Leiden to Leuven train with Intercity

Thu 25 Jun
+ Add return
Intercity
Regional
NS International | IC Brussel
EuroCity
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
2,000+ travel companies
Intercity
Regional
NS International | IC Brussel
EuroCity
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Leiden to Leuven

Showing times and prices for 25 Jun

Cheapest price

£29

Average price

£33

Fastest journey

2 h 49 m

Average duration

2 h 50 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

143 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leiden to Leuven is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Leiden to Leuven will cost around £33 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £29.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Leiden 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 143 km distance in an average of 2 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 49 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 50 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.

  • Intercity
    6:252h49
    Leiden
    9:14Leuven
    £291One-way
    0 changes
  • NS International | IC Brussel
    7:242h50
    Leiden
    10:14Leuven
    £361One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Leiden to Leuven

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leiden to Leuven among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 23m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £17, and a train costs an average of £25.

Distance: 143 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£33

Average Price

£28

Average Price

Cheapest

2h 53m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 23m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 9m

Average total duration

6h 39m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Compare prices and tickets Leiden to Leuven by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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.

Thu
25 Jun
Fri
26 Jun
Sat
27 Jun
Sun
28 Jun
Mon
29 Jun
Tue
30 Jun
Wed
01 Jul

Why should you book Leiden to Leuven trains with Omio?

Intercity as well as Regional, NS International | IC Brussel, EuroCity, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) and more offer trains services from Leiden 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, NS International | IC Brussel, EuroCity or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Leiden 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 Leiden to Leuven.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Leiden to Leuven

NetherlandsNetherlands
BelgiumBelgium
Icon of train

Trains from Leiden to Leuven run on average 23 times per day, taking around 2h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £25 but you can travel from only £17 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 05:14, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 143 km distance in 2h 23m.

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 £17
Distance
143 km
Average train duration
2h 23m
Cheapest ticket price
£25
Trains per day
23
Fastest train
2h 23m
First train
5:14
Last train
23:36
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Fri
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 £17

Train companies: Intercity, Regional, NS International | IC Brussel, EuroCity, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Leiden to Leuven trainsIntercity, Regional, NS International | IC Brussel, EuroCity, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Leiden and Leuven from £17. 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 Duration
2h 51m
Cheapest Price
£36
Intercity frequency
10 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

NS International | IC Brussel

About
NS International, a subsidiary of the Dutch state-owned railway Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), operates international intercity and high-speed connections to various European cities, including Brussels. The \IC Brussel\" refers to their Intercity service connecting the Netherlands and Belgium. These trains offer a direct and comfortable way to travel between major cities like Amsterdam and Brussels. As of late 2024, NS International, in collaboration with the Belgian railway company SNCB, is introducing new Intercity New Generation (ICNG) trains on the Brussels-Amsterdam route. These new trains are faster, reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h, and offer amenities like onboard Wi-Fi and power sockets. They aim to significantly reduce travel times and increase the frequency of services between the two countries."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 23m
Cheapest Price
£25
NS International | IC Brussel frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage per person
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at carriage ends
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car available with hot and cold meals, drinks. First class receives at-seat service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in first class, optional for second class at additional cost
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, assistance for boarding/alighting available with advance notice
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

EuroCity

About
EuroCity (EC) is an international train category and brand for inter-city trains that cross international borders within Europe. These trains are a collaboration between various European rail companies, including Deutsche Bahn (Germany), Trenitalia (Italy), SBB (Switzerland), and ÖBB (Austria). EuroCity trains connect major cities across Europe, offering both first and second-class coaches. They are known for meeting specific criteria for comfort, speed, cleanliness, and onboard food service, including air-conditioned cars and dining facilities. EuroCity services aim to provide convenient and comfortable cross-border travel, with stops typically lasting no more than 5 to 15 minutes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
EuroCity frequency
12 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage per passenger
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car or bistro service available on most routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended, available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require 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
Regional frequency
7 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

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 18m
Cheapest Price
£33
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency
16 a day

FAQs: Leiden to Leuven train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leiden 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Leiden to Leuven can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £25, while the average price tends to be around £33.
The train journey from Leiden to Leuven covers a distance of 143 km and takes approximately 2h 23m. Trains run 23 per day.
The train distance from Leiden to Leuven is 143 km.
The first train from Leiden to Leuven leaves at 5:14.
The last train from Leiden to Leuven departs at 23:36.
Trains from Leiden to Leuven run approximately 23 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Leiden to Leuven.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Leiden to Leuven.
To get from Leiden to Leuven, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Leiden to Leuven.
The train station in Leiden that goes to Leuven is Leiden Centraal, and it arrives at Leuven station.
The cheapest way to get from Leiden to Leuven is by coach, costing approximately £17.
Booking trains from Leiden to Leuven in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
In Leuven, you can visit the University Library and Bell Tower to explore its historic significance and enjoy panoramic city views. Explore the Old Market Square, renowned as the longest bar in the world, offering numerous cafes and vibrant nightlife. Discover the M-Museum Leuven for contemporary and historical art exhibitions. Stroll through the Botanical Garden Kruidtuin, the oldest botanical garden in Belgium, featuring diverse plant species. Admire the stunning Gothic architecture of the Town Hall, adorned with intricate sculptures.
To fully explore Leuven's historical sites, vibrant culture, and enjoy its local cuisine, plan for a stay of two to three days.
Yes, you can take the train from Leiden to Leuven.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Leiden and Leuven

Leiden
Leuven
The major train station for departures in Leiden is Leiden Centraal. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Leiden Centraal for your trip from Leiden to Leuven.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
9
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible from the main entrance
Dining
Dining
  • Restaurant De Bruine Boon
  • Grand Café Van Buuren
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • €0.70
Hotel
Hotel
  • Ibis Leiden Centre
  • Golden Tulip Leiden Centre
  • City Hotel Nieuw Minerva
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 4720 places, some covered
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Europcar
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for intercity trains
  • Hall 2: platform 5-9 for local trains
Public transport options for Leiden Centraal
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Train: Intercity and local services

More options for your journey from Leiden to Leuven

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone