- 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
$89
Average price
$182
Fastest journey
13 h 29 m
Average duration
16 h 30 m
Trains per day
8
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 $182 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $89.
It's difficult to get from Vienna to Leuven without transferring at least 3 times.
RJX 68 · ICE 618 · ICE 18 · IC 531
RJX 68 · ICE 618 · ICE 18 · IC 531
RJX 64 · ICE 510 · 26842 · S41
RJX 60 · ICE 620 · ICE 318 · IC 545
RJX 60 · ICE 620 · ICE 318 · IC 527
RJX 60 · ICE 620 · ICE 318 · IC 545
RJX 68 · ICE 618 · ICE 18 · IC 531
RJX 68 · ICE 618 · ICE 18 · IC 531
RJX 64 · ICE 510 · 26842 · S41
RJX 60 · ICE 620 · ICE 318 · IC 527Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Vienna to Leuven among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $49. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $49, and a train costs an average of $74.
Distance: 554 miles (892 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$140 Average price | $96 Average price | $69 Average price Cheapest | $67 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 56m Average total duration 12h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration Fastest 1h 45m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 19h 18m Average total duration 18h 48m 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 $27 (€27) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Vienna to Leuven costing on average $96 (€96).
A bus is $71 (€71) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Vienna to Leuven costing on average $140 (€140).
Other travel options to Leuven take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 26m.
Bus takes on average 18h 48m.
Tickets start at around $140 (€140) compared to roughly $67 (€67) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-73.33 (€-73.33). The journey takes 12h 26m 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, Saturday, July 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RJX 60 · ICE 620 · ICE 318 · IC 545 | On time 10:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 13h29 | 11:57 PM Leuven station | 3 transfers | |
RJX 60 · ICE 620 · ICE 318 · IC 527 | On time 10:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 19h55 | 6:23 AM Heverlee | 4 transfers | |
RJX 62 · ICE 1090 · Bus 82159 · Bus 5943 | On time 12:28 PM Vienna Hbf | 20h13 | 8:41 AM Leuven station | 5 transfers | |
RJX 62 · ICE 1090 · Bus 82159 · Bus 5943 | On time 12:28 PM Vienna Hbf | 20h33 | 9:01 AM Heverlee | 5 transfers | |
RJX 62 · ICE 1090 · Bus 82159 · Bus 5943 | On time 12:28 PM Vienna Hbf | 20h31 | 8:59 AM Heverlee | 6 transfers | |
RJX 64 · ICE 510 · 26842 · S41 | On time 2:28 PM Vienna Hbf | 18h35 | 9:03 AM Leuven station | 4 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 8 times per day, taking around 12h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $74 (€74) but you can travel from only $22 (€22) 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 11h 2m.
Distance 554 miles (892 km) |
Average train duration 12h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $74 (€74) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 11h 2m |
First train 12:28 AM |
Last train 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need