- Must visit
Museum Hof van Busleyden
A major museum on the Burgundian period, with interactive displays about the Low Countries and Mechelen’s past.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leuven to Mechelen
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 08 Sept
Cheapest price on 08 Sept
£5
Average ticket price on 08 Sept
£5
Fastest journey on 08 Sept
36 m
Average journey duration on 08 Sept
36 m
Trains on 08 Sept
31
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 £5 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £5.
Fast trains
To travel from Leuven to Mechelen you need to make at least one change.
5709 · 413210:360h36Heverlee11:12Mechelen station£51One-way1 change- 5707 · 41308:360h36Heverlee9:12Mechelen station£51One-way1 change
- 5712 · 413513:360h36Heverlee14:12Mechelen station£51One-way1 change
- 5711 · 413412:360h36Heverlee13:12Mechelen station£51One-way1 change
- 5714 · 413715:360h36Heverlee16:12Mechelen station£51One-way1 change
- 5709 · 413210:360h36Heverlee11:12Mechelen station£51One-way1 change
- 5707 · 41308:360h36Heverlee9:12Mechelen station£51One-way1 change
- 5712 · 413513:360h36Heverlee14:12Mechelen station£51One-way1 change
- 5711 · 413412:360h36Heverlee13:12Mechelen station£51One-way1 change
- 5714 · 413715:360h36Heverlee16:12Mechelen station£51One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Leuven to Mechelen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leuven to Mechelen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £3 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 52m. 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 coach costs an average of £3, while a train costs an average of £6.
Distance: 23 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£6 Average Price | £3 Average Price Cheapest | £4 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 0m Average total duration 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 52m Average total duration Fastest 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 39m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Leuven to Mechelen is a coach with an average price of £3.
This is compared to other travel options from Leuven to Mechelen:
A coach is £4 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leuven to Mechelen costing on average £6.
The fastest way to travel from Leuven to Mechelen is by coach with an average journey time of 22m.
Other travel options to Mechelen take longer:
Train takes on average 30m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leuven and Mechelen including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 9m sooner (30m by train vs 39m by car). Tickets start at around £6 compared to roughly £4 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with SNCB.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Leuven to Mechelen train times
The table below shows live departures for Leuven to Mechelen trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 8 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 3055+2627 | 6:03 Heverlee | 0h49 | 6:52 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
| 5705 · 4128 | 6:36 Heverlee | 0h36 | 7:12 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
| 5705 · 4128+1955 | 6:36 Heverlee | 0h44 | 7:20 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel | 2 changes | |
| 3056+2628 | 7:03 Heverlee | 0h49 | 7:52 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
| 3056+7444 · 4506 | 7:03 Heverlee | 0h44 | 7:47 Mechelen station | 2 changes | |
| 5706 · 4129 | 7:36 Heverlee | 0h36 | 8:12 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
| 5706 · 4129+1956 | 7:36 Heverlee | 0h44 | 8:20 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel | 2 changes | |
| 3057+2629 | 8:03 Heverlee | 0h49 | 8:52 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
| 5707 · 4130 | 8:36 Heverlee | 0h36 | 9:12 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
| 5707 · 4130+1957 | 8:36 Heverlee | 0h44 | 9:20 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel | 2 changes | |
| 3058+2630 | 9:03 Heverlee | 0h49 | 9:52 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
| 5708 · 4131+1958 | 9:36 Heverlee | 0h44 | 10:20 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel | 2 changes | |
| 5708 · 4131 | 9:36 Heverlee | 0h36 | 10:12 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
| 3059+2631 | 10:03 Heverlee | 0h49 | 10:52 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
| 5709 · 4132 | 10:36 Heverlee | 0h36 | 11:12 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
| 5709 · 4132+1959 | 10:36 Heverlee | 0h44 | 11:20 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel | 2 changes | |
| 3060+2632 | 11:03 Heverlee | 0h49 | 11:52 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
| 5710 · 4133 | 11:36 Heverlee | 0h36 | 12:12 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
| 5710 · 4133+1960 | 11:36 Heverlee | 0h44 | 12:20 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel | 2 changes | |
| 3061+2633 | 12:03 Heverlee | 0h49 | 12:52 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
| 5711 · 4134 | 12:36 Heverlee | 0h36 | 13:12 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
| 5711 · 4134+1961 | 12:36 Heverlee | 0h44 | 13:20 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel | 2 changes | |
| 3062+2634 | 13:03 Heverlee | 0h49 | 13:52 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
| 5712 · 4135 | 13:36 Heverlee | 0h36 | 14:12 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
| 5712 · 4135+1962 | 13:36 Heverlee | 0h44 | 14:20 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel | 2 changes | |
| 3063+2635 | 14:03 Heverlee | 0h49 | 14:52 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
| 5713 · 4136+1963 | 14:36 Heverlee | 0h44 | 15:20 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel | 2 changes | |
| 5713 · 4136 | 14:36 Heverlee | 0h36 | 15:12 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
| 3064+2636 | 15:03 Heverlee | 0h49 | 15:52 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
| 5714 · 4137 | 15:36 Heverlee | 0h36 | 16:12 Mechelen station | 1 change | |
| 5714 · 4137+1964 | 15:36 Heverlee | 0h44 | 16:20 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Leuven to Mechelen 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.
Tue
08 Sept
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept
11 Sept
Sat
12 Sept
12 Sept
Sun
13 Sept
13 Sept
Mon
14 Sept
14 Sept
Why should you book Leuven to Mechelen trains with Omio?
Intercity as well as Regional or SNCB 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 SNCB 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Leuven to Mechelen
BelgiumBelgium
Trains from Leuven to Mechelen run on average 14 times per day, taking around 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £4 but you can travel from only £3 by coach.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:11, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 23 km distance in 36m.
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 23 km |
Average train duration 30m |
Cheapest ticket price £4 |
Trains per day 14 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 36m |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £3
Train companies: Intercity, Regional, SNCB from Leuven to Mechelen trainsIntercity, Regional, SNCB trains will get you between Leuven and Mechelen 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
36m
Cheapest Intercity Price
£5
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
49m
Cheapest Regional Price
£4
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
SNCB
About
SNCB is Belgium’s national railway company and the country’s main train operator, offering First Class and Second Class tickets. It runs a variety of services, including Intercity trains for the fastest domestic connections, Interregio trains with more local stops, and international options such as EuroCity, Thalys, and ICE International. Thalys trains connect Belgium with France, Germany, and the Netherlands at high speed, while EuroCity and ICE International link Belgium to Germany and other European destinations. Onboard facilities typically include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Popular routes include Brussels to Antwerp, Brussels to Bruges, Brussels to Ghent, and Brussels to Liège.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average SNCB Duration
26m
Cheapest SNCB Price
£5
SNCB frequency
50 a day
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.
- 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.
- Must visit
Grote Markt
Mechelen’s main square, lined with historic façades, terraces and key civic landmarks at the city’s heart.
- Recommended
Dijlepad
A waterside walking route along the Dyle with boardwalk sections, bridges and close-up views of the city centre.
- Recommended
Vrijbroekpark
A green city park with lawns, mature trees and open space, popular for a quiet break near the centre.
Gouden Carolus Classic
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.
Gouden Carolus Whisky Infused
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.
- Gluten-free
Witte asperges op Vlaamse wijze
Large white asparagus from nearby cultivation areas, traditionally served in season with butter, egg, parsley and often ham.
Brouwerij Het Anker
Historic brewery brasserie serving Gouden Carolus beers and hearty Belgian dishes in a traditional setting beside the brewery.
Tinèlle
Stylish restaurant in a former church complex, known for refined Belgian-French cooking and an elegant but relaxed atmosphere.
Cosma Foodhouse
Well-known restaurant focused on Belgian and French dishes, appreciated for polished service and a comfortable classic dining room.
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.
De Lijn
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €3
- Day pass
- €9
To the city centre
Station Mechelen -> Grote Markt, Mechelen
- Distance
- 1.4 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- You can pay contactlessly on all De Lijn buses and trams with a bank card, phone or smartwatch.
- Station Mechelen and Mechelen-Nekkerspoel are within walking distance of the city centre.
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.
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 £6.
The train journey from Leuven to Mechelen covers a distance of 23 km and takes approximately 36m. Trains run 14 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 14 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Leuven to Mechelen.
Yes, there is a direct train between Leuven and Mechelen. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by SNCB.
To get from Leuven to Mechelen, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Leuven to Mechelen.
The train station in Leuven that goes to Mechelen is Leuven station, and it arrives at Mechelen station.
The cheapest way to get from Leuven to Mechelen is by coach, costing approximately £3.
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.
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.
Yes, a day trip from Leuven to Mechelen is feasible. The journey takes 36m and covers a distance of 23 km. Trains run 11 times per day.
Two to three days are generally sufficient to explore Mechelen, allowing time to visit its historic sites, museums, and enjoy local cuisine.
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 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 · £0.90 · 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.
Which Mechelen station do trains from Leuven arrive at?
Trains from Leuven to Mechelen most often arrive at Mechelen. Some services arrive at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Mechelen arrival station.
MechelenStationsstraat 2800, Mechelen, Belgium+32 15 29 80 00
City-centre transport
Getting to Mechelen from Mechelen city centre
Mechelen is 1 km from Mechelen city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus1, 1a · 3m · £3 · every ~12 min
Mechelen train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Restaurant De Graspoort, Il Cardinale
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Mechelen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Mechelen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Mechelen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Mechelen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Mechelen: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include NH Mechelen, Hotel Elisabeth, Martin's Patershof.
Mechelen-Nekkerspoel2800 Mechelen, Belgium
City-centre transport
Getting to Mechelen-Nekkerspoel from Mechelen city centre
Mechelen-Nekkerspoel is 1 km from Mechelen city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus1 · 8m · £3 · every ~5 min
Mechelen-Nekkerspoel train station facilities and services
Mechelen-Nekkerspoel has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Muizen2812 Mechelen, Belgium
City-centre transport
Getting to Muizen from Mechelen city centre
Muizen is 3 km from Mechelen city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainS7, L, P · 5m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
BusBus · 8m
Muizen train station facilities and services
Muizen has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, WC and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Muizen.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Muizen: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Muizen: Bike Parking.
Most popular train connections from Leuven
More options for your journey from Leuven to Mechelen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular train connections to Mechelen
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