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Take the train from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal in 41 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 51 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 41 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll usually find around 88 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 £11.05 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 51m to travel from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal by train, over a distance of around 27 miles (43 km). There are normally 88 trains per day travelling from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal and tickets for this journey start from £11.05 when you book in advance.
| First train | 00:26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 21:02 | |
| Departure station | Utrecht Centraal | |
| Arrival station | Leiden Centraal | |
| Journey time | From 41m | |
| Distance | 27 miles (43 km) | |
| Frequency | 88 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £11.05 | |
| Train and bus operators |
FAQs about the train journey from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal
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.
Are there any direct trains from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal?
How far is the train ride from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal?
Who operates the trains from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal?
Can I take a flight-free trip from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal?
What is the best way to travel to Leiden Centraal from Utrecht Centraal?
What time does the first train run from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal?
How late does the train from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal run?
How many trains go from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal per day?
When do tickets from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal go on sale?
Planning a round trip from Utrecht Centraal to Leiden Centraal?
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.
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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.