Full Breakdown
Brussels Airport Restores International High-Speed Rail Link via Deutsche Bahn ICE Service
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Inaugural ICE Train Connects Cologne to Brussels Airport
On September 7, 2026, the first Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express (ICE) high-speed train arrived at Brussels Airport’s underground station, re-establishing a direct international high-speed rail connection that had been absent since 2015. The service runs between Cologne, Germany, and Antwerp, Belgium, with a stop at the airport.
Background & Context
A partnership between Brussels Airlines and Deutsche Bahn was announced in February 2026, creating a joint ticketing platform that lets passengers combine a rail leg from western Germany with a Brussels Airlines flight on a single reservation. The agreement aims to position Brussels Airport as a multimodal hub and to encourage rail travel as a sustainable alternative to short-haul flights.
Timeline
- February 2026 – Brussels Airlines and Deutsche Bahn sign partnership agreement.
- September 7, 2026 – Inaugural ICE train arrives at Brussels Airport station.
- Ongoing – Two return services operate daily between Cologne and Antwerp, with additional stops in Aachen, Liège, and Leuven.
Data & Statistics
- More than 1,000 tickets have been sold since the partnership’s announcement.
- Two return services per day run between Cologne and Antwerp; trains from Cologne arrive at the airport at 08:29 a.m. and 16:28 p.m., while the opposite-direction services call at 11:29 a.m. and 14:29 p.m..
- Brussels Airport offers connections to over 180 destinations worldwide (airport data).
- The airport’s rail station handles 330 trains on weekdays, linking to 80 stations across Belgium (airport information).
Official Statements & Responses
Dr. All statements were issued in press releases accompanying the launch.
Why It Matters / Impact
The integrated ticketing and guaranteed-connection promise reduce transfer times and provide a seamless rail-to-air experience, potentially shifting travelers from short regional flights to electric high-speed trains. By extending Brussels Airport’s catchment area deep into western Germany, the service strengthens the airport’s competitive position against other European hubs that already benefit from airport-direct high-speed rail (e.g., Frankfurt and Amsterdam Schiphol). The initiative also aligns with European transport policy encouraging rail substitution for short-haul flights, supporting lower per-passenger emissions on routes of 200–500 km.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The arrival of this high-speed rail service marks an important step in the further development of Brussels Airport as an intermodal hub,” — Arnaud Feist, brussels airport chief
- “The train has always held a special place at the airport,” — Feist. Currently
What's Next
Brussels Airport officials indicate that the Cologne-Antwerp ICE line is intended to serve as a “spine” for future high-speed connections, with plans to add further routes that would link additional German and Belgian cities directly to the airport terminal. No specific launch dates have been announced.
