- Must visit
Rijksmuseum van Oudheden
National museum of antiquities with acclaimed collections from Ancient Egypt, Rome, and the Netherlands' archaeological past.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Heemstede to Leiden among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 14m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €7, and a train costs an average of €12.
Distance: 14 miles (23 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€12 Average price | €7 Average price Cheapest | €5 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
44m Average total duration Fastest 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 44m Average total duration 1h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 39m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Heemstede to Leiden:
A bus is €5 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Heemstede to Leiden costing on average €12.
Other travel options to Leiden take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 14m.
You'll arrive about 25m sooner (14m by train vs 39m by car). Tickets start at around €12 compared to roughly €5 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.
Direct services run with Intercity, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS).
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.
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.
Trains from Heemstede to Leiden run on average 203 times per day, taking around 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €12 but you can travel from only €7 by bus.
There are 119 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 14 miles (23 km) distance in 14m.
Distance 14 miles (23 km) |
Average train duration 14m |
Cheapest ticket price €12 |
Trains per day 203 |
Direct trains 119 |
Fastest train 14m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Discover the best of Leiden — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leiden trip today.
National museum of antiquities with acclaimed collections from Ancient Egypt, Rome, and the Netherlands' archaeological past.
Major natural history museum famous for dinosaurs, biodiversity displays, and interactive galleries suitable for all ages.
Museum about human body science in Leiden's academic tradition, featuring anatomy, medicine, and curious medical objects.
Leiden's oldest canal is lined with monuments, bridges, and terraces, making it a classic route for a first city walk.
Tree-lined ring canal around the historic center, ideal for walking past gates, mills, and broad water views.
Busy central square beside the church, often hosting markets and events and serving as a lively meeting point.
Buttery cookies from nearby Gouda, sold across Leiden. Their crisp texture and caramel notes make them a classic Dutch sweet with coffee or tea.
Fluffy small pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar. A beloved Dutch treat found in Leiden cafés and traditional pancake houses.
Deep-fried ragout croquettes, often eaten with mustard. This classic Dutch snack is common in Leiden bars, cafés, and lunch spots.
Elegant fine dining in a historic setting, known for refined French-inspired cuisine and polished service near central Leiden.
Established Leiden pancake house specializing in Dutch pancakes and poffertjes in a casual, family-friendly setting.
Historic restaurant in a former weighing house, serving classic Dutch and French-influenced dishes in a grand, traditional atmosphere.
Moderate for the Netherlands. Hotels and restaurants are not cheap, but transit is manageable and budget eats are easy to find.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis can be rounded up. In cafes, small change is enough.
Official public transport app
Leiden Centraal -> Leiden City Center
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Heemstede to Leiden 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 Leiden, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Heemstede to Leiden trains use the Heemstede-Aerdenhout to Leiden Lammenschans station pair, with some services arriving at Leiden Centraal. Use this guide to compare Heemstede and Leiden train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Heemstede-Aerdenhout is 1 km from Heemstede city centre. Public transport options include:
Heemstede-Aerdenhout has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Heemstede-Aerdenhout.
ATMs are available at Heemstede-Aerdenhout.
Available at Heemstede-Aerdenhout: Parking, WC.
Available at Heemstede-Aerdenhout: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heemstede-Aerdenhout.
Leiden Lammenschans is 1 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:
Leiden Lammenschans has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Leiden Lammenschans.
ATMs are available at Leiden Lammenschans.
Available at Leiden Lammenschans: Parking, WC.
Available at Leiden Lammenschans: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leiden Lammenschans.
Leiden Centraal is 1 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:
Leiden Centraal 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 options include: Restaurant De Bruine Boon, Grand Café Van Buuren
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Leiden Centraal. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Leiden Centraal. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leiden Centraal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leiden Centraal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leiden Centraal: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Ibis Leiden Centre, Golden Tulip Leiden Centre, City Hotel Nieuw Minerva.
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