- 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 02 Sept
£3
Average ticket price on 02 Sept
£3
Fastest journey on 02 Sept
38 m
Average journey duration on 02 Sept
38 m
Trains on 02 Sept
1
Distance
16 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zaventem to Mechelen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zaventem to Mechelen will cost around £3 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £3.
On Wed 02 Sept, we found 1 trains from Zaventem to Mechelen, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 16 km distance in an average of 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 38 m .
The slowest trains will take 38 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zaventem 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 train, which has an average total journey time of 55m. 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 £5.
Distance: 16 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£5 Average Price | £3 Average Price Cheapest | £3 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
55m Average total duration Fastest 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 29m Average total duration 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Zaventem to Mechelen:
A coach is £2 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zaventem to Mechelen costing on average £5.
Other travel options to Mechelen take longer:
Coach takes on average 59m.
Tickets start at around £5 compared to roughly £3 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-1.28. The journey takes 25m versus 23m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Zaventem to Mechelen trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 2 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:48 Zaventem | 0h38 | 10:26 Mechelen | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Zaventem to Mechelen run on average 40 times per day, taking around 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £4 but you can travel from only £3 by coach.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:12, the last at 23:47. The fastest train covers the 16 km distance in 38m.
Distance 16 km |
Average train duration 25m |
Cheapest ticket price £4 |
Trains per day 40 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 38m |
First train 0:12 |
Last train 23:47 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
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 Zaventem 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 Zaventem to Mechelen trains use the Brussels Airport-Zaventem to Mechelen station pair, with some services arriving at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel. Use this guide to compare Zaventem and Mechelen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Zaventem has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Belair, Black Pearls
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zaventem. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zaventem. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zaventem: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zaventem: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zaventem: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel, Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport, NH Brussels Airport.
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