The cheapest and fastest trains from Brussels to Leuven
Cheapest price
€7
Average price
€8
Fastest journey
23 m
Average duration
27 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
25 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Brussels to Leuven is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Brussels to Leuven will cost around €8 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €7.
Of the 5 trains that leave Brussels for Leuven on Wed, Dec 17, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Dec 17 the direct trains cover the 25 km distance in an average of 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 23 m .
On Wed, Dec 17 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.










Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Brussels to Leuven
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Brussels to Leuven among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €3. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 34m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €3, and a train costs an average of €4.
Distance: 25 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€8 Average price | €7 Average price Cheapest |
1h 4m Average total duration Fastest 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 12m Average total duration 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Brussels to Leuven train times
The table below shows live departures for Brussels to Leuven trains for today, Tuesday, December 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
506 | 7:01 AM Brussels-Central | 0h22 | 7:23 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
506 | 7:08 AM Brussels-North | 0h15 | 7:23 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
3607 | 7:11 AM Brussels-Midi | 0h28 | 7:39 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
2806 | 7:14 AM Brussels-Midi | 0h37 | 7:51 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
3607 | 7:16 AM Brussels-Central | 0h23 | 7:39 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
2806 | 7:19 AM Brussels-Central | 0h32 | 7:51 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
3607 | 7:22 AM Brussels-North | 0h17 | 7:39 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
2806 | 7:25 AM Brussels-North | 0h26 | 7:51 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
407 | 7:28 AM Brussels-Midi | 0h27 | 7:55 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
407 | 7:33 AM Brussels-Central | 0h22 | 7:55 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
1507 | 7:36 AM Brussels-Midi | 0h28 | 8:04 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
407 | 7:40 AM Brussels-North | 0h15 | 7:55 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
1507 | 7:41 AM Brussels-Central | 0h23 | 8:04 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
1507 | 7:48 AM Brussels-North | 0h16 | 8:04 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
507 | 7:56 AM Brussels-Midi | 0h27 | 8:23 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
507 | 8:01 AM Brussels-Central | 0h22 | 8:23 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
507 | 8:08 AM Brussels-North | 0h15 | 8:23 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
3608 | 8:11 AM Brussels-Midi | 0h29 | 8:40 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
2807 | 8:13 AM Brussels-Midi | 0h38 | 8:51 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
3608 | 8:16 AM Brussels-Central | 0h24 | 8:40 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
2807 | 8:18 AM Brussels-Central | 0h33 | 8:51 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
3608 | 8:22 AM Brussels-North | 0h18 | 8:40 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
2807 | 8:25 AM Brussels-North | 0h26 | 8:51 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
408 | 8:28 AM Brussels-Midi | 0h28 | 8:56 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
408 | 8:33 AM Brussels-Central | 0h23 | 8:56 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
1508 | 8:36 AM Brussels-Midi | 0h28 | 9:04 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
408 | 8:40 AM Brussels-North | 0h16 | 8:56 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
1508 | 8:41 AM Brussels-Central | 0h23 | 9:04 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
1508 | 8:48 AM Brussels-North | 0h16 | 9:04 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
508 | 8:56 AM Brussels-Midi | 0h27 | 9:23 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
508 | 9:01 AM Brussels-Central | 0h22 | 9:23 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
508 | 9:08 AM Brussels-North | 0h15 | 9:23 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
3609 | 9:11 AM Brussels-Midi | 0h28 | 9:39 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
2808 | 9:13 AM Brussels-Midi | 0h38 | 9:51 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
3609 | 9:16 AM Brussels-Central | 0h23 | 9:39 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
2808 | 9:18 AM Brussels-Central | 0h33 | 9:51 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
3609 | 9:22 AM Brussels-North | 0h17 | 9:39 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
2808 | 9:25 AM Brussels-North | 0h26 | 9:51 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
409 | 9:28 AM Brussels-Midi | 0h27 | 9:55 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
409 | 9:33 AM Brussels-Central | 0h22 | 9:55 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
1509 | 9:36 AM Brussels-Midi | 0h28 | 10:04 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
409 | 9:40 AM Brussels-North | 0h15 | 9:55 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
1509 | 9:41 AM Brussels-Central | 0h23 | 10:04 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
1509 | 9:48 AM Brussels-North | 0h16 | 10:04 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
509 | 9:56 AM Brussels-Midi | 0h27 | 10:23 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
509 | 10:01 AM Brussels-Central | 0h22 | 10:23 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
509 | 10:08 AM Brussels-North | 0h15 | 10:23 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
3610 | 10:11 AM Brussels-Midi | 0h29 | 10:40 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
2809 | 10:13 AM Brussels-Midi | 0h38 | 10:51 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
3610 | 10:16 AM Brussels-Central | 0h24 | 10:40 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
2809 | 10:18 AM Brussels-Central | 0h33 | 10:51 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
3610 | 10:22 AM Brussels-North | 0h18 | 10:40 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
2809 | 10:25 AM Brussels-North | 0h26 | 10:51 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
410 | 10:28 AM Brussels-Midi | 0h27 | 10:55 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
410 | 10:33 AM Brussels-Central | 0h22 | 10:55 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
1510 | 10:36 AM Brussels-Midi | 0h28 | 11:04 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
410 | 10:39 AM Brussels-North | 0h16 | 10:55 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
1510 | 10:41 AM Brussels-Central | 0h23 | 11:04 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
1510 | 10:48 AM Brussels-North | 0h16 | 11:04 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
510 | 10:56 AM Brussels-Midi | 0h27 | 11:23 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Brussels to Leuven by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Dec 16
Dec 17
Dec 18
Dec 19
Dec 20
Dec 21
Dec 22
Dec 23
Dec 24
Dec 25
Dec 26
Dec 27
Dec 28
Dec 29
Dec 30
Dec 31
Jan 01
Jan 02
Jan 03
Jan 04
Jan 05
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Brussels to Leuven?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Brussels to Leuven
Trains from Brussels to Leuven run on average 15 times per day, taking around 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €4 but you can travel from only €3 by bus.
There are 15 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 25 km distance in 26m.
Distance 25 km |
Average train duration 34m |
Cheapest ticket price €4 |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 15 |
Fastest train 26m |
First train 00:20 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: PKP Intercity, Regional, Deutsche Bahn, Renfe, SNCB from Brussels to Leuven trainsPKP Intercity, Regional, Deutsche Bahn, Renfe, SNCB trains will get you between Brussels and Leuven from €3. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
PKP Intercity
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Renfe
Regional
SNCB
FAQs: Trains from Brussels to Leuven
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brussels 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.

When departing from Brussels, you have various train station options to start your route from including Brussels-Midi, Brussels-Central, Brussels-North, Brussels National Airport, Brussels-Luxembourg and Brussels-Schuman. When arriving in Leuven, you can end your route in train stations like Leuven and Leuven.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Brussels-Midi, which is located around 2 miles (3.2 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Leuven, located 1.6 miles (2.5 km) away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Brussels to Leuven
- Mon - Sun: 05:45 - 21:30
- Wi-Fi is available for a fee.
- Baggage storage facility is located across from the Thalys business lounge.
- Pullman Hotel Bar
- Quick Gare du Midi
- Subway
- EXKi Zuid
- Starbucks
- Häagen-Dazs
- Sbarro
- The Coffee Club
- The Belgian Chocolate House
- PAUL
- & many more
- Station has a wide range of facilities for passengers with reduced mobility: elevators and escalators to all platforms, wheelchair lifts and mobile ramps, disabled toilet and parking spaces. Additional assistance can be contacted via the SNCB Mobility Call Center.
- Les Lofts De Styliste
- Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi
- Pullman Brussels Centre Midi
- Located in the main concourse and next to the international platforms.
- Mon - Sun: 06:15 - 22:00
- Free Wi-Fi available in Starbucks.
- Luggage lockers are located on Level 0 near Platforms 1 and 2.
- Starbucks
- Brasserie 28 Brewery
- Panos
- Delitraiteur Eat & Go
- Station has a wide range of facilities for passengers with limited mobility: elevators and escalators to platforms, wheelchair lifts and mobile ramps, barrier-free toilets and accessible parking spaces. Additional assistance can be contacted via the SNCB Mobility Call Center.
- Hilton Brussels Grand Palace
- Hotel NH Brussels Carrefour de l'Europe
- Hôtel The Moon
- Mon - Sun: 06:15 - 22:00
- Travel Center / information desk is located on the left side from the main entrance.
- Metro lines: 1, 5
- Train lines: IC, Intercity Direct 9200, RER (S1, S2, S3, S6, S8, S10)
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby, with several public parking options in the European Quarter.
- The Twelve
- Kafenio
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- €0.50
- Holiday Inn Brussels - Schuman
- Aloft Brussels Schuman
- Sofitel Brussels Europe
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for trains to local, regional, and international destinations
- Hall 2: metro and bus connections
- Metro: Line 1, Line 5
- Bus: Several lines available
- Tram: Line 81
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Access via Martelarenplein.
- De Klimop
- Domus
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €0.50
- Hotel La Royale
- Park Inn by Radisson Leuven
- Hotel Mille Colonnes
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-9 for trains to Brussels, Antwerp, and Liège
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Direct connections to Brussels, Antwerp, and Liège
Most popular train connections from Brussels
More options for your journey from Brussels to Leuven
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