The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Leuven
Cheapest price
€88
Average price
€127
Fastest journey
7 h 33 m
Average duration
8 h 21 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
481 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Leuven is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Leuven will cost around €127 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €88.
Of the 3 trains that leave Zurich for Leuven on Mon, Dec 08, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Dec 08 the direct trains cover the 481 km distance in an average of 8 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 33 m .
On Mon, Dec 08 the slowest trains will take 8 h 55 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.






Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Zurich to Leuven
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Leuven among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €39. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 0m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €39, and a train costs an average of €81.
Distance: 298 miles (481 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€149 Average price | €128 Average price | €59 Average price Cheapest |
7h 14m Average total duration 6h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 0m Average total duration Fastest 2h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 14h 10m Average total duration 13h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Zurich to Leuven train times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Leuven trains for tomorrow, Monday, December 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:59 AM Zurich | 8h55 | 3:54 PM Leuven | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:59 AM Zurich | 7h33 | 3:32 PM Leuven | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:59 AM Zurich | 8h34 | 5:33 PM Leuven | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Zurich to Leuven by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
Dec 08
Dec 09
Dec 10
Dec 11
Dec 12
Dec 13
Dec 14
Why should you book Zurich to Leuven trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC) as well as Trenitalia EuroCity and TGV INOUI offer trains services from Zurich to Leuven. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Zurich to Leuven.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC), but also compare tickets for the likes of Trenitalia EuroCity and TGV INOUI to find the best option for your trip from Zurich to Leuven.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC) with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Zurich to Leuven.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC) tickets can be bought on Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)'s website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of Trenitalia EuroCity and TGV INOUI to help you choose the right option for your journey from Zurich to Leuven.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Zurich to Leuven.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Leuven
Trains from Zurich to Leuven run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $101 (€81) but you can travel from only $49 (€39) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:51, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 298 miles (481 km) distance in 7h 31m.
Distance 298 miles (481 km) |
Average train duration 6h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $101 (€81) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 7h 31m |
First train 00:51 |
Last train 23:36 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia EuroCity, TGV INOUI from Zurich to Leuven trainsDeutsche Bahn, Trenitalia EuroCity, TGV INOUI trains will get you between Zurich and Leuven from $49 (€39). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
TGV INOUI
Trenitalia EuroCity
FAQs: Trains from Zurich to Leuven
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Zurich to Leuven
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access is available from Mühlebachstrasse.
- Outback Lodge
- Tibits
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Opera Zurich
- Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich
- Hotel Seehof
- Located in the main hall
- 1000 places, covered
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-3 for S-Bahn trains
- Hall 2: platform 4 for regional trains
- Tram: Line 11, Line 15
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S5, S6, S7, S9, S12, S16
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking available nearby with several parking options
- Brisket Southern BBQ & Bar
- Les Halles
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 1
- 25hours Hotel Zürich West
- Sheraton Zürich Hotel
- Novotel Zurich City West
- 800 places, covered
- Located on the main concourse
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-8 for S-Bahn and regional trains
- Tram: Line 4, Line 8
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S5, S6, S7, S9, S11, S12, S15, S16, S24
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Access via Martelarenplein.
- De Klimop
- Domus
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €0.50
- Hotel La Royale
- Park Inn by Radisson Leuven
- Hotel Mille Colonnes
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-9 for trains to Brussels, Antwerp, and Liège
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Direct connections to Brussels, Antwerp, and Liège
More options for your journey from Zurich to Leuven
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