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Travelling from Leuven to Mechelen by train
Looking to travel from Leuven to Mechelen by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 33 minutes to travel from Leuven to Mechelen by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 25 minutes though. You'll usually find 63 trains per day running along the 14 miles (22 km) route between these two destinations. Once you're onboard, you can sit back and relax, as you won’t need to make any changes on your way to Mechelen. This route is served by SNCB, the main rail operator in Belgium. During your journey, you're likely to be travelling on either an Intercity or local SNCB train.
Plan your trip ahead and book your train tickets in advance if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Just start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices for trains from Leuven to Mechelen.
If you’re feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Mechelen by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.
SNCB trains from Leuven to Mechelen
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.
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SNCB classes from Leuven to Mechelen
Compare the different travel classes offered by SNCB when travelling from Leuven to Mechelen.
Second Class
If you're travelling in Second Class, you'll find plenty of luggage storage and power sockets as standard. You can reserve your seat only if you buy a group ticket.
- Power sockets
- Luggage storage
- More legroom
First Class
Upgrade to First Class and enjoy more legroom and comfier seats. You can reserve your seat only if you buy a group ticket.
- Power sockets
- Luggage storage
- More legroom
Onboard services on SNCB
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Leuven to Mechelen.
When travelling with SNCB, each passenger can take 3 items of luggage on board, as long as the total weight does not exceed 30kg. Once you’ve found your seat, you can stow your luggage in the space provided above and below your seat. You can take the following luggage 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 travelling 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 travelling 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 travelling 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, 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 Mechelen
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 Mechelen 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.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Leuven to Mechelen? 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 Mechelen take?
The average journey time by train between Leuven and Mechelen is 33 minutes, with around 63 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 Mechelen by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Leuven to Mechelen is 25 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Leuven to Mechelen?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Leuven to Mechelen without having to change trains. There are 61 direct trains from Leuven to Mechelen 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 Mechelen leave?
The first train from Leuven to Mechelen leaves at 00:00. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Leuven to Mechelen leave?
The last train from Leuven to Mechelen leaves at 23:52. 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 Mechelen by train?
Trains travelling from Leuven to Mechelen cover a distance of around 14 miles (22 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Mechelen to Leuven.