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Take the train from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal in 39 minutes
If you want to travel from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal by train, you've come to the right place.
You can expect the journey from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal by train to take around 47 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 39 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll usually find around 85 trains per day running on this route, which spans 27 miles (43 km). There’s no need for any changes along the way, as there are direct trains available to Leiden Centraal. Nederlanse Spoorwegen (NS) – the main train operator in the Netherlands – are who you'll be travelling with during your journey. Whether you hop on one of their Sprinter, Express or Intercity trains, all services are modern and comfortable, with free WiFi available on most.
Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices and we'll show you how much you can save. Tickets from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal start from £10.47 when you book in advance.
If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for timetables, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!
Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal by train
It takes an average of 47m to travel from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal by train, over a distance of around 27 miles (43 km). There are normally 85 trains per day travelling from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal and tickets for this journey start from £10.47 when you book in advance.
| First train | 00:28 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:56 | |
| Departure station | Utrecht Centraal | |
| Arrival station | Leiden Centraal | |
| Journey time | From 39m | |
| Distance | 27 miles (43 km) | |
| Frequency | 85 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £10.47 | |
| Train and bus operators |
NS trains from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal
NS is the main railway operator in the Netherlands. It connects the four corners of the country with regional, medium-distance and high-speed trains. It's also possible for you to travel at night thanks to multi-line night trains, including Schiphol and Eindhoven airports. All trains are equipped with two comfort classes – First Class and Second Class.
More information
NS classes from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal
Compare the different travel classes offered by NS when travelling from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal.
Second Class
NS Second Class is perfect for you if you're looking for free WiFi and generous luggage allowance at an affordable price.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
Upgrade to NS First Class and enjoy more onboard amenities, including adjustable seats and more legroom.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Onboard services on NS
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal.
There are no luggage weight limits on NS trains, so long as you can carry your bags by yourself.
There is no onboard catering on NS trains.
The majority of NS Intercity trains have free WiFi on board. If your train has WiFi available, connect to the network 'Wifi in the train' to get online.
Children under 4 travel free on NS trains. Children between 4 and 11 years old can get a 'Railrunner' ticket, which costs €2.50 a day, for unlimited travel.
Outside peak hours (from 9am to 4:30pm, and after 6pm), at the weekend, on bank holidays and during the summer months, you can take your bike on board NS trains. Bikes must be placed in the designated storage spaces, which you can find by looking for a bike symbol on the side of the carriage. Foldable bikes can be transported like normal luggage.
Small pets are allowed on board, provided that they travel on your lap or in a suitable travel carrier. Guide dogs are also allowed on board but must be recognisable as guide dogs for the blind or another type of assistance dog. Larger dogs can travel on NS trains, so long as they wear a muzzle and are kept on a lead - you must also buy a dog train ticket.
If you need help getting on or off the train, you can reserve NS Travel Assistance. This service is available 7 days a week. You need to specify the help you need on your online NS account and reserve assistance on the NS website, on the NS app or by phoning (+31) 30 235 78 22.
Cheap train tickets from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal
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 Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal 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 Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal? 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 Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal take?
The average journey time by train between Utrecht Centraal and Leiden Centraal is 47 minutes, with around 85 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 Utrecht Centraal and Leiden Centraal by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal is 39 minutes.
How much does the train from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal cost?
Train ticket prices from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal can start from as little as £10.47 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal without having to change trains. There are 84 direct trains from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal leave?
The first train from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal leaves at 00:28. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal leave?
The last train from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal leaves at 23:56. 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 Utrecht Centraal and Leiden Centraal by train?
Trains travelling from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal cover a distance of around 27 miles (43 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Leiden Centraal to Utrecht Centraal.