Mechelen to Leuven train with Regional

Fri, Nov 07
+ Add return
Regional
PKP Intercity
SNCB
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
Regional
PKP Intercity
SNCB
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Mechelen to Leuven

Showing times and prices for Nov 09

Cheapest price

€6

Average price

€7

Fastest journey

26 m

Average duration

37 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

23 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Mechelen to Leuven will cost around €7 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €6.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Mechelen for Leuven on Sun, Nov 09, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Nov 09 the direct trains cover the 23 km distance in an average of 37 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 26 m .

On Sun, Nov 09 the slowest trains will take 57 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.

Regional
02:36PM0h29
Mechelen
03:05PMLeuven
61One-way
0 transfers
SNCB IC
04:26AM0h57
Mechelen
05:23AMLeuven
81One-way
0 transfers
SNCB IC
04:08AM0h26
Mechelen
04:34AMLeuven
81One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Mechelen to Leuven

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Mechelen 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 28m. 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: 23 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€8

Average price

€3

Average price

Cheapest

58m

Average total duration

Fastest

28m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 17m

Average total duration

47m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.0kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Mechelen to Leuven train times

The table below shows live departures for Mechelen to Leuven trains for today, Saturday, November 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 2:32 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
benerail_regional6:36 AM Mechelen
0h29
7:05 AM Leuven0 transfersDirect
sncb6:45 AM Mechelen
0h50
7:35 AM Leuven0 transfersDirect
intercity2:17 PM Mechelen
0h48
3:05 PM Leuven0 transfersDirect
benerail_regional2:36 PM Mechelen
0h29
3:05 PM Leuven0 transfersDirect
benerail_regional3:36 PM Mechelen
0h31
4:07 PM Leuven0 transfersDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Mechelen 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.

Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12
Thu
Nov 13
Fri
Nov 14
Sat
Nov 15

Journey information

Overview: Train from Mechelen to Leuven

BelgiumBelgium
BelgiumBelgium
Icon of train

Trains from Mechelen to Leuven run on average 11 times per day, taking around 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €4 but you can travel from only €3 by bus.

There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:14, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 23 km distance in 26m.

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
Bus from €3
Distance
23 km
Average train duration
28m
Cheapest ticket price
€4
Trains per day
11
Direct trains
9
Fastest train
26m
First train
00:14
Last train
23:54
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
Bus from €3

Train companies: Regional, PKP Intercity, SNCB from Mechelen to Leuven trainsRegional, PKP Intercity, SNCB trains will get you between Mechelen 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

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
26m
Cheapest Price
€6
PKP Intercity frequency
7 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

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 Duration
29m
Cheapest Price
€6
Regional frequency
4 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

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 Duration
31m
Cheapest Price
€8
SNCB frequency
51 a day

FAQs: Trains from Mechelen to Leuven

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Mechelen 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
Cheap train tickets from Mechelen to Leuven can start from as little as €7 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Mechelen to Leuven is €7; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Mechelen to Leuven train time is 24 min   covering the 22 km long route, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Mechelen to Leuven leaves at 04: 08. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Mechelen to Leuven leaves at 21: 53.
Yes, there are 9 direct trains a day from Mechelen to Leuven with SNCB. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
Take the Mechelen to Leuven train with Regional, PKP Intercity or SNCB. However, it's always good to check out all possible train companies for the trip to Leuven from Mechelen as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 21: 53.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Mechelen, which is located around 1.2 miles (1.9 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Leuven, located 1.4 miles (2.2 km) away from the city centre.

A day trip to Leuven from Mechelen is worth doing with a journey time of 24 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Mechelen to Leuven by train is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel to Leuven from Mechelen including taking a train or coach.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Mechelen to Leuven

Mechelen
Leuven
The major train station for departures in Mechelen is Mechelen. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Mechelen for your trip from Mechelen to Leuven.
MechelenWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
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 - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
10
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Access via Stationsstraat.
Dining
Dining
  • Restaurant De Graspoort
  • Il Cardinale
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps.
WC
WC
  • €0.50
Hotel
Hotel
  • NH Mechelen
  • Hotel Elisabeth
  • Martin's Patershof
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
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 1-10 for trains to Brussels, Antwerp, and regional destinations
Public transit options for Mechelen
  • Train: IC, S-train
  • Bus: Several lines available
MuizenParkingDiningWCBike Parking
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
WCWC
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
Mechelen-NekkerspoelParkingDiningATMWCHotelBike ParkingBike Rental
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
WCWC
HotelHotel
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km

More options for your journey from Mechelen to Leuven

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

Most popular train connections to Leuven

HomeTrainsTrain Times to LeuvenMechelen to Leuven train

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