Leuven to Essen train with Intercity

Fri, Jun 05
+ Add return
Intercity
Regional
SNCB
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
Intercity
Regional
SNCB
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leuven to Essen

Showing times and prices for Jun 05

Cheapest price

$20

Average price

$20

Fastest journey

1 h 31 m

Average duration

1 h 31 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

67 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Leuven to Essen will cost around $20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Leuven for Essen on Fri, Jun 05, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Jun 05 the direct trains cover the 67 km distance in an average of 1 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 31 m .

On Fri, Jun 05 the slowest trains will take 1 h 31 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.

  • Intercity
    8:24 AM1h31
    Leuven
    9:55 AMEssen
    $201One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Leuven to Essen

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leuven to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 24m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $12, and a bus costs an average of $33.

Distance: 41 miles (67 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$17

Average price

Cheapest

$33

Average price

$42

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 54m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 24m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 14m

Average total duration

6h 44m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 30m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Leuven to Essen is a train with an average price of $17 (€14).

This is compared to other travel options from Leuven to Essen:

A train is $17 (€13) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Leuven to Essen costing on average $33 (€27).

The fastest way to travel from Leuven to Essen is by train with an average journey time of 1h 24m.

Other travel options to Essen take longer:

Bus takes on average 6h 44m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leuven and Essen including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Leuven to Essen among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 6m faster (1h 24m by train vs 1h 30m by car) and roughly $25 (€20) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($17 (€14) vs $42 (€33)). 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.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Leuven to Essen train times

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

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Intercity8:24 AM Leuven
1h31
9:55 AM Essen0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Leuven to Essen by bus or train

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.

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

Why should you book Leuven to Essen trains with Omio?

Intercity as well as Regional or SNCB offer trains services from Leuven to Essen.
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 Essen.
  • 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leuven to Essen.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Leuven to Essen

BelgiumBelgium
BelgiumBelgium
Icon of train

Trains from Leuven to Essen run on average 13 times per day, taking around 1h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 05:05, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 41 miles (67 km) distance in 1h 31m.

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
Distance
41 miles (67 km)
Average train duration
1h 24m
Cheapest ticket price
$12 (€10)
Trains per day
13
Fastest train
1h 31m
First train
5:05 AM
Last train
11:36 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jul - Sep
Best time to book
35 days
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

Train companies: Intercity, Regional, SNCB from Leuven to Essen trainsIntercity, Regional, SNCB trains will get you between Leuven and Essen from $12 (€10). 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
1h 31m
Cheapest Price
$12 (€10)
Intercity frequency
9 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
Learn more about Intercity

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
Regional frequency
7 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
2h 48m
Cheapest Price
$57 (€46)
SNCB frequency
12 a day
Learn more about SNCB

FAQs: Trains from Leuven to Essen

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leuven to Essen 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 Essen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Leuven to Essen can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $12 (€10), while the average price is around $17 (€14).
The train from Leuven to Essen takes 1h 31m and runs 13 per day.
The first train from Leuven to Essen leaves at 5:05 AM.
The distance by train from Leuven to Essen is 41 miles (67 km).
The last train from Leuven to Essen leaves at 11:36 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Leuven to Essen.
There is no direct train service currently available from Leuven to Essen.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Leuven to Essen.
The train station in Leuven that goes to Essen is Leuven station, which connects to Essen station.
The cheapest way to get from Leuven to Essen is by train, with a cost of around $12 (€10).
The train journey from Leuven to Essen offers a pleasant view of the Belgian countryside, featuring charming villages, rolling hills, and lush greenery, though it is not known for being particularly scenic.
Yes, a day trip from Leuven to Essen is feasible with a travel time of 1h 31m and a distance of 41 miles (67 km). There are 12 trains available per day.
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Essen is sufficient to explore its main attractions, including the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, Museum Folkwang, and the Grugapark botanical garden.
Yes, you can take the train from Leuven to Essen.
Since both Leuven and Essen 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 Essen include Antwerp, Brussels, Roosendaal, Zaventem, Ghent.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Leuven to Essen 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.
In Essen, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport and popular shopping streets. Scams involving fake charity collectors and overcharging in taxis can also occur. Staying alert in busy places and using licensed transportation helps ensure safety.
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 Essen

Leuven
Essen
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 Essen.
LeuvenWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
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
address
Address
Martelarenplein 16, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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
address
Address
3001 Leuven, Belgium
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km

More options for your journey from Leuven to Essen

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Tickets and more information for trains to Leuven
Tickets and more information for trains to Essen
HomeTrainsTrains in BelgiumTrain Times to EssenLeuven to Essen train

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