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Travelling from Madrid to Leuven by train

Looking to travel from Madrid to Leuven by train? You've come to the right place!

On average, it takes around 17 hours 28 minutes to travel from Madrid to Leuven by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 12 hours 33 minutes though. You'll usually find 5 trains per day running along the 828 miles (1333 km) route between these two destinations. You’ll need to make 3 changes during the journey to Leuven, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route.

Plan your trip ahead and book your train tickets in advance if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Just start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices for trains from Madrid to Leuven.

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 timetable where you can view first and last train times.

Madrid to Leuven by train

First train

06:22

Last train

21:07

Departure station

Madrid

Arrival station

Leuven

Journey time

From 12h 33m

Distance

828 miles (1333 km)

Frequency

5 trains per day

Changes

3 changes

Train and bus operators

Flixbus

FAQs about the train journey from Madrid to Leuven

Want to know more about your journey from Madrid to Leuven? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do I travel from Madrid to Leuven?

You can get from Madrid to Leuven by train in 17 hours and 28 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 12 hours and 33 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Madrid to Leuven take?

The average journey time by train between Madrid and Leuven is 17 hours and 28 minutes, with around 5 trains per day running on this route. 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 Madrid and Leuven by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Madrid to Leuven is 12 hours and 33 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from Madrid to Leuven?

No, there are no direct train services from Madrid to Leuven. Travelling from Madrid to Leuven by train will require a minimum of 3 changes.

Madrid to Leuven train times

Check out the next trains departing from Madrid to Leuven for Tuesday 24th June 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
05:2217:5512h 33m, 3 changes
05:2218:2313h 1m, 3 changes
11:5707:2319h 26m, 3 changes
12:1809:2321h 5m, 3 changes
20:0717:2321h 16m, 3 changes

Cheap train tickets from Madrid 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 Madrid 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.

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