- Must visit
Museum Hof van Busleyden
Mechelen’s flagship city museum in a Renaissance palace, presenting art, humanism, and Burgundian history in an impressive setting.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Herentals to Mechelen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $4. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 48m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $4, and a train costs an average of $5.
Distance: 18 miles (30 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$5 Average price | $4 Average price Cheapest | $8 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 18m Average total duration Fastest 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 40m Average total duration 1h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Herentals to Mechelen:
A bus is $2 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Herentals to Mechelen costing on average $5.
Other travel options to Mechelen take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 10m.
The journey is about 8m faster (48m by train vs 56m by car) and roughly $2 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($5 vs $8). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Intercity, SNCB.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Compare bus and 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.
Trains from Herentals to Mechelen run on average 27 times per day, taking around 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $5 but you can travel from only $4 by bus.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:30, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 18 miles (30 km) distance in 46m.
Distance 18 miles (30 km) |
Average train duration 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $5 |
Trains per day 27 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 46m |
First train 12:30 AM |
Last train 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Mechelen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Mechelen trip today.
Mechelen’s flagship city museum in a Renaissance palace, presenting art, humanism, and Burgundian history in an impressive setting.
A powerful memorial museum about the Holocaust and human rights, internationally respected for its thoughtful permanent exhibition.
Interactive museum on clocks, carillons, and bell-ringing traditions, ideal for understanding Mechelen’s renowned musical heritage.
Mechelen’s central square, framed by monumental buildings and lively terraces, is the natural starting point for exploring the old town.
A peaceful UNESCO-listed quarter of cobbled lanes, small houses, and gardens that preserves the atmosphere of historic beguine life.
A scenic tower-top viewpoint with sweeping views over the city and beyond, especially rewarding in clear weather.
A dark, malty Belgian strong ale brewed in Mechelen since the 15th century. It is the city’s signature beer and closely tied to local identity.
A richer, spiced Christmas version of Gouden Carolus, released seasonally. It is famous among Belgian beer lovers and strongly linked to Mechelen’s brewery tradition.
A pale, hoppy Belgian ale from Het Anker in Mechelen. It reflects the city’s long brewing heritage and is a staple for visitors exploring local beers.
Refined fine dining in a historic setting, known for modern Belgian cuisine and polished service. A destination restaurant for special occasions.
Well-regarded restaurant focused on seasonal Belgian cuisine with a warm, contemporary atmosphere. Good choice for a polished dinner in Mechelen.
Historic brewery restaurant at Het Anker, best for Gouden Carolus beers and hearty Flemish dishes in a traditional, lively atmosphere.
Moderate for Belgium: hotels and dining are mid-priced, while local transit is reasonable. Cheaper than Brussels in many cases, but not a budget destination.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis can be rounded up. Small change for cafes is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Mechelen Station -> Grote Markt, Mechelen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Herentals to Mechelen 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 Mechelen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Herentals to Mechelen trains use the Herentals to Mechelen station pair, with some services arriving at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel. Use this guide to compare Herentals and Mechelen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Herentals 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, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant De Zalm, Bistro Julienne
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Herentals. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Herentals. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Herentals: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Herentals: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Herentals: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Karmel, Hotel De Zalm, Hotel De Swaen.
Wolfstee is 3 km from Herentals city centre. Public transport options include:
Wolfstee has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Wolfstee. ATMs are available at Wolfstee.
Ticket office support is available at Wolfstee.
Available at Wolfstee: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wolfstee: The station is equipped with basic facilities for disabled access.
Mechelen is 1 km from Mechelen city centre. Public transport options include:
Mechelen 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 Graspoort, Il Cardinale
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Mechelen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Mechelen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Mechelen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Mechelen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Mechelen: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include NH Mechelen, Hotel Elisabeth, Martin's Patershof.
Mechelen-Nekkerspoel is 1 km from Mechelen city centre. Public transport options include:
Mechelen-Nekkerspoel has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel.
ATMs are available at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel.
Available at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel: Parking, WC.
Available at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Muizen is 3 km from Mechelen city centre. Public transport options include:
Muizen has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, WC, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Muizen.
Available at Muizen: Parking, WC.
Available at Muizen: Bike Parking.
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