How to travel from Leiden to Leuven

Wed, Nov 04
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NS International | IC Brussel
Regional
1,000+ more
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Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Leiden to Leuven

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leiden to Leuven among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $34 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 51m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $34, while a train costs an average of $56.

Distance: 88 miles (143 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$56

Average price

$34

Average price

Cheapest

$41

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 51m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 21m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 25m

Average total duration

4h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 21m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

EuroCity

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Compare ways to travel from Leiden to Leuven

Compare the available ways to get from Leiden to Leuven, with the key details around price, speed, convenience, and direct service.

The cheapest way to travel from Leiden to Leuven is a bus with an average price of $34.

This is compared to other travel options from Leiden to Leuven:

A bus is $23 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leiden to Leuven costing on average $56.

The fastest way to travel from Leiden to Leuven is by train with an average journey time of 2h 51m.

Other travel options to Leuven take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 25m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leiden and Leuven including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Leiden to Leuven among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around $56 compared to roughly $41 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about -$15. The journey takes 2h 21m versus 2h 21m 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 prices and tickets Prices for trains, buses and flights

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.

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FAQs: Travel from Leiden to Leuven

Travel to Leuven easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Leiden to Leuven.

FAQs
There are 2 options to travel between Leiden and Leuven including taking a train and bus.
The cheapest way to travel from Leiden to Leuven is a bus with an average price of $34.

This is compared to other travel options from Leiden to Leuven:

A bus is $23 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leiden to Leuven costing on average $56.

The fastest way to travel from Leiden to Leuven is by train with an average journey time of 2h 51m.

Other travel options to Leuven take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 25m.

The distance from Leiden to Leuven is approximately 88 miles (143 km).
The average frequency per day from Leiden to Leuven is:
  • Around 24 trains per day.
  • Around 3 buses per day.

However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Leiden and Leuven as scheduled services by train and bus can vary by season or day of the week.

These are the most popular departure and arrival points from Leiden to Leuven:
  • Trains mostly depart from Leiden Centraal and arrive in Leuven station.
  • Buses mostly depart from Den Haag, Centraal Station and arrive in Leuven, Diestsepoort.
If finding a good deal is your main consideration for your trip from Leiden to Leuven, then we'll help you find the best value travel companies for you:
  • Travel with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus to go to Leuven by bus.
  • Travel with EuroCity, Intercity, Eurocity Direct, Regional, NS International | IC Brussel, Eurostar to go to Leuven by train.
Omio customers who travel from Leiden to Leuven often also extend their vacation to go to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Cologne, Luxembourg. Omio can help you plan your trip by finding the best connections between Leuven and these popular destinations at a great price.
Most travelers need at least three days in Leuven to see the main sights at a comfortable pace. If you want day trips or a slower itinerary, consider adding extra time.
In Leuven, you can visit the University Library and Bell Tower to explore its historic significance and enjoy panoramic city views. The Old Market Square offers vibrant nightlife with numerous cafes and is famously known as the longest bar in the world. Art enthusiasts can discover the M-Museum Leuven, which features both contemporary and historical art exhibitions. For a peaceful retreat, stroll through the Botanical Garden Kruidtuin, the oldest botanical garden in Belgium. Lastly, admire the stunning Gothic architecture of the Town Hall, adorned with intricate sculptures.
Two to three days in Leuven is ideal to explore its historic university, visit the M-Museum, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at the Oude Markt, and wander through the picturesque streets and parks.

Travelling from Leiden to Leuven: related information

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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