- Must visit
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
Major fine arts complex covering Old Masters, Magritte, and modern collections. One of the city's most important museum visits for art lovers.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leuven to Brussels Airport
Showing times and prices for Jun 17
Cheapest price
$14
Average price
$16
Fastest journey
36 m
Average duration
39 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
15 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leuven to Brussels Airport is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leuven to Brussels Airport will cost around $16 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $14.
Fast trains
Of the 7 trains that leave Leuven for Brussels Airport on Wed, Jun 17, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 17 the direct trains cover the 15 km distance in an average of 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 36 m .
On Wed, Jun 17 the slowest trains will take 44 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.
7:36 AM0h44Leuven8:20 AMBrussels Airport$141One-way0 transfers
4:03 PM0h36Leuven4:39 PMBrussels Airport$161One-way0 transfers- 12:36 PM0h44Leuven1:20 PMBrussels Airport$161One-way0 transfers
- 11:36 AM0h44Leuven12:20 PMBrussels Airport$161One-way0 transfers
- 8:36 AM0h44Leuven9:20 AMBrussels Airport$161One-way0 transfers
- 4:03 PM0h36Leuven4:39 PMBrussels Airport$161One-way0 transfers
- 7:03 AM0h36Leuven7:39 AMBrussels Airport$161One-way0 transfers
- 6:03 AM0h36Leuven6:39 AMBrussels Airport$161One-way0 transfers
- 12:36 PM0h44Leuven1:20 PMBrussels Airport$161One-way0 transfers
- 8:36 AM0h44Leuven9:20 AMBrussels Airport$161One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Leuven to Brussels Airport
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leuven to Brussels Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $5, and a train costs an average of $13.
Distance: 9 miles (15 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$15 Average price | $7 Average price Cheapest | $6 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
45m Average total duration Fastest 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 56m Average total duration 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 24m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Leuven to Brussels Airport is a bus with an average price of $7 (€5).
This is compared to other travel options from Leuven to Brussels Airport:
A bus is $9 (€7) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leuven to Brussels Airport costing on average $15 (€13).
The fastest way to travel from Leuven to Brussels Airport is by train with an average journey time of 15m.
Other travel options to Brussels Airport take longer:
Bus takes on average 26m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leuven and Brussels Airport including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Leuven to Brussels Airport among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 9m sooner (15m by train vs 24m by car). Tickets start at around $15 (€13) compared to roughly $6 (€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, Regional, SNCB.
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.
Live departures
Leuven to Brussels Airport train times
The table below shows live departures for Leuven to Brussels Airport trains for today, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:03 AM Leuven | 0h36 | 7:39 AM Brussels Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:36 AM Leuven | 0h44 | 8:20 AM Brussels Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:36 AM Leuven | 0h44 | 9:20 AM Brussels Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:36 PM Leuven | 0h44 | 8:20 PM Brussels Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Leuven to Brussels Airport by train or bus
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.
Wed
Jun 17
Jun 17
Thu
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Fri
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Jun 21
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Jun 23
Jun 23
Why should you book Leuven to Brussels Airport trains with Omio?
Intercity as well as Regional or SNCB offer trains services from Leuven to Brussels Airport.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Intercity tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Intercity?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Intercity, but also compare tickets for the likes of Regional or SNCB to find the best option for your trip from Leuven to Brussels Airport.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Intercity with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leuven to Brussels Airport.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Leuven to Brussels Airport
BelgiumBelgium
Trains from Leuven to Brussels Airport run on average 11 times per day, taking around 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $13 (€11) but you can travel from only $5 (€4) by bus.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:03, the last at 21:36. The fastest train covers the 9 miles (15 km) distance in 24m.
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 $5 (€4)
Distance 9 miles (15 km) |
Average train duration 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 (€11) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 24m |
First train 6:03 AM |
Last train 9:36 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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 $5 (€4)
Train companies: Intercity, Regional, SNCB from Leuven to Brussels Airport trainsIntercity, Regional, SNCB trains will get you between Leuven and Brussels Airport from $5 (€4). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Intercity
About
Intercity is a broad classification for express train services that connect cities over longer distances than commuter or regional trains, often with limited stops and comfortable carriages for long-distance travel. The term "InterCity" originated with British Rail in 1966 for its electrified West Coast Main Line services.Today, "Intercity" or "IC" is a brand name used by various railway operators across Europe and other parts of the world, including PKP Intercity in Poland, Trenitalia in Italy, and services in countries like Sweden and Ukraine. These trains typically offer both Standard and First Class seating, with amenities such as power sockets and luggage space. While some Intercity services are modern and high-speed, others may use older rolling stock, with speeds generally up to 160 km/h (100 mph).
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
24m
Cheapest Price
$13 (€11)
Intercity frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage up to 30kg total
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with hot meals and snacks, trolley service in some trains. But do not count on the presence of a buffet car. So if having access to food and drink on the train is important to you, it’s best to bring your own refreshments onboard.
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price for most routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket
Quiet zone
Regional
About
The term "Regional" can refer to different train companies and services depending on the country. In Germany, "Regionalbahn" (RB) is a type of local passenger train that typically stops at all stations on a given line, connecting cities to their surrounding areas. Many RB trains are operated by DB Regio, a division of Deutsche Bahn, but other companies also run these services.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
36m
Cheapest Price
$13 (€11)
Regional frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
Standard luggage allowance included with ticket
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Refunds according to ticket type and conditions
Refund
Full refund if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
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
13m
Cheapest Price
$12 (€10)
SNCB frequency
50 a day
Complete guide to Brussels Airport
Things to do in Brussels Airport
Discover the best of Brussels Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Brussels Airport trip today.
- Must visit
Magritte Museum
Dedicated to René Magritte with a substantial collection of works and archives. A signature Brussels museum and especially popular with first-time visitors.
- Recommended
Autoworld Brussels
Large transport museum in Cinquantenaire Park with classic cars, Belgian motoring history, and rotating exhibitions. A strong museum choice for a layover trip into Brussels.
- Must visit
Mont des Arts
Landscaped cultural hill linking the upper and lower city, known for gardens, museums, and one of Brussels' classic skyline viewpoints.
- Must visit
Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
Historic covered shopping arcade with elegant glass roofing and a very photogenic interior. Popular for architecture, strolling, and social-media shots.
- Recommended
Place du Grand Sablon
Elegant square known for antiques, architecture, and an upscale historic atmosphere. A pleasant area for walking between central landmarks.
- Gluten-free
Moules-Frites
Belgium’s classic pairing of mussels and fries, often cooked with white wine, celery, and herbs. It is one of the country’s most iconic traditional meals.
Carbonnade Flamande
A rich Flemish beef and onion stew slowly braised with Belgian beer. It is a comforting regional specialty with deep, sweet-savory flavor.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Stoemp
A traditional Brussels-style mash of potatoes with vegetables such as carrots, leeks, or spinach. It is a simple, hearty local comfort dish.
Brasserie Cantillon
Historic Brussels brewery and tasting venue known for traditional lambic and gueuze beers. Atmospheric and deeply rooted in local brewing heritage.
Comme Chez Soi
One of Brussels’ most famous fine-dining restaurants, celebrated for refined Belgian and French cuisine in an elegant historic setting.
Fin de Siècle
Well-known traditional eatery serving generous Belgian comfort food such as carbonnade and stoemp. Casual atmosphere with strong local character.
Euro
Airport prices are higher than in central Brussels. Coffee, snacks, and sit-down meals usually cost more than city averages.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for sandwiches or fast food.
- Mid-range
- EUR 18-30 per person at casual restaurants.
- Fine dining
- EUR 45+ per person at upscale airport dining.
- Coffee
- EUR 3-5 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving EUR 1-2 for good service is appreciated but not expected. Taxis can be rounded up.
STIB-MIVB
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 2.60 EUR
- Day pass
- 8.40 EUR
To the city center
Brussels Airport -> Brussels City Center
- Distance
- 12 km
- Travel time
- 20 min
- Contactless card payment is available on STIB-MIVB buses, trams, and metro, but airport train tickets are purchased separately.
- For Brussels Airport to the center, the train is usually the fastest option; validate or activate tickets before travel.
FAQs: Trains from Leuven to Brussels Airport
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leuven to Brussels Airport 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 Brussels Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Leuven to Brussels Airport can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $13 (€11), while the average price is around $15 (€13).
The train from Leuven to Brussels Airport takes 24m and runs 11 per day.
The first train from Leuven to Brussels Airport leaves at 6:03 AM.
The distance by train from Leuven to Brussels Airport is 9 miles (15 km).
The last train from Leuven to Brussels Airport leaves at 9:36 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Leuven to Brussels Airport.
Yes, there is a direct train from Leuven to Brussels Airport. This service operates 5 times per day, provided by Intercity, Regional, SNCB.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Leuven to Brussels Airport.
The cheapest way to get from Leuven to Brussels Airport is by bus, with a cost of around $5 (€4).
The train journey from Leuven to Brussels Airport is not particularly scenic, as it primarily passes through urban and suburban areas with limited natural landscapes.
Yes, a day trip from Leuven to Brussels Airport is feasible. The journey takes 24m, covers a distance of 9 miles (15 km), and there are 11 trains per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Leuven to Brussels Airport.
Since both Leuven and Brussels Airport are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Brussels Airport include Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Lille, Brussels.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Leuven to Brussels Airport among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Belgium uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find card payments widely accepted in cities, restaurants, and shops, though carrying some cash is advisable for small purchases or in rural areas.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Leuven to Brussels Airport
Leuven
Brussels
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
9Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Access via Martelarenplein.
Dining
- De Klimop
- Domus
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps.
WC
- €0.50
Hotel
- Hotel La Royale
- Park Inn by Radisson Leuven
- Hotel Mille Colonnes
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
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
Heverlee
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelBike ParkingBike RentalMore options for your journey from Leuven to Brussels Airport
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Brussels Airport and Leuven
Most popular train connections to Brussels Airport
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