- Must visit
M Leuven
The city’s main museum of art and history, known for Flemish masters, contemporary exhibitions, and a central location near the old center.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Brussels to Leuven
Showing times and prices for Jun 21
Cheapest price
$5
Average price
$5
Fastest journey
1 h
Average duration
1 h
Buses per day
1
Distance
25 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus 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 $5 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $5.
Fast buses
Of the 1 buses that leave Brussels for Leuven on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 25 km distance in an average of 1 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 1 h 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.
FlixBus7:00 PM1h00Schaerbeek, Bd Roi Albert II (Bruxelles Gare Du Nord)8:00 PMLeuven, Diestsepoort$51One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus7:00 PM1h00Schaerbeek, Bd Roi Albert II (Bruxelles Gare Du Nord)8:00 PMLeuven, Diestsepoort$51One-way0 transfers
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 $5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 32m. 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 $5, and a train costs an average of $5.
Distance: 15 miles (25 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$7 Average price Cheapest | $7 Average price | $7 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 12m Average total duration 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 2m Average total duration Fastest 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train 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 Brussels to Leuven is a bus with an average price of $7 (€5).
This is compared to other travel options from Brussels to Leuven:
A bus is $0.89 (€0.73) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Brussels to Leuven costing on average $7 (€6).
The fastest way to travel from Brussels to Leuven is by train with an average journey time of 32m.
Other travel options to Leuven take longer:
Bus takes on average 42m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Brussels and Leuven including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Brussels to Leuven among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $7 (€5) compared to roughly $7 (€5) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $0.10 (€0.08). The journey takes 42m versus 40m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by BlaBlaCar, FlixBus, De Lijn.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Brussels to Leuven Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 07:50AM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 08:50AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 10:30AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $2 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 0h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $4 |
Live departures
Brussels to Leuven bus times
The table below shows live departures for Brussels to Leuven buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 7:00 PM Schaerbeek, Bd Roi Albert II (Bruxelles Gare Du Nord) | 1h00 | 8:00 PM Leuven, Diestsepoort | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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.
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Why should you book Brussels to Leuven buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as De Lijn offer buses services from Brussels to Leuven.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Brussels to Leuven.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of De Lijn to find the best option for your trip from Brussels to Leuven.
- 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Brussels to Leuven.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Brussels to Leuven.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Brussels to Leuven
BelgiumBelgium
Buses from Brussels to Leuven run on average 5 times per day, taking around 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $5 (€4) if you book in advance.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:15, the last at 22:00. The fastest bus covers the 15 miles (25 km) distance in 50m.
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 15 miles (25 km) |
Average bus duration 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $5 (€4) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 50m |
First bus 3:15 AM |
Last bus 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Bus providers: BlaBlaCar, FlixBus, De Lijn from Brussels to LeuvenYou can travel by bus between Brussels to Leuven with BlaBlaCar, FlixBus, De Lijn for as low as $5 (€4). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 0m
Cheapest Price
$5 (€4)
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
BlaBlaCar
About
BlaBlaCar is a French online marketplace for carpooling, connecting drivers with empty seats and passengers traveling to the same destination to share costs. Founded in 2006, it operates in Europe and Latin America, boasting 26 million active members. The platform also includes BlaBlaCar Bus, an intercity bus service. BlaBlaCar's name comes from its rating system for drivers' chattiness: "Bla" for quiet, "BlaBla" for talkative, and "BlaBlaBla" for very chatty. The company aims to be the leading marketplace for shared travel, offering affordable and sustainable solutions by combining carpooling with bus journeys.
Luggage & cancellation policy
BlaBlaCar frequency
4 a day
De Lijn
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
49m
Cheapest Price
$4 (€3)
De Lijn frequency
50 a day
Complete guide to Leuven
Things to do in Leuven
Discover the best of Leuven — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leuven trip today.
- Recommended
University Library Tower
A historic university library with exhibitions and access to the tower, combining memorial significance with panoramic views over Leuven.
- Recommended
Parcum
A museum and dialogue center in the Abbey of Park focused on religion, art, and heritage, popular for its setting and thoughtful temporary exhibitions.
- Must visit
Oude Markt
Leuven’s famous central square lined with historic facades, one of the liveliest and most recognizable gathering places in the city.
- Must visit
Grote Markt
The city’s ceremonial heart, framed by the Town Hall and Saint Peter’s Church, and ideal for first-time visitors exploring central Leuven.
- Must visit
Great Beguinage Streets
A peaceful maze of historic lanes and small bridges that offers one of Leuven’s most photogenic and atmospheric walks.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Stella Artois
Leuven’s most famous beer, first brewed in the city and closely tied to its brewing heritage. A classic Belgian pale lager best tried fresh locally.
Witloof Met Hesp En Kaas
A classic Belgian dish of braised endive wrapped in ham and baked with cheese sauce. Very common in Flemish homes and brasseries.
Stoofvlees
Rich Flemish beef stew slowly cooked with dark beer, often served with fries. A comforting regional staple with deep beer-driven flavor.
Zarza
Refined fine-dining restaurant recognized for creative contemporary cuisine, polished service, and an elegant setting for a special meal.
Baracca
Popular upscale Italian restaurant with stylish decor, known for quality ingredients, wood-fired cooking, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Domus
Well-known Leuven brewpub and brasserie serving Belgian classics and house-brewed beer in a lively, traditional setting near the old center.
Euro
Moderate for Belgium: student spots keep lunches affordable, but central hotels and dinner prices are higher.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for fries, sandwiches, or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person for a main and drink.
- Fine dining
- EUR 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 3-4.50 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Tipping is modest: round up or leave 5-10% for very good service. Small tips for taxis are appreciated, but not expected.
De Lijn
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 2.50 EUR
- Day pass
- 7.50 EUR
To the city center
Leuven, Diestsepoort -> Leuven Railway Station
- Distance
- 0.7 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless card payment is available on De Lijn buses and trams via tap-on validators; onboard cash payment is not accepted.
- Use the De Lijn app to buy tickets before boarding and to check real-time bus departures in Leuven.
FAQs: Bus from Brussels to Leuven
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brussels to Leuven by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Leuven, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Brussels to Leuven can start from as little as $5 (€4) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Brussels to Leuven is $7 (€5) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Brussels to Leuven is 50m to travel the 15 miles (25 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Brussels to Leuven leaves at 3:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Brussels to Leuven leaves at 10:00 PM.
Yes, there are 5 direct buses a day from Brussels to Leuven with BlaBlaCar, FlixBus, De Lijn. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Brussels to Leuven, you can count on BlaBlaCar, FlixBus, De Lijn for the best way to get you to Leuven. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Brussels and Leuven and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A day trip to Leuven from Brussels is worth doing with a journey time of 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Brussels to Leuven is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Brussels and Leuven including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Brussels to Leuven:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Brussels to Leuven for bus company FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Leuven are:
- Leuven Town Hall, a stunning example of Gothic architecture with intricate sculptures and a rich history
- University Library and Bell Tower, a historic library with a panoramic view of the city from its bell tower
- Old Market Square, known as the longest bar in the world with numerous cafes and vibrant nightlife
- M-Museum Leuven, a contemporary art museum featuring both modern and historical exhibitions
- Botanical Garden Kruidtuin, the oldest botanical garden in Belgium offering a peaceful retreat with diverse plant species.
The best things to do in Leuven include:
- Visit the University Library and Bell Tower, explore the historic library and enjoy panoramic views from the bell tower
- Explore the Old Market Square, known as the longest bar in the world with numerous cafes and vibrant nightlife
- Discover the M-Museum Leuven, featuring contemporary and historical art exhibitions
- Stroll through the Botanical Garden Kruidtuin, the oldest botanical garden in Belgium with diverse plant species
- Admire the Town Hall, a stunning example of Gothic architecture with intricate sculptures and details.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Brussels to Leuven depends on the bus companies:
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Brussels to Leuven.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Brussels to Leuven:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Brussels to Leuven:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Brussels to Leuven. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Brussels to Leuven with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Brussels to Leuven with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Brussels to Leuven with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since both Brussels and Leuven are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Brussels to Leuven among Omio's users.
Belgium uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find card payments widely accepted in cities, restaurants, and shops, though carrying some cash is advisable for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Leuven, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the train station and city center. Common scams include overcharging at bars or restaurants and unofficial taxi services. It's advisable to keep belongings secure and use licensed transportation options to ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Brussels to Leuven
Brussels
Leuven
The major bus station for departures in Brussels is Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) for your trip from Brussels to Leuven.
Amenities at bus station
Wifi
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Ticket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-23:00
Distance to city center
2 km
Car connection
Avenue FonsnyWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafeteria Midi (in the station)
- Belgian Bites (in the station)
- Fritland Express (0.5 km).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station
Public transit options for Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi)
- Bus: 27, 49, 50, 78 Metro: 2, 6 Train: IC, S, Thalys, Eurostar
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-23:59
Distance to city center
1 kmCar connection
Rue du ProgrèsWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafeteria Noord (in the station)
- Quick Brussels Noord (in the station)
- Le Pain Quotidien (0.5 km).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station
Public transit options for Brussels-Noord
- Bus: 14, 57, 58 Metro: 2, 6 Train: IC, S1, S2
Zaventem, Brussels Airport Leopoldlaan (Parking P16)
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-23:00
Distance to city center
1 kmCar connection
LeopoldlaanWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Taxis
- Available outside the main terminal
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station
Public transit options for Zaventem, Brussels Airport Leopoldlaan (Parking P16)
- Bus: 272, 471 Train: IC, S2, S4
The major bus station for arrivals in Leuven is Leuven, Diestsepoort. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Leuven, Diestsepoort for your trip to Leuven from Brussels.
Leuven, Diestsepoort
information
Most popular bus connections from Brussels
More options for your journey from Brussels to Leuven
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Leuven and Brussels
Most popular bus connections to Leuven
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