- Must visit
M Leuven
City museum in a historic building opposite Saint Peter’s Church, presenting Leuven’s art, history and changing urban story.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Brussels Airport to Leuven
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 16 Oct
Cheapest price on 16 Oct
£9
Average ticket price on 16 Oct
£9
Fastest journey on 16 Oct
37 m
Average journey duration on 16 Oct
38 m
Trains on 16 Oct
24
Distance
15 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Brussels Airport to Leuven is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Brussels Airport to Leuven will cost around £9 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £9.
Fast trains
To travel from Brussels Airport to Leuven you need to make at least one change.
3729 · 1507 · 57308:270h56Brussels National Airport9:23Heverlee£91One-way2 changes- 3732 · 1510 · 573311:270h56Brussels National Airport12:23Heverlee£91One-way2 changes
- 3731 · 1509 · 573210:270h56Brussels National Airport11:23Heverlee£91One-way2 changes
- 2230 · 36088:570h43Brussels National Airport9:40Leuven station£91One-way1 change
- 3730 · 1508 · 57319:270h56Brussels National Airport10:23Heverlee£91One-way2 changes
- 3730 · 15089:270h37Brussels National Airport10:04Leuven station£91One-way1 change
- 3732 · 151011:270h37Brussels National Airport12:04Leuven station£91One-way1 change
- 3729 · 15078:270h37Brussels National Airport9:04Leuven station£91One-way1 change
- 3731 · 150910:270h37Brussels National Airport11:04Leuven station£91One-way1 change
- 1930 · 5078:430h40Brussels National Airport9:23Leuven station£91One-way1 change
Journey information
Overview: Train from Brussels Airport to Leuven
BelgiumBelgium
Trains from Brussels Airport to Leuven run on average 9 times per day, taking around 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 but you can travel from only £3 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 08:38, the last at 09:42. The fastest train covers the 15 km distance in 13m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £3
Distance 15 km |
Average train duration 25m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 13m |
First train 8:38 |
Last train 9:42 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £3
Live departures
Brussels Airport to Leuven train times
The table below shows live departures for Brussels Airport to Leuven trains for tomorrow, Friday 16 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2331 · 407 | 8:14 Brussels National Airport | 0h41 | 8:55 Leuven station | 1 change | |
| 3729 · 1507 · 5730 | 8:27 Brussels National Airport | 0h56 | 9:23 Heverlee | 2 changes | |
| 3729 · 1507 | 8:27 Brussels National Airport | 0h37 | 9:04 Leuven station | 1 change | |
| 1930 · 507 | 8:43 Brussels National Airport | 0h40 | 9:23 Leuven station | 1 change | |
| 2230 · 3608 | 8:57 Brussels National Airport | 0h43 | 9:40 Leuven station | 1 change | |
2230 · 3608+ 3080 | 8:57 Brussels National Airport | 1h02 | 9:59 Heverlee | 2 changes | |
| 2332 · 408 | 9:13 Brussels National Airport | 0h42 | 9:55 Leuven station | 1 change | |
| 3730 · 1508 · 5731 | 9:27 Brussels National Airport | 0h56 | 10:23 Heverlee | 2 changes | |
| 3730 · 1508 | 9:27 Brussels National Airport | 0h37 | 10:04 Leuven station | 1 change | |
| 1931 · 508 | 9:43 Brussels National Airport | 0h40 | 10:23 Leuven station | 1 change | |
| 2231 · 3609 | 9:57 Brussels National Airport | 0h42 | 10:39 Leuven station | 1 change | |
| 2231 · 3609+3081 | 9:57 Brussels National Airport | 1h02 | 10:59 Heverlee | 2 changes | |
| 2333 · 409 | 10:14 Brussels National Airport | 0h41 | 10:55 Leuven station | 1 change | |
| 3731 · 1509 · 5732 | 10:27 Brussels National Airport | 0h56 | 11:23 Heverlee | 2 changes | |
| 3731 · 1509 | 10:27 Brussels National Airport | 0h37 | 11:04 Leuven station | 1 change | |
| 1932 · 509 | 10:43 Brussels National Airport | 0h40 | 11:23 Leuven station | 1 change | |
| 2232 · 3610 | 10:57 Brussels National Airport | 0h41 | 11:38 Leuven station | 1 change | |
| 2232 · 3610+3082 | 10:57 Brussels National Airport | 1h02 | 11:59 Heverlee | 2 changes | |
| 2334 · 410 | 11:13 Brussels National Airport | 0h42 | 11:55 Leuven station | 1 change | |
| 3732 · 1510 · 5733 | 11:27 Brussels National Airport | 0h56 | 12:23 Heverlee | 2 changes | |
| 3732 · 1510 | 11:27 Brussels National Airport | 0h37 | 12:04 Leuven station | 1 change | |
| 1933 · 510 | 11:43 Brussels National Airport | 0h40 | 12:23 Leuven station | 1 change | |
| 2233 · 3611 | 11:57 Brussels National Airport | 0h42 | 12:39 Leuven station | 1 change | |
| 2233 · 3611+3083 | 11:57 Brussels National Airport | 1h02 | 12:59 Heverlee | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Brussels Airport to Leuven trains with Omio?
Intercity as well as Regional offer trains services from Brussels Airport to Leuven.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Intercity tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Intercity?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Intercity, but also compare tickets for the likes of Regional to find the best option for your trip from Brussels Airport to Leuven.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Intercity with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Brussels Airport to Leuven.
Train companies: Intercity, Regional from Brussels Airport to Leuven trainsIntercity, Regional trains will get you between Brussels Airport and Leuven from £3. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Intercity
About
Intercity is a broad classification for express train services that connect cities over longer distances than commuter or regional trains, often with limited stops and comfortable carriages for long-distance travel. The term \InterCity\" originated with British Rail in 1966 for its electrified West Coast Main Line services.Today, \"Intercity\" or \"IC\" is a brand name used by various railway operators across Europe and other parts of the world, including PKP Intercity in Poland, Trenitalia in Italy, and services in countries like Sweden and Ukraine. These trains typically offer both Standard and First Class seating, with amenities such as power sockets and luggage space. While some Intercity services are modern and high-speed, others may use older rolling stock, with speeds generally up to 160 km/h (100 mph)."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Intercity Duration
13m
Cheapest Intercity Price
£9
Intercity frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage up to 30kg total
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with hot meals and snacks, trolley service in some trains. But do not count on the presence of a buffet car. So if having access to food and drink on the train is important to you, it’s best to bring your own refreshments onboard.
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price for most routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket
Quiet zone
Regional
About
The term \Regional\" can refer to different train companies and services depending on the country. In Germany, \"Regionalbahn\" (RB) is a type of local passenger train that typically stops at all stations on a given line, connecting cities to their surrounding areas. Many RB trains are operated by DB Regio, a division of Deutsche Bahn, but other companies also run these services."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Regional Duration
13m
Cheapest Regional Price
£9
Regional frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
Standard luggage allowance included with ticket
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Refunds according to ticket type and conditions
Refund
Full refund if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Complete guide to Leuven
Things to do in Leuven
Discover the best of Leuven — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leuven trip today.
- Recommended
PARCUM
Museum inside Park Abbey exploring religion, art and heritage through objects linked to faith, ritual and monastic life.
- Recommended
KU Leuven Universiteitsmuseum
University museum combining science, culture and academic heritage, with engaging displays that suit curious visitors and families.
- Must visit
Grote Markt
Leuven’s main square, framed by the town hall, church and cafés, ideal for architecture, people-watching and first impressions.
- Recommended
Kruidtuin
Long botanical garden with themed plant collections, ponds and greenhouses, offering a calm walk close to the historic centre.
- Recommended
Oude Markt
Lively old square and surrounding lanes known for student life and handsome guild houses, especially atmospheric in the evening.
- Vegetarian
Leffe
A strong amber abbey beer traditionally brewed in Leuven. It is one of the city’s signature drinks and closely linked to local brewing history.
- Vegetarian
Stella Artois
A crisp Belgian pilsner originally from Leuven and still strongly associated with the city. It is a classic local beer to try with pub food.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Belgian Frites
Belgian chips twice-fried for a crisp exterior and fluffy centre, commonly served with mayonnaise. A beloved everyday local street food.
EssenCiel
Established restaurant focusing on seasonal Belgian-French cooking in an intimate, more formal setting suited to a longer dinner.
Domus
Historic beer hall in the city centre known for a huge Belgian beer selection and classic Flemish dishes in a lively traditional setting.
Brasserie De Abdijmolen
Stylish brasserie beside the Park Abbey site, serving refined Belgian and French dishes with a calm atmosphere and terrace seating.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Belgium: rooms, dining and drinks are cheaper than Brussels, but tourist stays and central eating out still add up; local buses are fairly affordable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €10-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis are often rounded up. In cafés, small change is enough.
De Lijn
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €2.10
- Day pass
- €9.00
To the city centre
Leuven Station -> Grote Markt, Leuven
- Distance
- 1.4 km
- Travel time
- 18 min
- You can pay contactlessly on all De Lijn buses and trams using a bank card, phone or smartwatch.
- Leuven city centre is walkable from Leuven Station, so you may not need a bus for central sights.
Best day trips from Leuven by train
The most popular day trips by train from Leuven are Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges and Liège. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Leuven on Omio.
Day trip from Leuven to Brussels by train
Why visit Brussels for the day?
Brussels mixes stately squares and Art Nouveau buildings with a relaxed café culture and multilingual character. Known as Belgium’s capital and a hub of European politics, it is also closely associated with waffles, chocolate and comic art.
How to get from Leuven to Brussels by train?
There are 68 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 25 km distance in 14m.
Day trip from Leuven to Antwerp by train
Why visit Antwerp for the day?
Antwerp is known for diamonds, fashion and the baroque legacy of Rubens. Its compact centre pairs grand guild houses and lively squares with a creative, modern waterfront.
How to get from Leuven to Antwerp by train?
There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 43 km distance in 37m.
Day trip from Leuven to Ghent by train
Why visit Ghent for the day?
Ghent is known for its canals, medieval centre and lively student atmosphere. Historic quays, Gravensteen and Saint Bavo's Cathedral give the city a cultured yet relaxed character.
How to get from Leuven to Ghent by train?
There are 22 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 71 km distance in 54m.
Day trip from Leuven to Bruges by train
Why visit Bruges for the day?
Bruges is known for its canals, cobbled streets and well-preserved medieval centre. Gothic buildings, Flemish art and a slower pace give the city a calm, historic character.
How to get from Leuven to Bruges by train?
There are 16 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:52, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 110 km distance in 1h 22m.
Day trip from Leuven to Liège by train
Why visit Liège for the day?
Liège is a lively Walloon city on the Meuse, known for its industrial heritage and strong food culture. Historic streets, busy markets and the Montagne de Bueren give it an energetic, down-to-earth character.
How to get from Leuven to Liège by train?
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:51, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 67 km distance in 31m.
FAQs: Brussels Airport to Leuven train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brussels Airport 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Brussels Airport to Leuven can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £9, while the average price tends to be around £11.
The train journey from Brussels Airport to Leuven covers a distance of 15 km and takes approximately 13m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Brussels Airport to Leuven is 15 km.
The first train from Brussels Airport to Leuven leaves at 8:38.
The last train from Brussels Airport to Leuven departs at 9:42.
Trains from Brussels Airport to Leuven run approximately 9 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Brussels Airport to Leuven.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Brussels Airport to Leuven.
There is no night train service from Brussels Airport to Leuven.
Booking trains from Brussels Airport to Leuven in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Brussels Airport to Leuven primarily travels through urban and suburban areas, offering limited scenic views. Passengers can expect to see a mix of cityscapes, residential neighbourhoods, and some greenery as they approach Leuven.
Yes, you can take the train from Brussels Airport to Leuven.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Brussels Airport and Leuven
Most Brussels Airport to Leuven trains use the Bruxelles-Central to Leuven station pair, with some services arriving at Heverlee. Use this guide to compare Brussels Airport and Leuven train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Brussels
Arrival train stations in Leuven
LeuvenMartelarenplein 16, 3000 Leuven, Belgium+32 2 528 28 28
City-centre transport
Getting to Leuven from Leuven city centre
Leuven is 1 km from Leuven city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus1, 2, 3, 4, 5a, 5b, 4b, 40, 41, 42, 43, 406, 520, 524, 525, 597, N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6, N7, N8 · 8m · £3 · every ~49 min
Leuven train station facilities and services
Leuven has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: De Klimop, Domus
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Leuven. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Leuven. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Leuven: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Leuven: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Leuven: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel La Royale, Park Inn by Radisson Leuven, Hotel Mille Colonnes.
Heverlee3001 Leuven, Belgium
City-centre transport
Getting to Heverlee from Leuven city centre
Heverlee is 1 km from Leuven city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainS20, L · 9m · £2 · every ~3 min
Heverlee train station facilities and services
Heverlee has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Heverlee.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Heverlee.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Heverlee: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Heverlee: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Heverlee.
Wijgmaal3018 Leuven, Belgium
City-centre transport
Getting to Wijgmaal from Leuven city centre
Wijgmaal is 5 km from Leuven city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainP, Ic, L · 5m · £1 · every ~4 min
Bus4, 4b, N7 · 25m · £3 · every ~5 min
4, 4b, N7 · 28m · £3 · every ~5 min
4, 4b, N7 · 30m · £3 · every ~5 min
Wijgmaal train station facilities and services
Wijgmaal has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Wijgmaal.
Most popular train connections from Brussels Airport
More options for your journey from Brussels Airport to Leuven
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leuven and Brussels Airport
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