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Leuven to Essen train with PKP Intercity

Sat, Jan 17
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PKP Intercity
SNCB
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
PKP Intercity
SNCB
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leuven to Essen

Showing times and prices for Jan 19

Cheapest price

$56

Average price

$56

Fastest journey

2 h 41 m

Average duration

3 h 44 m

Trains per day

5

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 $56 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $56.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Leuven to Essen without transferring at least once.

Belgian Railways (NMBS/SNCB)
06:25AM4h25
Leuven
10:50AMEssen
$561One-way
2 transfers
Belgian Railways (NMBS/SNCB)
07:27AM4h23
Leuven
11:50AMEssen
$561One-way
2 transfers
Belgian Railways (NMBS/SNCB)
08:27AM4h23
Leuven
12:50PMEssen
$561One-way
2 transfers
Belgian Railways (NMBS/SNCB)
09:27AM4h23
Leuven
01:50PMEssen
$561One-way
2 transfers
Belgian Railways (NMBS/SNCB)
10:27AM4h23
Leuven
02:50PMEssen
$561One-way
2 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 €15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 20m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €15, and a bus costs an average of €25.

Distance: 41 miles (67 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€16

Average price

Cheapest

€25

Average price

1h 50m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 40m

Average total duration

8h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Leuven to Essen train times

The table below shows live departures for Leuven to Essen trains for today, Sunday, January 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 12:07 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
sncb7:27 AM Leuven
4h23
11:50 AM Essen2 transfers
sncb8:27 AM Leuven
4h23
12:50 PM Essen2 transfers
sncb9:27 AM Leuven
4h23
1:50 PM Essen2 transfers
sncb10:27 AM Leuven
4h23
2:50 PM Essen2 transfers
sncb11:27 AM Leuven
4h23
3:50 PM Essen2 transfers

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.

Mon
Jan 19
Tue
Jan 20
Wed
Jan 21
Thu
Jan 22
Fri
Jan 23
Sat
Jan 24
Sun
Jan 25

Why should you book Leuven to Essen trains with Omio?

PKP Intercity as well as SNCB offer trains services from Leuven to Essen. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leuven to Essen.

Why book with Omio vs PKP Intercity?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for PKP Intercity, but also compare tickets for the likes of 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 PKP Intercity with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leuven to Essen.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Multiple travel company options: While PKP Intercity tickets can be bought on PKP Intercity's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of SNCB to help you choose the right option for your journey from Leuven to Essen.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Leuven to Essen.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Leuven to Essen

BelgiumBelgium
BelgiumBelgium
Train Ticket Prices
  • Budget Options: Train tickets from Leuven to Essen start from as low as $19 (€15) if booked well in advance.
  • Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $20 (€16) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
  • On average there are 12 daily trains from Leuven to Essen with 0 direct service.
  • The fastest trains can take as little as 1h 31m but the average duration is 1h 20m
Train Operators
  • Travel from Leuven to Essen with PKP Intercity and SNCB
  • The most booked train company for this route on Omio is PKP Intercity.
Stations & Schedule
  • Most trains depart from Leuven station and arrive in Essen station
  • First train typically departs at 05:05 AM and the last at 11:32 PM
Distance
41 miles (67 km)
Average train duration
1h 20m
Cheapest ticket price
$19 (€15)
Trains per day
12
Fastest train
1h 31m
First train
05:05
Last train
23:32
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
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: PKP Intercity, SNCB from Leuven to Essen trainsPKP Intercity, SNCB trains will get you between Leuven and Essen from $19 (€15). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

PKP 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
PKP Intercity frequency
8 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

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 41m
Cheapest Price
$56 (€45)
SNCB frequency
12 a day

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 $19 (€15), while the average price is around $20 (€16).
The train from Leuven to Essen takes 1h 31m and runs 12 per day.
The distance by train from Leuven to Essen is 41 miles (67 km).
The first train from Leuven to Essen leaves at 5:05 AM.
The last train from Leuven to Essen leaves at 11:32 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 $19 (€15).
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.

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.
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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