- Must visit
Museum Hof van Busleyden
A major museum on the Burgundian period, with interactive displays about the Low Countries and Mechelen’s past.
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£7
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£7
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
1 h 3 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
1 h 3 m
Trains on 20 Sept
48
Distance
53 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Ghent to Mechelen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ghent to Mechelen will cost around £7 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £7.
On Sun 20 Sept, we found 48 trains from Ghent to Mechelen, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 53 km distance in an average of 1 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 3 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 3 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.
2807 · 3308
557
558
508 · 3109
1808 · 3131
557
558
508 · 3109
559
510 · 3111Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ghent to Mechelen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £10 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 36m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £10, while a train costs an average of £10.
Distance: 53 km
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£10 Average Price Cheapest | £10 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 36m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The journey is about 2m faster (1h 6m by train vs 1h 8m by car) and roughly £0.11 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£10 vs £10). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Intercity, Regional.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Ghent to Mechelen trains for tomorrow, Sunday 20 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1507+ 1958 | 8:03 Ghent St Pieters | 1h26 | 9:29 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel | 1 change | |
1507+ 9223 | 8:03 Ghent St Pieters | 1h12 | 9:15 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
557 | 8:21 Ghent St Pieters | 1h03 | 9:24 Mechelen station | 0 changesdirect | |
557 · 4109 | 8:21 Ghent St Pieters | 1h19 | 9:40 Muizen | 1 change | |
507 · 3108 | 8:25 Ghent St Pieters | 1h08 | 9:33 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel | 1 change | |
507 · 3108 | 8:25 Ghent St Pieters | 1h03 | 9:28 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
507 · 3108+ 4109 | 8:25 Ghent St Pieters | 1h15 | 9:40 Muizen | 2 changes | |
729+ 9216 | 8:27 Ghent St Pieters | 1h14 | 9:41 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
2807 · 3308 | 8:41 Ghent St Pieters | 1h17 | 9:58 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
2807+ 4130 | 8:41 Ghent St Pieters | 1h37 | 10:18 Muizen | 1 change | |
1808 · 3131 | 8:53 Ghent St Pieters | 1h33 | 10:26 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel | 1 change | |
1808 · 2609 | 8:53 Ghent St Pieters | 1h13 | 10:06 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
1508+ 1959 | 9:03 Ghent St Pieters | 1h26 | 10:29 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel | 1 change | |
1508+ 9227 | 9:03 Ghent St Pieters | 1h12 | 10:15 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
558 | 9:21 Ghent St Pieters | 1h03 | 10:24 Mechelen station | 0 changesdirect | |
558 · 4110 | 9:21 Ghent St Pieters | 1h19 | 10:40 Muizen | 1 change | |
508 · 3109 | 9:25 Ghent St Pieters | 1h03 | 10:28 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
508 · 3109+ 4110 | 9:25 Ghent St Pieters | 1h15 | 10:40 Muizen | 2 changes | |
508 · 3109 | 9:25 Ghent St Pieters | 1h08 | 10:33 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel | 1 change | |
730+ 9220 | 9:27 Ghent St Pieters | 1h14 | 10:41 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
2808 · 3309 | 9:41 Ghent St Pieters | 1h17 | 10:58 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
2808+ 4131 | 9:41 Ghent St Pieters | 1h37 | 11:18 Muizen | 1 change | |
1809 · 3132 | 9:53 Ghent St Pieters | 1h33 | 11:26 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel | 1 change | |
1809 · 2610 | 9:53 Ghent St Pieters | 1h13 | 11:06 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
1509+ 1960 | 10:03 Ghent St Pieters | 1h26 | 11:29 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel | 1 change | |
1509+ 9231 | 10:03 Ghent St Pieters | 1h12 | 11:15 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
559 | 10:21 Ghent St Pieters | 1h03 | 11:24 Mechelen station | 0 changesdirect | |
559 · 4111 | 10:21 Ghent St Pieters | 1h19 | 11:40 Muizen | 1 change | |
509 · 3110+ 4111 | 10:25 Ghent St Pieters | 1h15 | 11:40 Muizen | 2 changes | |
509 · 3110 | 10:25 Ghent St Pieters | 1h08 | 11:33 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel | 1 change | |
509 · 3110 | 10:25 Ghent St Pieters | 1h03 | 11:28 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
731+ 9224 | 10:27 Ghent St Pieters | 1h14 | 11:41 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
2809+ 4132 | 10:41 Ghent St Pieters | 1h37 | 12:18 Muizen | 1 change | |
2809 · 3310 | 10:41 Ghent St Pieters | 1h17 | 11:58 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
1810 · 2611 | 10:53 Ghent St Pieters | 1h13 | 12:06 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
1810 · 3133 | 10:53 Ghent St Pieters | 1h33 | 12:26 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel | 1 change | |
1510+ 1961 | 11:03 Ghent St Pieters | 1h26 | 12:29 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel | 1 change | |
1510+ 9235 | 11:03 Ghent St Pieters | 1h12 | 12:15 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
560 | 11:21 Ghent St Pieters | 1h03 | 12:24 Mechelen station | 0 changesdirect | |
560 · 4112 | 11:21 Ghent St Pieters | 1h19 | 12:40 Muizen | 1 change | |
510 · 3111+ 4112 | 11:25 Ghent St Pieters | 1h15 | 12:40 Muizen | 2 changes | |
510 · 3111 | 11:25 Ghent St Pieters | 1h08 | 12:33 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel | 1 change | |
510 · 3111 | 11:25 Ghent St Pieters | 1h03 | 12:28 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
732+ 9228 | 11:27 Ghent St Pieters | 1h14 | 12:41 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
2810+ 4133 | 11:41 Ghent St Pieters | 1h37 | 13:18 Muizen | 1 change | |
2810 · 3311 | 11:41 Ghent St Pieters | 1h17 | 12:58 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
1811 · 3134 | 11:53 Ghent St Pieters | 1h33 | 13:26 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel | 1 change | |
1811 · 2612 | 11:53 Ghent St Pieters | 1h13 | 13:06 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train 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.
Trains from Ghent to Mechelen run on average 51 times per day, taking around 1h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £7 if you book in advance.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:16, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 53 km distance in 48m.
Distance 53 km |
Average train duration 1h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price £7 |
Trains per day 51 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 48m |
First train 0:16 |
Last train 23:57 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Mechelen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Mechelen trip today.
A major museum on the Burgundian period, with interactive displays about the Low Countries and Mechelen’s past.
Museum in the former palace of Margaret of Austria, presenting art and objects from Mechelen’s civic history.
Museum dedicated to toy making and play, with nostalgic collections and hands-on appeal for families.
Mechelen’s main square, lined with historic façades, terraces and key civic landmarks at the city’s heart.
A waterside walking route along the Dyle with boardwalk sections, bridges and close-up views of the city centre.
A green city park with lawns, mature trees and open space, popular for a quiet break near the centre.
A full-bodied golden ale brewed in Mechelen since the 15th century. It is closely tied to the city’s brewing heritage and local identity.
Strong dark abbey-style beer from Het Anker with rich malt, fruit and spice notes. It is one of Mechelen’s best-known traditional drinks.
Large white asparagus from nearby cultivation areas, traditionally served in season with butter, egg, parsley and often ham.
Historic brewery brasserie serving Gouden Carolus beers and hearty Belgian dishes in a traditional setting beside the brewery.
Stylish restaurant in a former church complex, known for refined Belgian-French cooking and an elegant but relaxed atmosphere.
Well-known restaurant focused on Belgian and French dishes, appreciated for polished service and a comfortable classic dining room.
Moderate for Belgium: hotels and dining are mid-priced, while local buses and trains are fairly reasonable for visitors.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great service. Taxis: round up. Cafés: small change is enough.
Official public transport app
Station Mechelen -> Grote Markt, Mechelen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ghent to Mechelen 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 Mechelen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Ghent to Mechelen trains use the Gent St Pieters to Mechelen station pair, with some services arriving at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel. Use this guide to compare Ghent and Mechelen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Gent St Pieters is 1 km from Ghent city centre. Public transport options include:
Gent St Pieters has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: De Graslei, Restaurant Patrick Foley's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Gent St Pieters. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Gent St Pieters. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gent St Pieters: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gent St Pieters: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gent St Pieters: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include NH Gent Sint Pieters, Hotel Carlton, Astoria Hotel Gent.
Gent-Dampoort is 1 km from Ghent city centre. Public transport options include:
Gent-Dampoort 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, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: De Graslei, Amadeus Ghent 1
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Gent-Dampoort. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Gent-Dampoort. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gent-Dampoort: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gent-Dampoort: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gent-Dampoort: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Adagio Access Gent Centrum Dampoort, Hotel Cathedral, Ibis Gent Centrum St-Baafs Kathedraal.
Mechelen is 1 km from Mechelen city centre. Public transport options include:
Mechelen 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 options include: Restaurant De Graspoort, Il Cardinale
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Mechelen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Mechelen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Mechelen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Mechelen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Mechelen: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include NH Mechelen, Hotel Elisabeth, Martin's Patershof.
Mechelen-Nekkerspoel is 1 km from Mechelen city centre. Public transport options include:
Mechelen-Nekkerspoel has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel.
ATMs are available at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel.
Available at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel: Parking, WC.
Available at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Muizen is 3 km from Mechelen city centre. Public transport options include:
Muizen has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, WC and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Muizen.
Available at Muizen: Parking, WC.
Available at Muizen: Bike Parking.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need