Starting tomorrow, take the ICE directly from Antwerp to Cologne

ANTWERP – Starting Monday, September 7, 2026, Antwerp will have a new direct international train service. Starting tomorrow, Deutsche Bahn’s ICE will run twice daily between Antwerp Central and Cologne.

The new route is part of an expansion of the international ICE service between Belgium and Germany. Passengers can now travel directly from Antwerp to Germany without having to go through Brussels first.

Six stations along the route

The new ICE runs between Antwerp Central and Cologne Central Station and stops at four Belgian and one German station along the way:

Antwerp Central → Brussels Airport-Zaventem → Leuven → Liège-Guillemins → Aachen Central Station → Cologne Central Station

In the other direction, the train naturally follows the same route back.

According to Deutsche Bahn, this involves two train pairs per day. From Cologne, the new trains depart at 6:03 a.m. and 2:26 p.m.. From Antwerp, the trains depart at 11:01 a.m. and 7:01 p.m..

Antwerp is getting a new international connection

The new service will supplement the existing ICE services between Belgium and Germany. Currently, there are already seven to eight direct ICE trains running daily from Brussels and Liège to destinations including Aachen, Cologne, and Frankfurt.

According to NMBS International, the new connection brings the total to 9 to 10 ICE trains per direction per day between Belgium and Germany.

For Antwerp, the new service represents a significant expansion of its international train service offerings.

Travelers can travel directly from Antwerp to destinations such as Aachen and Cologne and transfer there to the extensive German ICE network.

Brussels Airport will also get a direct ICE connection

The new connection is not only of interest to Antwerp.

Also Brussels Airport-Zaventem will be directly connected to the ICE network starting tomorrow. According to Deutsche Bahn, this is the first direct ICE connection to the airport.

The train then continues via Leuven and Liège to Aachen and Cologne.

That makes the connection appealing to both international train travelers and passengers connecting through Brussels Airport.

An ICE 3neo on the Belgian railway line

Modern ICE 3neo trains are used on this route. These trains belong to Deutsche Bahn’s latest generation of ICE trains.

Among other features, the trains are equipped with modern passenger information systems, power outlets, more space for bicycles, and a redesigned interior. The ICE 3neo has been operating on international routes between Germany and Belgium for some time now.

Starting tomorrow

The new direct connection begins Monday, September 7, 2026.

So it’s an exciting day for train enthusiasts: starting tomorrow, ICE trains will be able to run directly from Antwerp to Cologne for the first time.

Railway enthusiasts who want to photograph the maiden run can head to Antwerp Central, Leuven, Brussels Airport, Liège-Guillemins, and Aachen, among other locations, tomorrow.

Schedule

Antwerp → Cologne

• Antwerp Central: 11:01 a.m.

• Antwerp Central: 7:01 p.m.

Cologne → Antwerp

• Cologne Central Station: 6:03 a.m.

• Cologne Central Station: 2:26 p.m.

Schedules and times are subject to change. Always check the current trip planner before departure.

Sources: Deutsche Bahn and NMBS International.

This article was written based on publicly available information from Deutsche Bahn and NMBS International.