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All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
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About the train journey from Leuven to Brussels Central
Want to travel from Leuven to Brussels Central by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from Leuven to Brussels Central usually takes 27 minutes on average to travel 25 km, although the quickest services can take as little as 21 minutes. You can expect to find 98 trains per day running on this popular route. Good news! There are direct trains available to Brussels Central, so you can just make yourself comfortable as soon as you board the train and just enjoy the journey. You'll be hopping on an SNCB train – the national rail operator in Belgium – to get to Brussels Central, on board one of their Intercity or local trains.
To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Leuven to Brussels Central in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save, as advance tickets start from $9.71.
Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Brussels Central, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you're ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.
Leuven to Brussels Central by train
It takes an average of 27m to travel from Leuven to Brussels Central by train, over a distance of around 16 miles (25 km). There are normally 98 trains per day traveling from Leuven to Brussels Central and tickets for this journey start from $9.71 when you book in advance.
| First train | 12:00 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 11:08 pm | |
| Departure station | Leuven | |
| Arrival station | Brussels Central | |
| Journey time | From 21m | |
| Distance | 16 miles (25 km) | |
| Frequency | 98 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $9.71 | |
| Train and bus operators |
SNCB trains from Leuven to Brussels Central
SNCB is the national railway company of Belgium, with services that include national (Intercity) and regional (Local) express trains. All SNCB trains come with both First Class and Second Class carriages. Belgium has one of the densest rail networks in the world. Seat reservations aren’t possible for any of the company's trains.
More information
SNCB classes from Leuven to Brussels Central
Compare the different travel classes offered by SNCB when traveling from Leuven to Brussels Central.
Second Class
If you're traveling in Second Class, you'll find plenty of baggage storage and power outlets as standard. You can reserve your seat only if you buy a group ticket.
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- More legroom
First Class
Upgrade to First Class and enjoy more legroom and comfortable seats. You can reserve your seat only if you buy a group ticket.
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- More legroom
Onboard services on SNCB
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Leuven to Brussels Central.
When traveling with SNCB, each passenger can take 3 items of baggage on board, as long as the total weight does not exceed 30kg (66.1 pounds). Once you’ve found your seat, you can stow your baggage in the space provided above and below your seat. You can take the following baggage on board for free:
- Briefcases, rucksacks and suitcases
- Wheelchairs (manual or automatic)
- Pushchairs and prams
- Folding bikes, unicycles, scooters
- Sports equipment (e.g. skis)
Currently, SNCB does not offer a food and drink service. Although, you may bring food and drink with you to enjoy on the train.
SNCB offer free WiFi in their main stations, including Brussels Central, Bruges, Antwerp Central and more. Currently, SNCB do not offer WiFi onboard their trains.
As long as they are traveling with a person aged 12 or above with a valid ticket, children under 12 can travel for free without a ticket. However, please note that this only applies to a maximum of 4 children per passenger with a valid ticket. If you have any additional children traveling with you, they will need a half-price Kids Ticket.
Hoping to travel with your bike? You’ll need to add a Bike Supplement to your ticket. However, if you’re traveling with a folding bike, you don’t need to worry about paying. Bike Supplements are paid on top of your rail fare and cost €4 for a single journey.
When boarding, speak to the train conductor and they will tell you if there are spaces available and where you can put your bicycle. SNCB advise you not to travel with a bike at Peak times, because bicycle spaces may not be available.
Guide and assistance dogs
Travel is free for guide and assistance dogs. You won’t need to add a Pet Supplement to your ticket.
Pets
Pets are welcome to travel on SNCB trains if they are on a lead or in a small basket, cage or box. For animals on a lead, a Pet Supplement costs €3 for a single trip. If your pet is in a small basket, cage or box that is smaller than 30 x 55 x 30 cm (11.8 x 21.6 x 11.8 inches), you do not need to pay for a Pet Supplement. Finally, your pet is not allowed to sit on the seats or tables.
Passengers with reduced mobility should directly contact SNCB to make use of their free assistance service. You can take your wheelchair on board the train for free, regardless of whether or not you use the SNCB's free assistance service. If you are blind or partially sighted, you can take the train for free in 2nd class.
Cheap train tickets from Leuven to Brussels Central
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Leuven to Brussels Central by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
FAQs for Leuven to Brussels Central
Want to know more about your journey from Leuven to Brussels Central? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Leuven to Brussels Central take?
The average journey time by train between Leuven and Brussels Central is 27 minutes, with around 98 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Leuven and Brussels Central by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Leuven to Brussels Central is 21 minutes.
How much does the train from Leuven to Brussels Central cost?
Train tickets from Leuven to Brussels Central can start from as little as $9.71 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Leuven to Brussels Central?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Leuven to Brussels Central without having to change trains. There are 97 direct trains from Leuven to Brussels Central each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Leuven to Brussels Central leave?
The first train from Leuven to Brussels Central leaves at 00:00. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Leuven to Brussels Central leave?
The last train from Leuven to Brussels Central leaves at 23:08. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Leuven and Brussels Central by train?
Trains travelling from Leuven to Brussels Central cover a distance of around 16 miles (25 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Brussels Central to Leuven.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.