- Must visit
Fries Museum
The main museum of Friesland, covering regional history, art, and major temporary exhibitions in a modern city-center building.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zaventem to Leeuwarden among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $31. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $31, and a train costs an average of $55.
Distance: 169 miles (273 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$59 Average price | $38 Average price Cheapest | $73 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 38m Average total duration Fastest 5h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 28m Average total duration 7h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Zaventem to Leeuwarden:
A bus is $20 (€17) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zaventem to Leeuwarden costing on average $59 (€48).
Other travel options to Leeuwarden take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 58m.
Tickets start at around $59 (€48) compared to roughly $73 (€60) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $14 (€12). The journey takes 5h 8m versus 3h 36m 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.
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 Zaventem to Leeuwarden run on average 23 times per day, taking around 5h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $55 (€45) but you can travel from only $31 (€25) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:55, the last at 19:46. The fastest train covers the 169 miles (273 km) distance in 5h 3m.
Distance 169 miles (273 km) |
Average train duration 5h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $55 (€45) |
Trains per day 23 |
Fastest train 5h 3m |
First train 12:55 AM |
Last train 7:46 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Leeuwarden — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leeuwarden trip today.
The main museum of Friesland, covering regional history, art, and major temporary exhibitions in a modern city-center building.
National museum for ceramics set in a historic palace, with collections ranging from Asian porcelain to Dutch pottery and design.
Family-friendly natural history museum focused on Friesland’s wildlife, landscapes, and interactive science displays.
Leeuwarden’s best-known shopping and canal street, lined with historic facades, bridges, and busy city-center activity.
Central square beside the Oldehove, used for events and one of the most recognizable open spaces in the city.
Elegant waterside park ideal for walking and relaxing, popular for boats, greenery, and classic city views.
Sweet Frisian sugar bread baked with pearl sugar and cinnamon. A classic regional specialty often eaten at breakfast or with coffee.
Traditional Frisian cake flavored with anise and covered with a pink glaze. It is especially associated with celebrations in Leeuwarden and wider Friesland.
Frisian spice cookies made with anise, ginger, cinnamon, and often hazelnut pieces. A well-known local biscuit served with tea or coffee.
Refined restaurant known for seasonal tasting menus and careful presentation, suitable for a more upscale evening out.
Popular casual spot in a historic canal-side setting, known for brunch, lunch, cakes, and good coffee with a relaxed atmosphere.
Well-regarded restaurant with a modern Dutch focus tied to local and seasonal ingredients, offering a thoughtful and contemporary dining experience.
Moderate by Dutch standards. Groceries and casual meals are manageable, while hotels and restaurant dinners cost more in peak periods.
Service is usually included. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good restaurant service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares; little or none in cafes.
Official public transport app
Leeuwarden Station, Leeuwarden -> Leeuwarden City Center, Leeuwarden
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zaventem to Leeuwarden 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 Leeuwarden, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Zaventem to Leeuwarden trains use the Brussels Airport-Zaventem to Leeuwarden station pair. Use this guide to compare Zaventem and Leeuwarden train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Zaventem has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Belair, Black Pearls
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zaventem. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zaventem. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zaventem: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zaventem: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zaventem: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel, Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport, NH Brussels Airport.
Leeuwarden is 1 km from Leeuwarden city centre. Public transport options include:
Leeuwarden 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: Brasserie Oranje, Restaurant Wannee
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Leeuwarden. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Leeuwarden. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leeuwarden: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leeuwarden: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leeuwarden: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Oranje Hotel Leeuwarden, Post-Plaza Hotel & Grand Café, Fletcher Hotel-Paleis Stadhouderlijk Hof.
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