- Must visit
M Leuven
The city’s main museum of art and history, known for Flemish masters, contemporary exhibitions, and a central location near the old center.
Cheapest price
$19
Average price
$19
Fastest journey
2 h 3 m
Average duration
2 h 3 m
Trains per day
27
Distance
69 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Maastricht to Leuven is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Maastricht to Leuven will cost around $19 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
It's difficult to get from Maastricht to Leuven without transferring at least once.
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541Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Maastricht to Leuven among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $8, and a train costs an average of $17.
Distance: 42 miles (69 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$25 Average price | $10 Average price Cheapest | $20 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 44m Average total duration Fastest 1h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 1m Average total duration 1h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Maastricht to Leuven:
A bus is $15 (€12) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Maastricht to Leuven costing on average $25 (€20).
Other travel options to Leuven take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 31m.
Tickets start at around $25 (€20) compared to roughly $20 (€16) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-4.66 (€-3.82). The journey takes 1h 14m versus 1h 6m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Maastricht to Leuven trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
18938+ 537 | 2:16 PM Maastricht station | 1h16 | 3:32 PM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
18938+ 537+ 3086 | 2:16 PM Maastricht station | 1h43 | 3:59 PM Heverlee | 2 transfers | |
18942+ 538 | 3:16 PM Maastricht station | 1h16 | 4:32 PM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
18942+ 538+ 3087 | 3:16 PM Maastricht station | 1h43 | 4:59 PM Heverlee | 2 transfers | |
18946+ 539 | 4:16 PM Maastricht station | 1h16 | 5:32 PM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
18946+ 539+ 3088 | 4:16 PM Maastricht station | 1h43 | 5:59 PM Heverlee | 2 transfers | |
18950+ 540 | 5:16 PM Maastricht station | 1h16 | 6:32 PM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
18950+ 540+ 3089 | 5:16 PM Maastricht station | 1h43 | 6:59 PM Heverlee | 2 transfers | |
18954+ 541 | 6:16 PM Maastricht station | 1h16 | 7:32 PM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
18954+ 541 · 5741 | 6:16 PM Maastricht station | 2h07 | 8:23 PM Heverlee | 2 transfers | |
18958+ 542 · 5742 | 7:16 PM Maastricht station | 2h07 | 9:23 PM Heverlee | 2 transfers | |
18958+ 542 | 7:16 PM Maastricht station | 1h14 | 8:30 PM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
16167+ 531 | 7:25 AM Maastricht station | 2h03 | 9:28 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
16167+ 531+ 3080 | 7:25 AM Maastricht station | 2h34 | 9:59 AM Heverlee | 2 transfers | |
16168+ 532+ 3081 | 8:25 AM Maastricht station | 2h34 | 10:59 AM Heverlee | 2 transfers | |
16168+ 532 | 8:25 AM Maastricht station | 2h03 | 10:28 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
16169+ 533 | 9:25 AM Maastricht station | 2h03 | 11:28 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
16170+ 534 | 10:25 AM Maastricht station | 2h03 | 12:28 PM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
16170+ 534+ 3083 | 10:25 AM Maastricht station | 2h34 | 12:59 PM Heverlee | 2 transfers | |
16171+ 535 | 11:25 AM Maastricht station | 2h03 | 1:28 PM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
16171+ 535+ 3084 | 11:25 AM Maastricht station | 2h34 | 1:59 PM Heverlee | 2 transfers | |
16172+ 536+ 3085 | 12:25 PM Maastricht station | 2h34 | 2:59 PM Heverlee | 2 transfers | |
16172+ 536 | 12:25 PM Maastricht station | 2h03 | 2:28 PM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
16173+ 537 | 1:25 PM Maastricht station | 2h03 | 3:28 PM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
16173+ 537+ 3086 | 1:25 PM Maastricht station | 2h34 | 3:59 PM Heverlee | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Maastricht to Leuven run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $17 (€14) but you can travel from only $8 (€6) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:14, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 42 miles (69 km) distance in 1h 11m.
Distance 42 miles (69 km) |
Average train duration 1h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 (€14) |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 1h 11m |
First train 12:14 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 84 days |
Discover the best of Leuven — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leuven trip today.
The city’s main museum of art and history, known for Flemish masters, contemporary exhibitions, and a central location near the old center.
A historic university library with exhibitions and access to the tower, combining memorial significance with panoramic views over Leuven.
A museum and dialogue center in the Abbey of Park focused on religion, art, and heritage, popular for its setting and thoughtful temporary exhibitions.
Leuven’s famous central square lined with historic facades, one of the liveliest and most recognizable gathering places in the city.
The city’s ceremonial heart, framed by the Town Hall and Saint Peter’s Church, and ideal for first-time visitors exploring central Leuven.
A peaceful maze of historic lanes and small bridges that offers one of Leuven’s most photogenic and atmospheric walks.
Leuven’s most famous beer, first brewed in the city and closely tied to its brewing heritage. A classic Belgian pale lager best tried fresh locally.
A classic Belgian dish of braised endive wrapped in ham and baked with cheese sauce. Very common in Flemish homes and brasseries.
Rich Flemish beef stew slowly cooked with dark beer, often served with fries. A comforting regional staple with deep beer-driven flavor.
Refined fine-dining restaurant recognized for creative contemporary cuisine, polished service, and an elegant setting for a special meal.
Popular upscale Italian restaurant with stylish decor, known for quality ingredients, wood-fired cooking, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Well-known Leuven brewpub and brasserie serving Belgian classics and house-brewed beer in a lively, traditional setting near the old center.
Moderate for Belgium: student spots keep lunches affordable, but central hotels and dinner prices are higher.
Service is usually included. Tipping is modest: round up or leave 5-10% for very good service. Small tips for taxis are appreciated, but not expected.
Official public transport app
Leuven Railway Station, Leuven -> Leuven City Center, Leuven
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Maastricht to Leuven 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 Leuven, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Maastricht to Leuven trains use the Maastricht to Leuven station pair, with some services arriving at Heverlee. Use this guide to compare Maastricht and Leuven train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Maastricht is 1 km from Maastricht city centre. Public transport options include:
Maastricht 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 Witloof, Grand Café Maastricht Soiron
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Maastricht. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Maastricht. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Maastricht: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Maastricht: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Maastricht: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Crowne Plaza Maastricht, Hotel Beaumont, Kaboom Hotel.
Maastricht Randwyck is 2 km from Maastricht city centre. Public transport options include:
Maastricht Randwyck has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Maastricht Randwyck.
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Maastricht Randwyck. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Available at Maastricht Randwyck: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Maastricht Randwyck: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Maastricht Randwyck: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include NH Maastricht, Hotel Randwyck, Apart Hotel Randwyck.
Leuven is 1 km from Leuven city centre. Public transport options include:
Leuven 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: De Klimop, Domus
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Leuven. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Leuven. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leuven: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leuven: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leuven: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel La Royale, Park Inn by Radisson Leuven, Hotel Mille Colonnes.
Heverlee is 1 km from Leuven city centre. Public transport options include:
Heverlee has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Heverlee.
ATMs are available at Heverlee.
Available at Heverlee: Parking, WC.
Available at Heverlee: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heverlee.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need