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Supplement required for Brussels - Cologne?

  • July 18, 2025
  • 5 replies
  • 234 views

Hi all! Very specific question on a track some of you may have experience with: Bruxelles (Nord) to Köln Hbf. It says a supplement is required, but when I go to the supplement information page of Interrail, this trainroute is not listed as one which requires a supplement. Any advice? And for those who have been on this route: Is it possible to buy the supplement ticket on the train? Thanks in advance!

Best answer by ralderton

No, it’s a mistake in the data.

No supplement is required on the ICE.

If you take the Eurostar (not recommended, if you can help it!) you have to pay a passholder fare.

5 replies

ralderton
Railmaster
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  • Railmaster
  • Answer
  • July 18, 2025

No, it’s a mistake in the data.

No supplement is required on the ICE.

If you take the Eurostar (not recommended, if you can help it!) you have to pay a passholder fare.


  • Author
  • Full steam ahead
  • July 18, 2025

No, it’s a mistake in the data.

No supplement is required on the ICE.

If you take the Eurostar (not recommended, if you can help it!) you have to pay a passholder fare.

Thank you, that helps! The app recommends the ICE on this track, so I'll make sure to catch that one :)


  • Full steam ahead
  • November 1, 2025

Hi - thanks for that.

I’ve encountered the same issue with the App saying a supplement is needed, but the website not saying anything about that route.

I am waiting to hear back from Eurail to make sure it’s definitely an error though I also believe it is, as you say.


kupfers
Keeps calm and carries on
  • Keeps calm and carries on
  • November 1, 2025

You do not need a supplement on ICE services. There is mandatory reservation on the Brussels to Frankfurt (or Cologne) route and some other international routes in June and July, but not after or before that (= now). If you want to use the Eurostar service on the Brussels to Cologne route, you do have to pay a mandatory pass-reservation fee. 


  • Full steam ahead
  • November 2, 2025

Yes, the help desk agreed it’s a mistake ‘in the display’. No supplement needed.