Trains from Utrecht Centraal to Leuven
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Traveling from Utrecht Centraal to Leuven by train
Looking to travel from Utrecht Centraal to Leuven by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 3 hours 15 minutes to travel from Utrecht Centraal to Leuven by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 2 hours 30 minutes though. You'll usually find 47 trains per day running along the 137 km route between these two destinations. You'll need to make 2 changes during the journey to Leuven, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. You'll be traveling with Thalys, ICE or DB on your way to Leuven, as these are the main rail operators on this route.
Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Utrecht Centraal to Leuven start from $25.06 when you book in advance, so start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices.
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 Leuven by train, including our train schedule where you can view first and last train times.
Utrecht Centraal to Leuven by train
It takes an average of 3h 15m to travel from Utrecht Centraal to Leuven by train, over a distance of around 85 miles (137 km). There are normally 47 trains per day traveling from Utrecht Centraal to Leuven and tickets for this journey start from $25.06 when you book in advance.
| First train | 06:03 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:41 | |
| Departure station | Utrecht Centraal | |
| Arrival station | Leuven | |
| Journey time | From 2h 30m | |
| Distance | 85 miles (137 km) | |
| Frequency | 47 trains per day | |
| Changes | 2 changes | |
| Price | From $25.06 | |
| Train and bus operators | SNCB, Thalys, NS, Deutsche Bahn, BlaBlaCar Bus |
NS, Thalys, Deutsche Bahn and ICE (Intercity Express) trains from Utrecht Centraal to Leuven
NS
Thalys
Deutsche Bahn
ICE (Intercity Express)
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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Thalys is the railway company connecting four European countries – France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Thalys trains run at a speed of up to 186 mph (300 km/h) and have three comfort classes on all services called – Standard, Comfort and Premium (equivalent to the First Class, with access to the Thalys Lounge). All Thalys trains have a car restaurant (called Thalys Welcome Bar) and a free WiFi connection.
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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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The high-speed train of Deutsche Bahn, with a maximum speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), the ICE connects major cities and is also used for international travel to neighbouring countries such as Austria, France and Denmark. This train is equipped with air conditioning, a dining car, a children's compartment and power sockets. Passengers enjoy a free WiFi connection throughout the duration of the ICE trip.
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Thalys classes from Utrecht Centraal to Leuven
Compare the different travel classes offered by Thalys when traveling from Utrecht Centraal to Leuven.
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 Utrecht Centraal to Leuven
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 Leuven 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 Utrecht Centraal to Leuven
How long does the train from Utrecht Centraal to Leuven take?
The average journey time by train between Utrecht Centraal and Leuven is 3 hours and 15 minutes, with around 47 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 Leuven by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Utrecht Centraal to Leuven is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
How much does the train from Utrecht Centraal to Leuven cost?
Train tickets from Utrecht Centraal to Leuven can start from as little as $25.06 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 Utrecht Centraal to Leuven?
No, there are no direct train services from Utrecht Centraal to Leuven. Travelling from Utrecht Centraal to Leuven by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.
What time does the first train from Utrecht Centraal to Leuven leave?
The first train from Utrecht Centraal to Leuven leaves at 06:03. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Utrecht Centraal to Leuven leave?
The last train from Utrecht Centraal to Leuven leaves at 23:41. 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 Leuven by train?
Trains travelling from Utrecht Centraal to Leuven cover a distance of around 85 miles (137 km) during the journey.