The first high-speed train directly connecting Cologne, Germany, to Brussels Airport arrived on Monday, marking the airport’s return to the international high-speed rail network for the first time since 2015.

German travellers from western Germany flying with Brussels Airlines can now combine their flight and train journey in a single booking, thanks to a partnership between the Belgian airline and Deutsche Bahn, with the launch of the ICE high-speed train connection between Cologne and Antwerp, which includes a stop at Zaventem, the name by which Belgians commonly refer to the airport.

The partnership between Brussels Airlines and Deutsche Bahn was announced in February. According to the airline, over a thousand tickets have been sold since then.

Brussels Airlines Chief Financial Officer Nina Öwerdieck expressed her enthusiasm over the partnership, saying that the company can now welcome more guests onto its network “without the need to add flights”.

Brussels Airport offers connections to more than 180 destinations worldwide. The most popular destinations for intermodal travellers are New York (United States), Accra (Ghana) and Alicante (Spain).

“We hope this is the start of a large high-speed train network at Brussels Airport, … with more seamless intermodal travel options”, she added.

Her enthusiasm was echoed by Dr Michael Peterson, DB Board Member for Long-Distance Passenger Transport at Deutsche Bahn, who said the direct trains are making “international rail travel even easier and more appealing for passengers”.

© SNCB-NMBS International

Brussels Airport chief Arnaud Feist warmly welcomed the new connection. He explained that the ambition is to establish this connection sustainably and that they hope it will be the starting point for more high-speed train links in the future.

Feist says Brussels Airport was the first airport in the world to have its own railway station connected directly to the terminal when the new airport opened in 1958, ahead of the Brussels World Fair. “The train has always held a special place at the airport,” said Feist.

Currently, 330 trains stop at the airport station on weekdays, providing direct rail links to 80 stations, a number set to increase as new services are added.

The new service offers two return journeys every day between Cologne and Antwerp. Trains from Cologne arrive at Brussels Airport at 08:29 and 16:28, while those travelling in the other direction call at the airport at 11:29 and 14:29. The trains also stop in Aachen, Liège and Leuven along the way.

Passengers combining train and plane can earn Miles & More points and benefit from a guaranteed connection in the event of delays. They also receive reserved seating on the train and CityTickets for local transport in Cologne and Aachen. Eligible premium passengers can also access the DB Lounge at Cologne Central Station.

To celebrate the inaugural journey, the first passengers on the service were offered complimentary Neuhaus chocolates, another perk of travelling with a Belgian company.