Trains from Leuven to Zürich
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Travel from Leuven to Zürich by train in 7 hours 19 minutes
If you want to know more about the journey from Leuven to Zürich by train, look no further!
The average journey time from Leuven to Zürich by train is 10 hours 7 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 7 hours 19 minutes. You'll usually find 22 trains per day traveling the 478 km between these two destinations. You'll need to make 2 changes along the way as there are no direct services to Zürich. You're likely to be traveling with TGV, Thalys or ICE to Zürich. As the main train operators on this route, all offer plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating as standard.
Book train tickets from Leuven to Zürich in advance instead of buying them on the day and they can start from $47.00. We'll always highlight the cheapest prices when you search in our Journey Planner.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including our train schedule where you can view first and last train times, as well as tips on how to find cheap train tickets.
Leuven to Zürich by train
It takes an average of 10h 7m to travel from Leuven to Zürich by train, over a distance of around 297 miles (478 km). There are normally 22 trains per day traveling from Leuven to Zürich and tickets for this journey start from $47 when you book in advance.
| First train | 06:35 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 21:26 | |
| Departure station | Leuven | |
| Arrival station | Zürich | |
| Journey time | From 7h 19m | |
| Distance | 297 miles (478 km) | |
| Frequency | 22 trains per day | |
| Changes | 2 changes | |
| Price | From $47 | |
| Train and bus operators | Deutsche Bahn, SNCB, Flixbus, SBB CFF FFS, TGV Lyria, Thalys, SNCF, ÖBB |
Deutsche Bahn, SNCB, SBB and TGV Lyria trains from Leuven to Zürich
Deutsche Bahn
SNCB
SBB
TGV Lyria
The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.
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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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The Swiss rail network is operated by SBB. SBB train ticket prices are based on travel and not on the type of trains. You will find available return tickets (standard price, one way or round trip), Multiple journey tickets (for six individual trips on a pre-determined itinerary) and the City-Ticket (including a one-day transportation pass from the city of departure or arrival).
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TGV Lyria links France to Switzerland and can travel at a maximum speed of 200 mph (320 km/h). Resulting from the collaboration between SNCF and SBB, TGV Lyria has three comfort classes on all trains. Standard (equivalent to the Second Class TGV, with comfortable seats), Standard 1ère (with more legroom and access to the SNCF show Grand Voyageur at the Gare de Lyon in Paris) and Business 1ère (available all week except Saturday, on some lines only).
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TGV INOUI and Thalys classes from Leuven to Zürich
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI and Thalys when traveling from Leuven to Zürich.
TGV INOUI
Thalys
Second Class
In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power outlets and more.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
Prefer to travel in style? Upgrade to First Class and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of Second Class as well as some additional extras.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Standard
Standard is the perfect class for you if you’re after great value with no hidden extra costs. On board, you’ll find free WiFi, power outlets, a generous luggage allowance and snacks and drinks available from the Thalys Welcome Bar.
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- Dining car
- Welcome service
- In-seat meal service
- Lounge access
Comfort
If you’d like to enjoy all of the amenities of Standard Class, as well as wider, more comfortable seating and a welcome from Thalys staff on the platform, then upgrade to Comfort!
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- Dining car
- Welcome service
- In-seat meal service
- Lounge access
Premium
Want to treat yourself? Upgrade to Premium and you’ll enjoy complimentary food and drinks, as well as access to the NS International Lounge at Amsterdam Centraal station.
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- Dining car
- Welcome service
- In-seat meal service
- Lounge access
Cheap train tickets from Leuven to Zürich
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 Zürich 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 Zürich
How long does the train from Leuven to Zürich take?
The average journey time by train between Leuven and Zürich is 10 hours and 7 minutes, with around 22 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 Zürich by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Leuven to Zürich is 7 hours and 19 minutes.
How much does the train from Leuven to Zürich cost?
Train tickets from Leuven to Zürich can start from as little as $47 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 Zürich?
No, there are no direct train services from Leuven to Zürich. Travelling from Leuven to Zürich by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.
What time does the first train from Leuven to Zürich leave?
The first train from Leuven to Zürich leaves at 06:35. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Leuven to Zürich leave?
The last train from Leuven to Zürich leaves at 21:26. 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 Zürich by train?
Trains travelling from Leuven to Zürich cover a distance of around 297 miles (478 km) during the journey.