- 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.
Cheapest price
$69
Average price
$121
Fastest journey
2 h 58 m
Average duration
3 h 7 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
294 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Leuven is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Leuven will cost around $121 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $69.
Of the 7 trains that leave Frankfurt am Main for Leuven on Wed, Jun 10, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 10 the direct trains cover the 294 km distance in an average of 3 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 58 m .
On Wed, Jun 10 the slowest trains will take 3 h 22 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 Frankfurt am Main to Leuven among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, and a flight costs an average of $167.
Distance: 182 miles (294 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$122 Average price | $38 Average price Cheapest | $375 Average price | $72 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 29m Average total duration 2h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 56m Average total duration 5h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Frankfurt am Main to Leuven:
A bus is $84 (€69) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Frankfurt am Main to Leuven costing on average $122 (€99).
A bus is $338 (€274) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Frankfurt am Main to Leuven costing on average $375 (€305).
Other travel options to Leuven take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 59m.
Bus takes on average 5h 26m.
You'll arrive about 1h 9m sooner (2h 59m by train vs 4h 8m by car). Tickets start at around $122 (€99) compared to roughly $72 (€59) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Frankfurt am Main to Leuven trains for today, Tuesday, June 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 1650 · IC 2012 · ICE 12 · IC 541 | Delayed 12:45 PM 2:43 PMFrankfurt (Main) Hbf | 5h40 | 8:23 PM Heverlee | 4 transfers | |
ICE 1650 · IC 2012 · ICE 12 · IC 541 | Delayed 12:45 PM 2:43 PMFrankfurt (Main) Hbf | 4h49 | 7:32 PM Leuven station | 3 transfers | |
ICE 12 · IC 541 · IC 5741 | On time 4:34 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 3h49 | 8:23 PM Heverlee | 2 transfers | |
ICE 12 · IC 541 | On time 4:34 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h58 | 7:32 PM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
4487 · IC 1941 · ICE 10 · IC 543 | 4:38 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 4h54 | 9:32 PM Leuven station | 3 transfers | |
4487 · IC 1941 · ICE 10 · IC 543 | 4:38 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 5h45 | 10:23 PM Heverlee | 4 transfers | |
ICE 1224 · ICE 318 · IC 521 | On time 5:43 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 5h40 | 11:23 PM Leuven station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 10 · IC 543 | On time 6:33 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h59 | 9:32 PM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 10 · IC 543 · IC 5743 | On time 6:33 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 3h50 | 10:23 PM Heverlee | 2 transfers | |
ICE 318 · IC 545 · IC 5726 | On time 7:36 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 9h47 | 5:23 AM Heverlee | 2 transfers | |
ICE 318 · IC 521 | On time 7:36 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 3h47 | 11:23 PM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 24 · 26834 · 18978 · IC 2827 | On time 7:43 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 9h20 | 5:03 AM Leuven station | 3 transfers | |
ICE 24 · 26834 · 18978 · IC 2827 | On time 7:43 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 9h40 | 5:23 AM Heverlee | 4 transfers | |
ICE 693 · ICE 1090 · Bus 82159 · RB 5943 | On time 7:50 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 11h41 | 7:31 AM Heverlee | 5 transfers | |
ICE 1554 · ICE 512 · 26834 · 18978 | On time 8:43 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 8h40 | 5:23 AM Heverlee | 5 transfers | |
ICE 1554 · ICE 512 · 26834 · 18978 | On time 8:43 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 8h20 | 5:03 AM Leuven station | 4 transfers | |
ICE 526 · 26836 · 18982 · 32005 | On time 9:08 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 10h24 | 7:32 AM Leuven station | 5 transfers | |
4266 · ICE 910 · 26836 · 18982 | 9:09 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 10h23 | 7:32 AM Leuven station | 6 transfers | |
| Wednesday, June 10 | |||||
![]() | 4:43 AM Frankfurt am Main | 4h49 | 9:32 AM Leuven | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:33 AM Frankfurt am Main | 2h59 | 9:32 AM Leuven | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:33 AM Frankfurt am Main | 2h59 | 10:32 AM Leuven | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:10 AM Frankfurt am Main | 3h22 | 12:32 PM Leuven | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:17 AM Frankfurt am Main | 3h15 | 12:32 PM Leuven | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:34 AM Frankfurt am Main | 2h58 | 12:32 PM Leuven | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:43 AM Frankfurt am Main | 4h49 | 2:32 PM Leuven | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Leuven run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $67 (€54) but you can travel from only $23 (€19) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:51, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 182 miles (294 km) distance in 2h 41m.
Distance 182 miles (294 km) |
Average train duration 2h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $67 (€54) |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 2h 41m |
First train 12:51 AM |
Last train 11:48 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Leuven — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leuven trip today.
The city’s main museum of art and history, known for Flemish masters, contemporary exhibitions, and a central location near the old center.
A historic university library with exhibitions and access to the tower, combining memorial significance with panoramic views over Leuven.
A museum and dialogue center in the Abbey of Park focused on religion, art, and heritage, popular for its setting and thoughtful temporary exhibitions.
Leuven’s famous central square lined with historic facades, one of the liveliest and most recognizable gathering places in the city.
The city’s ceremonial heart, framed by the Town Hall and Saint Peter’s Church, and ideal for first-time visitors exploring central Leuven.
A peaceful maze of historic lanes and small bridges that offers one of Leuven’s most photogenic and atmospheric walks.
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.
A classic Belgian dish of braised endive wrapped in ham and baked with cheese sauce. Very common in Flemish homes and brasseries.
Rich Flemish beef stew slowly cooked with dark beer, often served with fries. A comforting regional staple with deep beer-driven flavor.
Refined fine-dining restaurant recognized for creative contemporary cuisine, polished service, and an elegant setting for a special meal.
Popular upscale Italian restaurant with stylish decor, known for quality ingredients, wood-fired cooking, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Well-known Leuven brewpub and brasserie serving Belgian classics and house-brewed beer in a lively, traditional setting near the old center.
Moderate for Belgium: student spots keep lunches affordable, but central hotels and dinner prices are higher.
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.
Official public transport app
Leuven Railway Station, Leuven -> Leuven City Center, Leuven
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Frankfurt am Main 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.

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