- Must visit
M Leuven
University museum with science, culture, and philosophy exhibitions in a striking historic complex. Ideal for understanding Leuven's academic identity.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Gelsenkirchen to Leuven
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$86
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$91
Fastest journey on Sep 19
3 h 20 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
3 h 32 m
Trains on Sep 19
6
Distance
183 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Gelsenkirchen to Leuven is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Gelsenkirchen to Leuven will cost around $91 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $86.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Gelsenkirchen to Leuven without transferring at least 2 times.
26816 · ICE 314 · IC 53712:08 PM3h20Gelsenkirchen Hbf3:28 PMLeuven station$861One-way2 transfers- 26816 · ICE 314 · IC 537 · R 308612:08 PM3h51Gelsenkirchen Hbf3:59 PMHeverlee$861One-way3 transfers
- 26812 · ICE 16 · IC 535 · R 308410:08 AM3h51Gelsenkirchen Hbf1:59 PMHeverlee$931One-way3 transfers
- 26808 · ICE 316 · IC 533 · R 30828:08 AM3h51Gelsenkirchen Hbf11:59 AMHeverlee$931One-way3 transfers
- 26812 · ICE 16 · IC 53510:08 AM3h20Gelsenkirchen Hbf1:28 PMLeuven station$931One-way2 transfers
- 26812 · ICE 16 · IC 53510:08 AM3h20Gelsenkirchen Hbf1:28 PMLeuven station$931One-way2 transfers
- 26808 · ICE 316 · IC 5338:08 AM3h20Gelsenkirchen Hbf11:28 AMLeuven station$931One-way2 transfers
- 26816 · ICE 314 · IC 53712:08 PM3h20Gelsenkirchen Hbf3:28 PMLeuven station$861One-way2 transfers
- 26812 · ICE 16 · IC 535 · R 308410:08 AM3h51Gelsenkirchen Hbf1:59 PMHeverlee$931One-way3 transfers
- 26808 · ICE 316 · IC 533 · R 30828:08 AM3h51Gelsenkirchen Hbf11:59 AMHeverlee$931One-way3 transfers
Live departures
Gelsenkirchen to Leuven train times
The table below shows live departures for Gelsenkirchen to Leuven trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26808 · ICE 316 · IC 533 · R 3082 | 8:08 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 3h51 | 11:59 AM Heverlee | 3 transfers | |
| 26808 · ICE 316 · IC 533 | 8:08 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 3h20 | 11:28 AM Leuven station | 2 transfers | |
| 26812 · ICE 16 · IC 535 · R 3084 | 10:08 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 3h51 | 1:59 PM Heverlee | 3 transfers | |
| 26812 · ICE 16 · IC 535 | 10:08 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 3h20 | 1:28 PM Leuven station | 2 transfers | |
| 26816 · ICE 314 · IC 537 | 12:08 PM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 3h20 | 3:28 PM Leuven station | 2 transfers | |
| 26816 · ICE 314 · IC 537 · R 3086 | 12:08 PM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 3h51 | 3:59 PM Heverlee | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Gelsenkirchen to Leuven by train
Compare train 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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Train companies: Train Charter Services, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional), Eurobahn from Gelsenkirchen to Leuven trainsTrain Charter Services, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional), Eurobahn trains will get you between Gelsenkirchen and Leuven. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Train Charter Services
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Train Charter Services Duration
2h 59m
Train Charter Services frequency
1 a day
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
3h 16m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
$139
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
5 a day
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) Duration
3h 21m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) Price
$152
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) frequency
2 a day
Eurobahn
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Eurobahn Duration
3h 59m
Cheapest Eurobahn Price
$153
Eurobahn frequency
1 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
Damien Experience
Museum and former home of Father Damien, presenting his life and global legacy. A meaningful visit in a historic city-center setting.
- Recommended
PARCUM
Museum in Park Abbey exploring religion, art, and heritage through the abbey's story. It adds depth to a visit to the wider site.
- Must visit
Grote Markt
Leuven's central square framed by the town hall and Saint Peter's Church. It is the city's essential starting point for architecture and atmosphere.
- Must visit
Oude Markt
Long square and social hub lined with student life and major events. It captures Leuven's energetic university-city character.
- Must visit
Kruidtuin
Belgium's oldest botanical garden, popular for quiet walks and seasonal plants. A local favorite near the historic core.
Leuvense Fonskes
Crisp pork cubes braised or roasted, a Leuven pub classic often served with salad, fries, and a sharp mustard or beer-based sauce.
- Vegetarian
Abbaye de Leffe Beer
A strong amber-brown abbey beer brewed in Leuven since the 1970s, known for soft fruit notes and a full malty finish.
- Vegetarian
Stella Artois
A pale Belgian lager historically tied to Leuven brewing. It is the city’s most famous everyday beer and a key part of local café culture.
EssenCiel
Refined Michelin-starred restaurant known for creative seasonal tasting menus in an intimate, elegant setting.
De Klimop
Long-standing traditional restaurant famous for grilled meats, Belgian dishes, and an old-school local dining room.
Domus
Classic Leuven brasserie on the Oude Markt serving Belgian staples, beer, and a lively historic square atmosphere.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Belgium: hotels and dining are not cheap, but student spots, bakeries, and short local transit keep typical visitor costs manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for fast food, fries, or bakery meals.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €3-4.50 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis can be rounded up. Cafes usually get small change, not a set tip.
De Lijn
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €2.50
- Day pass
- €7.50
To the city center
Leuven Station -> Grote Markt, Leuven
- Distance
- 1.3 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Contactless bank card payment is available on De Lijn buses and trams via onboard validators. Buying onboard can cost more than buying in the app.
- Leuven city buses are operated by De Lijn. Use the official app for live departures, route planning, and mobile tickets.
FAQs: Trains from Gelsenkirchen to Leuven
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Gelsenkirchen 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 Gelsenkirchen to Leuven
Most Gelsenkirchen to Leuven trains use the Gelsenkirchen Hbf to Leuven station pair, with some services arriving at Heverlee. Use this guide to compare Gelsenkirchen and Leuven train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Gelsenkirchen
Arrival train stations in Leuven
Which Gelsenkirchen station do trains to Leuven leave from?
Trains from Gelsenkirchen to Leuven leave from Gelsenkirchen Hbf. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Gelsenkirchen city centre at Gelsenkirchen Hbf, Bahnhofsvorplatz 10, 45879 Gelsenkirchen.
Gelsenkirchen HbfGelsenkirchen Hbf, Bahnhofsvorplatz 10, 45879 Gelsenkirchen
City-centre transport
Getting to Gelsenkirchen Hbf from Gelsenkirchen city centre
Gelsenkirchen Hbf is 1 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
BusE51, 382, 348 · 12m · every ~10 min
Gelsenkirchen Hbf train station facilities and services
Gelsenkirchen Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Subway, Café Madrid, Shere Punjab, Café del Sol
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. ATMs are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Information desks are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel St. Petrus.
Gelsenkirchen-RotthausenGelsenkirchen-Rotthausen, Karl-Mayer-Straße 58, 45884 Gelsenkirchen
City-centre transport
Getting to Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen from Gelsenkirchen city centre
Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen is 2 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainS2 · 3m · $1 · every ~3 min
BusNe14, 381 · 6m · every ~6 min
Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen train station facilities and services
Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Grill-Pizzeria Grammatikas, Viva Sevilla, Nudelland
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen. ATMs are available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen. Information desks are available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen.
Which Leuven station do trains from Gelsenkirchen arrive at?
Trains from Gelsenkirchen to Leuven most often arrive at Heverlee. Some services arrive at Leuven, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Leuven arrival station.
Heverlee3001 Leuven, Belgium
City-centre transport
Getting to Heverlee from Leuven city centre
Heverlee is 1 km from Leuven city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainS20, L · 9m · $2 · every ~3 min
Heverlee train station facilities and services
Heverlee has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Heverlee.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Heverlee.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Heverlee: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Heverlee: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Heverlee.
LeuvenMartelarenplein 16, 3000 Leuven, Belgium+32 2 528 28 28
City-centre transport
Getting to Leuven from Leuven city centre
Leuven is 1 km from Leuven city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus1, 2, 3, 4, 5a, 5b, 4b, 40, 41, 42, 43, 406, 520, 524, 525, 597, N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6, N7, N8 · 8m · $4 · every ~49 min
Leuven train station facilities and services
Leuven has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: De Klimop, Domus
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Leuven. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Leuven. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Leuven: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Leuven: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Leuven: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel La Royale, Park Inn by Radisson Leuven, Hotel Mille Colonnes.
Most popular train connections from Gelsenkirchen
More options for your journey from Gelsenkirchen to Leuven
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leuven and Gelsenkirchen
Most popular train connections to Leuven
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