplifying transfers between train and flight services.

The first departure is scheduled for 7 September 2026, with trains calling at Cologne, Aachen, Liège and Leuven before arriving at Brussels Airport and continuing towards Antwerp. By adding the airport to its high-speed network, Deutsche Bahn restores a direct rail connection that improves access to international flights without requiring travellers to change stations or navigate separate transport systems.

Through a codeshare agreement with Brussels Airlines, the rail service receives an airline flight number and can be booked via the carrier’s website and standard sales channels. One reservation covers the entire journey, including protected transfers in case of delays. Passengers can also collect Miles & More points, while eligible customers retain lounge access during the rail portion of the trip.

What the rail–air connection includes

• Single booking covering train and flight
• Guaranteed onward connection at Brussels Airport
• Miles & More accrual
• Lounge access for status customers
• Local public transport included within Germany

The link strengthens access to Brussels Airport’s network of more than 180 destinations. Cities across western Germany gain faster reach to long-haul routes, including services to Africa and other intercontinental markets served by Brussels Airlines. Stops along the line also open practical options for departures via Belgium without relying on congested road transfers or additional short-haul flights.

This move reflects a growing shift towards combining rail and aviation within one journey rather than treating them separately. Travellers gain another way to reach international flights without starting at a large airport nearby. Shorter transfer times, a single booking and guaranteed connections help remove much of the uncertainty often linked to multi-stage journeys, giving travellers a practical alternative to short connecting flights.