New ICE Train Line Connects Cologne to Belgian Coast

A new direct high-speed train service has been launched connecting Cologne, Germany, to Ostend on the Belgian coast, reviving a cross-border rail link that had been absent for 25 years. The inaugural journey departed Cologne Hauptbahnhof on Saturday, June 6, 2026, carrying 170 passengers on the three-hour-and-39-minute trip to the North Sea.

A Long-Awaited Connection

The service, operated in partnership between Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the Belgian national railway SNCB/NMBS, marks the first direct train between Cologne and Ostend in approximately 25 years. The previous direct service was discontinued in the early 2000s.

According to VRT NWS, the new ICE 3neo — the newest flagship of the DB fleet featuring WiFi, power outlets, and a bordbistro — runs on Saturdays and Sundays, departing Cologne at 10:08 AM and arriving in Ostend at 1:47 PM. On weekdays, the additional train runs only as far as Brussels.

The seasonal summer service operates in two windows: from June 3 to July 20, 2026, and from August 6 to August 31, 2026. Tickets start from approximately 29 to 30 euros for early bookings.

Boosting Tourism and Mobility

Germans are the largest group of foreign tourists visiting the Belgian coast, accounting for roughly 16 percent of visitors during the 2026 Easter holidays, with approximately 700,000 German overnight stays annually. The new rail link is expected to strengthen this trend while offering an alternative to car travel.

“The German railway company Deutsche Bahn has seen that there is interest in bringing people quickly from Germany to Ostend,” said John Crombez, Mayor of Ostend, as reported by VRT NWS. “It’s a direct connection and the train runs at high speed. The first section up to Leuven goes at 200 km per hour. That means people can get from Cologne to Ostend in 3 hours and 40 minutes.”

Crombez also highlighted the potential benefits for local mobility: “Germans are the largest group of non-Belgians who come to Ostend as tourists. We see many German license plates in the city. If now a part of them chooses the train, that’s also good for mobility and the parking burden in the city.”

Lisbet Vandebroek of Tourism Flanders described the launch as “an important moment,” noting that the number of German visitors is on the rise. “For now the train only runs on weekends, but if the connection is successful, it can be extended,” she said. “Tickets start at about 30 euros if you book early, that’s a good price.”

A Unique Christening Ceremony

The inaugural ICE 3neo was christened “Köln” at Cologne Hauptbahnhof in a ceremony attended by Mayor Thorsten Burmester and Honorary Consul of Belgium Andreas Schaeben, who served as godparents. Due to the alcohol ban at Cologne station, the train was baptized with Rhine water instead of the traditional champagne, as WDR reported.

“Train traffic relieves the roads,” Burmester said at the ceremony. “Unfortunately I cannot ride along today.”

The train manager for the premiere journey, Jens Hennes-Trunzler, shared his enthusiasm: “I’m looking forward to the beach, unfortunately I only have half an hour, then I have to go back to Cologne.”

Route and Connections

The ICE 3neo travels via Aachen, Liège, Leuven, Brussels, Ghent St. Pieters, and Bruges before reaching Ostend. The new stop in Leuven marks the first time the city has been served by ICE trains. The service adds a ninth daily round trip between Cologne and Brussels.

Looking ahead, Deutsche Bahn has announced plans for a new direct connection from Cologne to Antwerp via Aachen, Liège, Leuven, and Brussels Airport, launching on September 7, 2026, with two daily round trips.

What This Means for Cross-Border Travel

The new service is part of a broader trend of expanding international rail connections within the European Union, providing car-free and flight-free travel options from Germany’s Rhine-Ruhr region to the Belgian coast. The high-speed section operating at up to 200 km/h makes rail competitive with car travel in terms of journey time.

Whether the service will be extended beyond its seasonal, weekend-only schedule depends on demand and commercial success. If the initial response — with 170 passengers on the inaugural journey — is any indication, the appetite for direct rail access to the Belgian coast from Germany is strong.