- Must visit
M Leuven
University museum with science, culture, and philosophy exhibitions in a striking historic complex. Ideal for understanding Leuven's academic identity.
Cheapest price on Sep 08
$128
Average ticket price on Sep 08
$128
Fastest journey on Sep 08
12 h 29 m
Average journey duration on Sep 08
15 h 12 m
Trains on Sep 08
2
Distance
892 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Vienna to Leuven is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Vienna to Leuven will cost around $128 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $128.
It's difficult to get from Vienna to Leuven without transferring at least 3 times.
RJX 19976 · ICE 116 · ICE 318 · IC 545
RJX 19976 · ICE 116 · ICE 318 · IC 545
RJX 19976 · ICE 116 · ICE 318 · IC 545
RJX 19976 · ICE 116 · ICE 318 · IC 545Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Vienna to Leuven among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $110 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 57m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $110, while a flight costs an average of $518.
Distance: 554 miles (892 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$200 Average price | $518 Average price | $110 Average price Cheapest | $83 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 44m Average total duration 11h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 57m Average total duration Fastest 2h 57m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 18h 31m Average total duration 18h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Vienna to Leuven:
A bus is $89 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Vienna to Leuven costing on average $200.
A bus is $407 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Vienna to Leuven costing on average $518.
Other travel options to Leuven take longer:
Train takes on average 11h 14m.
Bus takes on average 18h 1m.
Tickets start at around $200 compared to roughly $83 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-116.50. The journey takes 11h 14m versus 11h 9m 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 Vienna to Leuven trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, September 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RJX 19976 · ICE 116 · ICE 318 · IC 545 | 11:28 AM Vienna | 17h55 | 5:23 AM Heverlee | 4 transfers | |
RJX 19976 · ICE 116 · ICE 318 · IC 545 | 11:28 AM Vienna | 12h29 | 11:57 PM Leuven station | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Vienna to Leuven run on average 7 times per day, taking around 11h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $79 but you can travel from only $56 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:28, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 554 miles (892 km) distance in 9h 3m.
Distance 554 miles (892 km) |
Average train duration 11h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $79 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 9h 3m |
First train 12:28 AM |
Last train 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Leuven — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leuven trip today.
University museum with science, culture, and philosophy exhibitions in a striking historic complex. Ideal for understanding Leuven's academic identity.
Museum and former home of Father Damien, presenting his life and global legacy. A meaningful visit in a historic city-center setting.
Museum in Park Abbey exploring religion, art, and heritage through the abbey's story. It adds depth to a visit to the wider site.
Leuven's central square framed by the town hall and Saint Peter's Church. It is the city's essential starting point for architecture and atmosphere.
Long square and social hub lined with student life and major events. It captures Leuven's energetic university-city character.
Belgium's oldest botanical garden, popular for quiet walks and seasonal plants. A local favorite near the historic core.
Crisp pork cubes braised or roasted, a Leuven pub classic often served with salad, fries, and a sharp mustard or beer-based sauce.
A strong amber-brown abbey beer brewed in Leuven since the 1970s, known for soft fruit notes and a full malty finish.
A pale Belgian lager historically tied to Leuven brewing. It is the city’s most famous everyday beer and a key part of local café culture.
Refined Michelin-starred restaurant known for creative seasonal tasting menus in an intimate, elegant setting.
Long-standing traditional restaurant famous for grilled meats, Belgian dishes, and an old-school local dining room.
Classic Leuven brasserie on the Oude Markt serving Belgian staples, beer, and a lively historic square atmosphere.
Moderate for Belgium: hotels and dining are not cheap, but student spots, bakeries, and short local transit keep typical visitor costs manageable.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis can be rounded up. Cafes usually get small change, not a set tip.
Official public transport app
Leuven Station -> Grote Markt, Leuven
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Vienna 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 Vienna to Leuven trains use the Wien Hauptbahnhof to Leuven station pair, with some services arriving at Heverlee. Use this guide to compare Vienna and Leuven train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Wien Hauptbahnhof is 2 km from Vienna city centre. Public transport options include:
Wien Hauptbahnhof has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, L’Osteria, Akakiko, McDonald’s, Oberlaa, Nordsee, Som Kitchen, Starbucks, Admiral Sports Bar, Asia Gourmet, & many more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Wien Hauptbahnhof.
Ticket office support is available at Wien Hauptbahnhof. Information desks are information desks are located at each end of the main level.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on Level UG1 by the restrooms. They are self-service and available 24/7.
Available at Wien Hauptbahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Wien Hauptbahnhof: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wien Hauptbahnhof: Wheelchair facilities in elevators, barrier-free toilets, inductive sound system. For mobility assistance, call +43 517175.
Nearby hotels include Star Inn Hotel, Quartier Belvedere, AZIMUT Hotel Vienna.
Flughafen Wien is 3 km from Vienna city centre. Public transport options include:
Flughafen Wien has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Café Restaurant Johann Strauss, Zugvogel
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Flughafen Wien. Information desks are located in the main terminal.
Luggage storage is available at Flughafen Wien. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Flughafen Wien: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Flughafen Wien: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Flughafen Wien: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include NH Vienna Airport Conference Center, Moxy Vienna Airport, LifeHotel Vienna Airport.
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.
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