4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Leuven
Cheapest price
£86
Average price
£119
Fastest journey
7 h 10 m
Average duration
7 h 15 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
424 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Leuven is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Leuven will cost around £119 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £86.
Of the 2 trains that leave Basel for Leuven every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 424 km distance in an average of 7 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 10 m .
The slowest trains will take 7 h 19 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Basel to Leuven
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basel to Leuven among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 32m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £18, and a flight costs an average of £78.
Distance: 424 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£143 Average Price | £40 Average Price Cheapest | £258 Average Price |
6h 2m Average total duration Fastest 5h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 15m Average total duration 10h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 53m Average total duration 5h 53m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Basel to Leuven train times
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Leuven trains for today, Wednesday 19 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:13 Basel | 7h20 | 13:33 Leuven | 0 changesdirect | |
| 08:13 Basel | 7h19 | 15:32 Leuven | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Basel to Leuven by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
20 Nov
21 Nov
22 Nov
23 Nov
24 Nov
25 Nov
26 Nov
Journey information
Overview: Train from Basel to Leuven
Switzerland
Belgium
Trains from Basel to Leuven run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £86 but you can travel from only £18 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:51, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 424 km distance in 6h 19m.
Distance 424 km |
Average train duration 5h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price £86 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 6h 19m |
First train 00:51 |
Last train 23:36 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia EuroCity from Basel to Leuven trainsDeutsche Bahn, Trenitalia EuroCity trains will get you between Basel and Leuven from £18. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Trenitalia EuroCity
FAQs: Basel to Leuven train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Leuven by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Leuven, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Basel and Leuven
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Car Rental
Information Desk
Luggage Carts
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access via Schwarzwaldallee.
- Restaurant Les Gareçons
- Restaurant Bahn Kantine
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 1
- Hotel Alexander
- Hotel Wettstein
- Hotel Balade
- Located in the main hall
- 330 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-4 for trains to Germany
- Hall 2: platforms 5-8 for regional trains within Switzerland
- Tram: Line 2, Line 6
- Bus: Several lines available
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible via Centralbahnstrasse.
- Restaurant Da Roberto
- Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Victoria
- Hotel Schweizerhof Basel
- GAIA Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- 800 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-5 for Swiss domestic trains
- Hall 2: platform 6-10 for international trains
- Hall 3: shopping and services area
- Tram: Line 1, Line 2, Line 8, Line 10, Line 11
- Bus: Several lines available
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Access via Martelarenplein.
- De Klimop
- Domus
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €0.50
- Hotel La Royale
- Park Inn by Radisson Leuven
- Hotel Mille Colonnes
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-9 for trains to Brussels, Antwerp, and Liège
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Direct connections to Brussels, Antwerp, and Liège
ParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelBike ParkingBike RentalMost popular train connections from Basel
More options for your journey from Basel to Leuven
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leuven and Basel
Most popular train connections to Leuven
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