4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Leuven
Cheapest price
$81
Average price
$83
Fastest journey
3 h 47 m
Average duration
4 h 7 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
173 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Leuven is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Leuven will cost around $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $81.
Of the 2 trains that leave Essen for Leuven on Thu, Nov 06, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 06 the direct trains cover the 173 km distance in an average of 4 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 47 m .
On Thu, Nov 06 the slowest trains will take 4 h 27 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, bus, and flight for Essen to Leuven
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Leuven among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 38m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €8, and a flight costs an average of €162.
Distance: 107 miles (173 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€68 Average price | €18 Average price Cheapest | €369 Average price |
3h 8m Average total duration Fastest 2h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration 3h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 29m Average total duration 5h 29m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Essen to Leuven train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Leuven trains for tomorrow, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:45 AM Essen | 3h47 | 10:32 AM Leuven | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6:47 AM Essen | 4h27 | 11:14 AM Leuven | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Essen to Leuven by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
Nov 06
Nov 07
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Leuven
Germany
Belgium
Trains from Essen to Leuven run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $63 (€51) but you can travel from only $10 (€8) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:51, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 107 miles (173 km) distance in 3h 10m.
Distance 107 miles (173 km) |
Average train duration 2h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $63 (€51) |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 3h 10m |
First train 00:51 |
Last train 23:36 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, National Express from Essen to Leuven trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, National Express trains will get you between Essen and Leuven from $10 (€8). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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.
Eurostar
National Express
FAQs: Trains from Essen to Leuven
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen 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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Essen to Leuven
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
- Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
- Webers
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
- McDreams
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- Burger King
- Werner
- Bückmannsmühle
- Muckel-Eis
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Luggage Carts
- 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
AccessibilityParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelBike ParkingBike RentalMost popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Leuven
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leuven and Essen
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