- Must visit
Museum Hof van Busleyden
Mechelen’s flagship city museum in a Renaissance palace, presenting art, humanism, and Burgundian history in an impressive setting.
Cheapest price
$5
Average price
$5
Fastest journey
38 m
Average duration
38 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
16 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zaventem to Mechelen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zaventem to Mechelen will cost around $5 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $5.
Of the 2 trains that leave Zaventem for Mechelen on Tue, Jul 28, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jul 28 the direct trains cover the 16 km distance in an average of 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 38 m .
On Tue, Jul 28 the slowest trains will take 38 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zaventem to Mechelen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $3. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $3, and a train costs an average of $3.
Distance: 9 miles (16 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$4 Average price | $3 Average price Cheapest | $4 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
46m Average total duration Fastest 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 29m Average total duration 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Mechelen:
A bus is $1 (€1) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zaventem to Mechelen costing on average $4 (€4).
Other travel options to Mechelen take longer:
Bus takes on average 59m.
You'll arrive about 7m sooner (16m by train vs 23m by car). Tickets start at around $4 (€4) compared to roughly $4 (€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, EuroCity.
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 Mechelen trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, July 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:48 AM Zaventem | 0h38 | 9:26 AM Mechelen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:48 AM Zaventem | 0h38 | 10:26 AM Mechelen | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Mechelen run on average 38 times per day, taking around 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $3 (€3) if you book in advance.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:12, the last at 23:47. The fastest train covers the 9 miles (16 km) distance in 32m.
Distance 9 miles (16 km) |
Average train duration 16m |
Cheapest ticket price $3 (€3) |
Trains per day 38 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 32m |
First train 12:12 AM |
Last train 11:47 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Mechelen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Mechelen trip today.
Mechelen’s flagship city museum in a Renaissance palace, presenting art, humanism, and Burgundian history in an impressive setting.
A powerful memorial museum about the Holocaust and human rights, internationally respected for its thoughtful permanent exhibition.
Interactive museum on clocks, carillons, and bell-ringing traditions, ideal for understanding Mechelen’s renowned musical heritage.
Mechelen’s central square, framed by monumental buildings and lively terraces, is the natural starting point for exploring the old town.
A peaceful UNESCO-listed quarter of cobbled lanes, small houses, and gardens that preserves the atmosphere of historic beguine life.
A scenic tower-top viewpoint with sweeping views over the city and beyond, especially rewarding in clear weather.
A dark, malty Belgian strong ale brewed in Mechelen since the 15th century. It is the city’s signature beer and closely tied to local identity.
A richer, spiced Christmas version of Gouden Carolus, released seasonally. It is famous among Belgian beer lovers and strongly linked to Mechelen’s brewery tradition.
A pale, hoppy Belgian ale from Het Anker in Mechelen. It reflects the city’s long brewing heritage and is a staple for visitors exploring local beers.
Refined fine dining in a historic setting, known for modern Belgian cuisine and polished service. A destination restaurant for special occasions.
Well-regarded restaurant focused on seasonal Belgian cuisine with a warm, contemporary atmosphere. Good choice for a polished dinner in Mechelen.
Historic brewery restaurant at Het Anker, best for Gouden Carolus beers and hearty Flemish dishes in a traditional, lively atmosphere.
Moderate for Belgium: hotels and dining are mid-priced, while local transit is reasonable. Cheaper than Brussels in many cases, but not a budget destination.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis can be rounded up. Small change for cafes is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Mechelen Station -> Grote Markt, Mechelen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zaventem to Mechelen 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 Mechelen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Zaventem to Mechelen trains use the Brussels Airport-Zaventem to Mechelen station pair, with some services arriving at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel. Use this guide to compare Zaventem and Mechelen 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.
Mechelen is 1 km from Mechelen city centre. Public transport options include:
Mechelen 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 De Graspoort, Il Cardinale
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Mechelen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Mechelen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Mechelen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Mechelen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Mechelen: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include NH Mechelen, Hotel Elisabeth, Martin's Patershof.
Mechelen-Nekkerspoel is 1 km from Mechelen city centre. Public transport options include:
Mechelen-Nekkerspoel has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel.
ATMs are available at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel.
Available at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel: Parking, WC.
Available at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Muizen is 3 km from Mechelen city centre. Public transport options include:
Muizen has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, WC, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Muizen.
Available at Muizen: Parking, WC.
Available at Muizen: Bike Parking.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need