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About the train journey from Lille-Flandres to Mechelen
Want to travel from Lille-Flandres to Mechelen by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from Lille-Flandres to Mechelen usually takes 2 hours 32 minutes on average to travel 67 miles (108 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 2 hours 14 minutes. You can expect to find 31 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren’t any direct services running between Lille-Flandres and Mechelen, you’ll need to make 1 change on your way to Mechelen. You can choose to travel with SNCF or SNCB to get to Mechelen – both train companies offer modern comfortable services that will whisk you there in no time.
To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Lille-Flandres to Mechelen in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save!
Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Mechelen, 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.
Lille-Flandres to Mechelen by train
| First train | 06:01 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:09 | |
| Departure station | Lille-Flandres | |
| Arrival station | Mechelen | |
| Journey time | From 2h 14m | |
| Distance | 67 miles (108 km) | |
| Frequency | 31 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Train and bus operators |
SNCF and SNCB trains from Lille-Flandres to Mechelen
SNCF
SNCB
SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).
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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 Lille-Flandres to Mechelen
Compare the different travel classes offered by SNCB when travelling from Lille-Flandres 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 Lille-Flandres 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 Lille-Flandres 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 Lille-Flandres 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 Lille-Flandres 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 Lille-Flandres to Mechelen take?
The average journey time by train between Lille-Flandres and Mechelen is 2 hours and 32 minutes, with around 31 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 Lille-Flandres and Mechelen by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Lille-Flandres to Mechelen is 2 hours and 14 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Lille-Flandres to Mechelen?
No, there are no direct train services from Lille-Flandres to Mechelen. Travelling from Lille-Flandres to Mechelen by train will require a minimum of 1 change.
What time does the first train from Lille-Flandres to Mechelen leave?
The first train from Lille-Flandres to Mechelen leaves at 06:01. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Lille-Flandres to Mechelen leave?
The last train from Lille-Flandres to Mechelen leaves at 22:09. 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 Lille-Flandres and Mechelen by train?
Trains travelling from Lille-Flandres to Mechelen cover a distance of around 67 miles (108 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Mechelen to Lille-Flandres.