Leuven to Basel train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

Wed, Nov 05
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
SNCB
Regionale
Italo
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Deutsche Bahn
SNCB
Regionale
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leuven to Basel

Showing times and prices for Nov 05

Cheapest price

$114

Average price

$126

Fastest journey

6 h 21 m

Average duration

6 h 47 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

424 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leuven to Basel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Leuven to Basel will cost around $126 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $114.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Leuven for Basel on Wed, Nov 05, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Nov 05 the direct trains cover the 424 km distance in an average of 6 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 21 m .

On Wed, Nov 05 the slowest trains will take 7 h 12 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.

Deutsche Bahn
07:36AM7h12
Leuven
02:48PMBasel
$1141One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche Bahn
06:27AM6h21
Leuven
12:48PMBasel
$1391One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Leuven to Basel

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leuven to Basel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €24. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 36m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €24, and a flight costs an average of €69.

Distance: 263 miles (424 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€144

Average price

€43

Average price

Cheapest

€192

Average price

6h 6m

Average total duration

Fastest

5h 36m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

12h 19m

Average total duration

11h 49m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

13h 24m

Average total duration

10h 24m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.4 - 1.1kg

CO2 emissions

1.3 - 2.5kg

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Leuven to Basel train times

The table below shows live departures for Leuven to Basel trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, November 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 9:53 PM

ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
deutsche_bahn6:27 AM Leuven
6h21
12:48 PM Basel0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahn7:36 AM Leuven
7h12
2:48 PM Basel0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Leuven to Basel by train, bus, or flight

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.

Wed
Nov 05
Thu
Nov 06
Fri
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11

Journey information

Overview: Train from Leuven to Basel

BelgiumBelgium
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Icon of train
Trains from Leuven to Basel run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $90 (€73) but you can travel from only $29 (€24) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:51, the last at 23:13. The fastest train covers the 263 miles (424 km) distance in 6h 21m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $29 (€24)
Distance
263 miles (424 km)
Average train duration
5h 36m
Cheapest ticket price
$90 (€73)
Trains per day
4
Fastest train
6h 21m
First train
00:51
Last train
23:13
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $29 (€24)

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, SNCB from Leuven to Basel trainsDeutsche Bahn, SNCB trains will get you between Leuven and Basel from $29 (€24). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 21m
Cheapest Price
$90 (€73)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone

SNCB

About
SNCB is Belgium’s national railway company and the country’s main train operator, offering First Class and Second Class tickets. It runs a variety of services, including Intercity trains for the fastest domestic connections, Interregio trains with more local stops, and international options such as EuroCity, Thalys, and ICE International. Thalys trains connect Belgium with France, Germany, and the Netherlands at high speed, while EuroCity and ICE International link Belgium to Germany and other European destinations. Onboard facilities typically include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Popular routes include Brussels to Antwerp, Brussels to Bruges, Brussels to Ghent, and Brussels to Liège.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
19h 39m
Cheapest Price
$175 (€143)
SNCB frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Trains from Leuven to Basel

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leuven to Basel 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 Basel, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
FAQs
A day trip from Leuven to Basel is not feasible as the travel time is 6h 21m each way. Trains run 4 times per day. The distance is 263 miles (424 km).
Two to three days are sufficient to explore Basel's key attractions, including its museums, old town, and the Rhine River.
Yes, you can take the train from Leuven to Basel.
The train journey from Leuven to Basel offers scenic views, especially as it passes through the Ardennes region in Belgium and the picturesque landscapes of the Rhine Valley in Germany, providing travelers with charming countryside vistas and glimpses of historic towns along the way.
The distance by train from Leuven to Basel is 263 miles (424 km).
In Basel, you can visit the Tinguely Museum to see kinetic sculptures by Jean Tinguely, enjoy a scenic Rhine River Cruise, and explore the charming Old Town with its medieval buildings and vibrant markets. Art enthusiasts can visit the Fondation Beyeler for modern and tribal art or attend Art Basel for contemporary artworks. Notable sights include the Gothic Basel Minster, the Kunstmuseum Basel, the playful Tinguely Fountain, Basel Zoo, and the historically significant Rathaus Basel with its red sandstone facade.
The first train from Leuven to Basel leaves at 12:51 AM.
Train ticket prices from Leuven to Basel can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $90 (€73), while the average price is around $176 (€144).
The cheapest way to get from Leuven to Basel is by bus, with a cost of around $29 (€24).
The last train from Leuven to Basel leaves at 11:13 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Leuven to Basel.
The train from Leuven to Basel takes 6h 21m and runs 4 per day.
The train station in Leuven that goes to Basel is Leuven station, which connects to Basel SBB.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Leuven to Basel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Leuven to Basel

Leuven
Basel
The major train station for departures in Leuven is Leuven. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Leuven for your trip from Leuven to Basel.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
9
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Access via Martelarenplein.
Dining
Dining
  • De Klimop
  • Domus
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps.
WC
WC
  • €0.50
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel La Royale
  • Park Inn by Radisson Leuven
  • Hotel Mille Colonnes
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Europcar
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-9 for trains to Brussels, Antwerp, and Liège
Public transit options for Leuven
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Train: Direct connections to Brussels, Antwerp, and Liège
HeverleeParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelBike ParkingBike Rental
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km

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