- Must visit
Optisches Museum Jena
Major science center with hands-on exhibitions on light, optics, and perception, ideal for families and curious adults.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leiden to Jena among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $71 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 10h 40m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $71, while a train costs an average of $187.
Distance: 316 miles (509 km)
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$187 Average price | $71 Average price Cheapest |
10h 40m Average total duration Fastest 10h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 40m Average total duration 12h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Leiden to Jena:
A bus is $116 (€94) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leiden to Jena costing on average $187 (€151).
Other travel options to Jena take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 10m.
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 Leiden to Jena run on average 5 times per day, taking around 10h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $182 (€147) but you can travel from only $71 (€57) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 08:07, the last at 15:23. The fastest train covers the 316 miles (509 km) distance in 9h 15m.
Distance 316 miles (509 km) |
Average train duration 10h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $182 (€147) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 9h 15m |
First train 8:07 AM |
Last train 3:23 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Jena — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Jena trip today.
Major science center with hands-on exhibitions on light, optics, and perception, ideal for families and curious adults.
University museum presenting the city's academic history, student culture, and notable scholars in a compact setting.
Literary memorial house dedicated to Romantic writer Friedrich Schiller, who lived and worked in Jena.
Central market square framed by historic buildings, a main gathering point and practical base for exploring old Jena.
One of Germany's oldest botanical gardens, ideal for a peaceful walk among themed plant collections and greenhouses.
Popular limestone hill viewpoint above the city with rewarding hikes and classic vistas over Jena and the Saale valley.
Thuringia’s famous grilled pork sausage, seasoned with marjoram and traditionally cooked over charcoal. It is one of the region’s best-known street foods.
A hearty potato dumpling central to Thuringian cooking, usually served with roasts and gravy. It is a defining staple of Sunday and festive meals.
Slow-cooked beef roulade filled with bacon, onion, mustard, and pickles. It is a classic celebratory dish across Thuringia and often paired with dumplings.
Refined fine dining with modern German cuisine and tasting menus in an elegant setting. A strong choice for a special meal in Jena.
Historic traditional inn known for Thuringian specialties, local beer, and a warm rustic atmosphere. Good for classic regional dishes.
Popular brewery restaurant serving hearty German fare and house-brewed beer in a lively, casual setting near the center.
Moderate for Germany: hotels, dining, and local transit are generally cheaper than in Berlin or Munich, but pricier than smaller towns.
Service is usually included, but rounding up or adding 5-10% is common in restaurants. Round up taxi fares and leave small change at cafes for good service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leiden to Jena 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 Jena, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Leiden to Jena trains use the Leiden Centraal to Jena West station pair, with some services arriving at Jena Paradies. Use this guide to compare Leiden and Jena train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Jena West is 1 km from Jena city centre. Public transport options include:
Jena West 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 options include: Eiscafe RIVA, Portofino, Wein-Tanne, Subway
Wi-Fi is available at Jena West. ATMs are available at Jena West.
Ticket office support is available at Jena West. Information desks are available at Jena West.
Luggage storage is available at Jena West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Jena West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Jena West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Jena West.
Nearby hotels include Ibis, Thüringer Hof, Hotel Vielharmonie, Hotel Rasenmühle.
Jena Paradies 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 options include: Eiscafe RIVA, Portofino, Wein-Tanne, Subway
Wi-Fi is available at Jena Paradies. ATMs are available at Jena Paradies.
Ticket office support is available at Jena Paradies. Information desks are available at Jena Paradies.
Luggage storage is available at Jena Paradies. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Jena Paradies: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Jena Paradies: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Jena Paradies.
Nearby hotels include Ibis, Thüringer Hof, Hotel Vielharmonie, Hotel Rasenmühle.
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