Leuven to Mechelen train with Intercity

Fri 23 Oct
+ Add return
Intercity
Regional
EuroCity
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Intercity
Regional
EuroCity
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
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 Leuven to Mechelen

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Oct

Cheapest price on 23 Oct

£6

Average ticket price on 23 Oct

£6

Fastest journey on 23 Oct

26 m

Average journey duration on 23 Oct

26 m

Trains on 23 Oct

32

Distance

23 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Leuven to Mechelen will cost around £6 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £6.

Fast trains

On Fri 23 Oct, we found 32 trains from Leuven to Mechelen, including 13 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 23 km distance in an average of 26 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 26 m .

The slowest trains will take 28 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.

  • Intercity4132
    10:460h26
    Leuven station
    11:12Mechelen station
    £61One-way
    0 changes
  • Intercity5710 · 4133
    11:360h36
    Heverlee
    12:12Mechelen station
    £61One-way
    1 change
  • Intercity2630
    9:240h28
    Leuven station
    9:52Mechelen station
    £61One-way
    0 changes
  • Intercity5708+Regional2760
    9:390h57
    Heverlee
    10:36Mechelen station
    £61One-way
    1 change
  • Regional6458+Intercity4131+Regional1958
    9:320h48
    Heverlee
    10:20Mechelen-Nekkerspoel
    £61One-way
    2 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Leuven to Mechelen

BelgiumBelgium
BelgiumBelgium
Icon of train

Trains from Leuven to Mechelen run on average 18 times per day, taking around 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £4 if you book in advance.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:11, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 23 km distance in 20m.

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
Distance
23 km
Average train duration
34m
Cheapest ticket price
£4
Trains per day
18
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
20m
First train
0:11
Last train
23:55
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
5 days
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

Frequently asked questions about your Leuven to Mechelen trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Leuven to Mechelen.

The cost of a train ticket from Leuven to Mechelen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £4, while the average price tends to be around £5.
The train journey from Leuven to Mechelen covers a distance of 23 km and takes approximately 20m. Trains run 18 per day.
The train distance from Leuven to Mechelen is 23 km.
The first train from Leuven to Mechelen leaves at 0:11.
The last train from Leuven to Mechelen departs at 23:55.
Trains from Leuven to Mechelen run approximately 18 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Leuven and Mechelen. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Intercity, Regional.

Live departures

Leuven to Mechelen train times

The table below shows live departures for Leuven to Mechelen trains for tomorrow, Friday 23 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Regional3057+Intercity26298:03 Heverlee
0h49
8:52 Mechelen station1 change
Regional27588:05 Leuven station
0h31
8:36 Mechelen station0 changesdirect
Intercity26298:24 Leuven station
0h28
8:52 Mechelen station0 changesdirect
Intercity73888:28 Leuven station
0h31
8:59 Mechelen station0 changesdirect
Intercity5707 · 41308:36 Heverlee
0h36
9:12 Mechelen station1 change
Intercity5707 · 4130+Regional19578:36 Heverlee
0h44
9:20 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel2 changes
Intercity41308:46 Leuven station
0h26
9:12 Mechelen station0 changesdirect
Regional3058+Intercity26309:03 Heverlee
0h49
9:52 Mechelen station1 change
Regional27599:05 Leuven station
0h31
9:36 Mechelen station0 changesdirect
Intercity430 · 45089:06 Leuven station
0h41
9:47 Mechelen station1 change
Intercity26309:24 Leuven station
0h28
9:52 Mechelen station0 changesdirect
Regional6458+Intercity4131+Regional19589:32 Heverlee
0h48
10:20 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel2 changes
Regional6458+Intercity41319:32 Heverlee
0h40
10:12 Mechelen station1 change
Intercity5708+Regional27609:39 Heverlee
0h57
10:36 Mechelen station1 change
Intercity5708+Regional2760 · 17599:39 Heverlee
1h09
10:48 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel2 changes
Intercity41319:46 Leuven station
0h26
10:12 Mechelen station0 changesdirect
Regional3059+Intercity263110:03 Heverlee
0h49
10:52 Mechelen station1 change
Regional276010:05 Leuven station
0h31
10:36 Mechelen station0 changesdirect
Intercity431 · 450910:06 Leuven station
0h41
10:47 Mechelen station1 change
Intercity263110:24 Leuven station
0h28
10:52 Mechelen station0 changesdirect
Regional6459+Intercity413210:32 Heverlee
0h40
11:12 Mechelen station1 change
Regional6459+Intercity4132+Regional195910:32 Heverlee
0h48
11:20 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel2 changes
Intercity5709+Regional2761 · 176010:39 Heverlee
1h08
11:47 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel2 changes
Intercity5709+Regional276110:39 Heverlee
0h57
11:36 Mechelen station1 change
Intercity413210:46 Leuven station
0h26
11:12 Mechelen station0 changesdirect
Regional3060+Intercity263211:03 Heverlee
0h49
11:52 Mechelen station1 change
Regional276111:05 Leuven station
0h31
11:36 Mechelen station0 changesdirect
Intercity432 · 451011:06 Leuven station
0h41
11:47 Mechelen station1 change
Intercity263211:24 Leuven station
0h28
11:52 Mechelen station0 changesdirect
Intercity5710 · 413311:36 Heverlee
0h36
12:12 Mechelen station1 change
Intercity5710 · 4133+Regional196011:36 Heverlee
0h44
12:20 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel2 changes
Intercity413311:46 Leuven station
0h26
12:12 Mechelen station0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Leuven to Mechelen trains with Omio?

Intercity as well as Regional or EuroCity offer trains services from Leuven to Mechelen.
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 or EuroCity to find the best option for your trip from Leuven to Mechelen.
  • 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 Leuven to Mechelen.

Train companies: Intercity, Regional, EuroCity from Leuven to Mechelen trainsIntercity, Regional, EuroCity trains will get you between Leuven and Mechelen from £4. 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
20m
Cheapest Intercity Price
£4
Intercity frequency
13 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

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
Average EuroCity Duration
34m
Cheapest EuroCity Price
£4
EuroCity frequency
6 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
Average Regional Duration
23m
Cheapest Regional Price
£4
Regional frequency
9 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

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Leuven and Mechelen

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Leuven to Mechelen.
There is no night train service from Leuven to Mechelen.

Complete guide to Mechelen

Things to do in Mechelen

Discover the best of Mechelen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Mechelen trip today.

  • Must visit

Museum Hof van Busleyden

A major museum on the Burgundian period, with interactive displays about the Low Countries and Mechelen’s past.

  • Recommended

Kazerne Dossin

Museum in the former palace of Margaret of Austria, presenting art and objects from Mechelen’s civic history.

  • Recommended

Speelgoedmuseum Mechelen

Museum dedicated to toy making and play, with nostalgic collections and hands-on appeal for families.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Belgium: hotels and dining are mid-priced, while local buses and trains are fairly reasonable for visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
€10-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
€20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
€3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great service. Taxis: round up. Cafés: small change is enough.

Plan your visit to Mechelen

Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Mechelen.

The train journey from Leuven to Mechelen offers a pleasant view of the Belgian countryside, with glimpses of charming villages, green fields, and occasional forested areas, making it a moderately scenic route.

Best day trips from Mechelen by train

The most popular day trips by train from Mechelen are Brussels, Antwerp, Leuven, Ghent and Bruges. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Mechelen on Omio.

A view of Brussels

Day trip from Mechelen 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 Mechelen to Brussels by train?

There are 88 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 21 km distance in 14m.

A view of Antwerp

Day trip from Mechelen 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 Mechelen to Antwerp by train?

There are 27 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 22 km distance in 16m.

A view of Leuven

Day trip from Mechelen to Leuven by train

Why visit Leuven for the day?

Leuven is known for its historic university, brewing heritage and energetic student life. Its Gothic centre, led by the Grote Markt and Town Hall, feels grand yet easy-going.

How to get from Mechelen to Leuven by train?

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:14, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 23 km distance in 15m.

A view of Ghent

Day trip from Mechelen 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 Mechelen to Ghent by train?

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 53 km distance in 46m.

A view of Bruges

Day trip from Mechelen 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 Mechelen to Bruges by train?

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:21, the last at 23:34. The fastest train covers the 90 km distance in 1h 12m.

FAQs: Leuven to Mechelen train

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

FAQs
Booking trains from Leuven to Mechelen in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, you can take the train from Leuven to Mechelen.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Leuven and Mechelen

Most Leuven to Mechelen trains use the Leuven to Mechelen station pair, with some services arriving at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel. Use this guide to compare Leuven and Mechelen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Leuven
Arrival train stations in Mechelen

Which Leuven station do trains to Mechelen leave from?

Trains from Leuven to Mechelen leave from Leuven. The station is 1 km from Leuven city centre at Martelarenplein 16, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
LeuvenMartelarenplein 16, 3000 Leuven, Belgium+32 2 528 28 28WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
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, BelgiumParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelBike ParkingBike Rental
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, BelgiumAccessibility
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.

Train stations for Leuven to Mechelen

Check train stations information for Leuven and Mechelen, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.

The train station in Leuven that goes to Mechelen is Leuven, and it arrives at Mechelen.

More options for your journey from Leuven to Mechelen

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