- 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 08
€12
Average ticket price on Sep 08
€12
Fastest journey on Sep 08
56 m
Average journey duration on Sep 08
56 m
Trains on Sep 08
48
Distance
55 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Charleroi to Leuven is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Charleroi to Leuven will cost around €12 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €12.
On Tue, Sep 08, we found 48 trains from Charleroi to Leuven, including 16 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 08 the direct trains cover the 55 km distance in an average of 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 56 m .
On Tue, Sep 08 the slowest trains will take 56 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.
2019 · 519
5718
5719
5718
5717
5718
5719
5717
5716
5708Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Charleroi to Leuven among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €14 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 1m. 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 train costs an average of €14, while a train costs an average of €14.
Distance: 34 miles (55 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
€14 Average price Cheapest | €12 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 1m Average total duration Fastest 1h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Other travel options to Leuven take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 31m.
Tickets start at around €14 compared to roughly €12 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-2.03. The journey takes 1h 31m versus 1h 5m 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 Charleroi to Leuven trains for today, Monday, September 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4585 · 6465 | 2:51 PM Charleroi-Sud | 1h40 | 4:31 PM Heverlee | 1 transfer | |
2014 · 514 | 2:51 PM Charleroi-Sud | 1h33 | 4:24 PM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
4585 · 6465 | 2:55 PM Charleroi-West | 1h36 | 4:31 PM Heverlee | 1 transfer | |
4564+ 5715 | 3:06 PM Charleroi-West | 1h29 | 4:35 PM Heverlee | 1 transfer | |
5715 | 3:39 PM Charleroi-Sud | 0h56 | 4:35 PM Heverlee | 0 transfersDirect | |
5715 | 3:39 PM Charleroi-Sud | 1h02 | 4:41 PM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
4586 · 6466 | 3:51 PM Charleroi-Sud | 1h40 | 5:31 PM Heverlee | 1 transfer | |
2015 · 515 | 3:51 PM Charleroi-Sud | 1h33 | 5:24 PM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
4586 · 6466 | 3:55 PM Charleroi-West | 1h36 | 5:31 PM Heverlee | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, September 8 | |||||
4557+ 5708 | 8:06 AM Charleroi-West | 1h29 | 9:35 AM Heverlee | 1 transfer | |
5708 | 8:39 AM Charleroi-Sud | 0h56 | 9:35 AM Heverlee | 0 transfersDirect | |
5708 | 8:39 AM Charleroi-Sud | 1h02 | 9:41 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
4579 · 6459 | 8:51 AM Charleroi-Sud | 1h40 | 10:31 AM Heverlee | 1 transfer | |
2008 · 508 | 8:51 AM Charleroi-Sud | 1h32 | 10:23 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
4579 · 6459 | 8:55 AM Charleroi-West | 1h36 | 10:31 AM Heverlee | 1 transfer | |
4558+ 5709 | 9:06 AM Charleroi-West | 1h29 | 10:35 AM Heverlee | 1 transfer | |
5709 | 9:39 AM Charleroi-Sud | 1h02 | 10:41 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
5709 | 9:39 AM Charleroi-Sud | 0h56 | 10:35 AM Heverlee | 0 transfersDirect | |
4580 · 6460 | 9:51 AM Charleroi-Sud | 1h40 | 11:31 AM Heverlee | 1 transfer | |
2009 · 509 | 9:51 AM Charleroi-Sud | 1h32 | 11:23 AM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
4580 · 6460 | 9:55 AM Charleroi-West | 1h36 | 11:31 AM Heverlee | 1 transfer | |
4559+ 5710 | 10:06 AM Charleroi-West | 1h29 | 11:35 AM Heverlee | 1 transfer | |
5710 | 10:39 AM Charleroi-Sud | 0h56 | 11:35 AM Heverlee | 0 transfersDirect | |
5710 | 10:39 AM Charleroi-Sud | 1h02 | 11:41 AM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
4581 · 6461 | 10:51 AM Charleroi-Sud | 1h40 | 12:31 PM Heverlee | 1 transfer | |
2010 · 510 | 10:51 AM Charleroi-Sud | 1h32 | 12:23 PM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
4581 · 6461 | 10:55 AM Charleroi-West | 1h36 | 12:31 PM Heverlee | 1 transfer | |
4560+ 5711 | 11:06 AM Charleroi-West | 1h29 | 12:35 PM Heverlee | 1 transfer | |
5711 | 11:39 AM Charleroi-Sud | 0h56 | 12:35 PM Heverlee | 0 transfersDirect | |
5711 | 11:39 AM Charleroi-Sud | 1h02 | 12:41 PM Leuven station | 0 transfersDirect | |
4582 · 6462 | 11:51 AM Charleroi-Sud | 1h40 | 1:31 PM Heverlee | 1 transfer | |
2011 · 511 | 11:51 AM Charleroi-Sud | 1h32 | 1:23 PM Leuven station | 1 transfer | |
4582 · 6462 | 11:55 AM Charleroi-West | 1h36 | 1:31 PM Heverlee | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train 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 Charleroi to Leuven run on average 24 times per day, taking around 1h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €8 if you book in advance.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 34 miles (55 km) distance in 1h 2m.
Distance 34 miles (55 km) |
Average train duration 1h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price €8 |
Trains per day 24 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 1h 2m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 2 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 Charleroi 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 Charleroi to Leuven trains use the Charleroi-Sud to Leuven station pair, with some services arriving at Heverlee. Use this guide to compare Charleroi and Leuven train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Charleroi-Sud has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: La Manufacture Urbaine, Le Pain Quotidien
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Charleroi-Sud. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Charleroi-Sud. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Charleroi-Sud: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Charleroi-Sud: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Charleroi-Sud: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Ibis Charleroi Centre Gare, Leonardo Hotel Charleroi City Center, Novotel Charleroi Centre.
Lodelinsart is 2 km from Charleroi city centre. Public transport options include:
Lodelinsart has practical services for this route, including Dining, Accessibility, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Lodelinsart.
Available at Lodelinsart: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lodelinsart.
Charleroi-Ouest has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Le Pain Quotidien, La Table de la Manufacture Urbaine
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Charleroi-Ouest. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Charleroi-Ouest. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Charleroi-Ouest: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Charleroi-Ouest: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Charleroi-Ouest: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Leonardo Hotel Charleroi City Center, Ibis Charleroi Centre Gare.
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.
Wijgmaal is 5 km from Leuven city centre. Public transport options include:
Wijgmaal has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wijgmaal.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need