- 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 20
$4
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$8
Fastest journey on Sep 20
23 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
23 m
Trains on Sep 20
38
Distance
16 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zaventem to Leuven is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zaventem to Leuven will cost around $8 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $4.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 38 trains from Zaventem to Leuven, including 6 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 16 km distance in an average of 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 23 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 23 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
3780+
508
3782+
510
3759
3758 · 3080
3760
3759
3760
3758
3757
3755Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zaventem to Leuven among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $6 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 52m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $6, while a train costs an average of $9.
Distance: 9 miles (16 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$9 Average price | $6 Average price Cheapest | $4 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
52m Average total duration Fastest 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 55m Average total duration 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.0kg 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 Zaventem to Leuven:
A bus is $3 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zaventem to Leuven costing on average $9.
Other travel options to Leuven take longer:
Bus takes on average 25m.
You'll arrive about 4m sooner (22m by train vs 26m by car). Tickets start at around $9 compared to roughly $4 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Intercity, Regional.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Zaventem to Leuven trains for tomorrow, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3774+ 5727 | 1:26 AM Zaventem station | 4h57 | 6:23 AM Heverlee | 1 transfer | |
1927 · 504 | 5:48 AM Brussels National Airport | 0h34 | 6:22 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
3755 | 6:26 AM Zaventem station | 0h23 | 6:49 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
3755 · 3077 | 6:26 AM Zaventem station | 0h34 | 7:00 AM Heverlee | 1 transfer | |
3727 · 1505 | 6:30 AM Brussels National Airport | 0h34 | 7:04 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
3777+ 505 | 6:36 AM Zaventem station | 0h49 | 7:25 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
1928 · 505 | 6:48 AM Brussels National Airport | 0h37 | 7:25 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
2228 · 3604 | 6:57 AM Brussels National Airport | 0h44 | 7:41 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
3756 | 7:26 AM Zaventem station | 0h23 | 7:49 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
3756 · 3078 | 7:26 AM Zaventem station | 0h33 | 7:59 AM Heverlee | 1 transfer | |
3728 · 1506 | 7:30 AM Brussels National Airport | 0h34 | 8:04 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
3778+ 506 | 7:36 AM Zaventem station | 0h49 | 8:25 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
1929 · 506 | 7:42 AM Brussels National Airport | 0h43 | 8:25 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
2229 · 3605 | 7:57 AM Brussels National Airport | 0h44 | 8:41 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
3757 · 3079 | 8:26 AM Zaventem station | 0h33 | 8:59 AM Heverlee | 1 transfer | |
3757 | 8:26 AM Zaventem station | 0h23 | 8:49 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
3729 · 1507 | 8:30 AM Brussels National Airport | 0h34 | 9:04 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
3779+ 507 | 8:36 AM Zaventem station | 0h49 | 9:25 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
1930 · 507 | 8:42 AM Brussels National Airport | 0h43 | 9:25 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
2230+ 18022 | 8:59 AM Brussels National Airport | 0h36 | 9:35 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
3758 · 3080 | 9:26 AM Zaventem station | 0h33 | 9:59 AM Heverlee | 1 transfer | |
3758 | 9:26 AM Zaventem station | 0h23 | 9:49 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
3730 · 1508 | 9:30 AM Brussels National Airport | 0h34 | 10:04 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
3780+ 508 | 9:36 AM Zaventem station | 0h49 | 10:25 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
1931 · 508 | 9:42 AM Brussels National Airport | 0h43 | 10:25 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
2231+ 18024 | 9:58 AM Brussels National Airport | 0h37 | 10:35 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
3759 | 10:26 AM Zaventem station | 0h23 | 10:49 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
3759 · 3081 | 10:26 AM Zaventem station | 0h33 | 10:59 AM Heverlee | 1 transfer | |
3731 · 1509 | 10:30 AM Brussels National Airport | 0h34 | 11:04 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
3781+ 509 | 10:36 AM Zaventem station | 0h49 | 11:25 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
1932 · 509 | 10:42 AM Brussels National Airport | 0h43 | 11:25 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
2232 · 3608 | 10:59 AM Brussels National Airport | 0h40 | 11:39 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
3760 | 11:26 AM Zaventem station | 0h23 | 11:49 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
3760 · 3082 | 11:26 AM Zaventem station | 0h33 | 11:59 AM Heverlee | 1 transfer | |
3732 · 1510 | 11:30 AM Brussels National Airport | 0h34 | 12:04 PM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
3782+ 510 | 11:36 AM Zaventem station | 0h49 | 12:25 PM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
1933 · 510 | 11:42 AM Brussels National Airport | 0h43 | 12:25 PM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
2233 · 3609 | 11:57 AM Brussels National Airport | 0h44 | 12:41 PM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Zaventem to Leuven run on average 23 times per day, taking around 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $3 if you book in advance.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 9 miles (16 km) distance in 13m.
Distance 9 miles (16 km) |
Average train duration 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $3 |
Trains per day 23 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 13m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Zaventem 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 Zaventem to Leuven trains use the Brussels Airport-Zaventem to Leuven station pair, with some services arriving at Heverlee. Use this guide to compare Zaventem and Leuven 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.
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