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Trains from Waterloo to Mechelen

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Waterloo to Mechelen

Taking the train from Waterloo to Mechelen in 56 minutes

Thinking about taking the train from Waterloo to Mechelen? We’ve got you covered.

It usually takes around 1 hour to travel the 21 miles (34 km) from Waterloo to Mechelen by train, although you can get there in as little as 56 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll normally find around 58 trains per day running on this route. You won’t need to worry about making any changes along the way either as direct trains are available.

Train tickets from Waterloo to Mechelen are usually cheaper when you book in advance compared to buying them on the day. Start a search in our Journey Planner to check out the latest prices.

Keen to book your train tickets to Mechelen? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train timetable below, tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs, including first and last train times.

Trains to Mechelen from Waterloo

First train

05:10

Last train

23:10

Departure stationWaterloo
Arrival stationMechelen
Journey time

From 56m

Distance

21 miles (34 km)

Frequency

58 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Waterloo to Mechelen?

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

How do you travel to Mechelen from Waterloo?

To get to Mechelen from Waterloo, why not take the train? With 58 trains per day and an average journey time of 1 hour and 0 minutes, taking the train is a great way to travel. See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

How long does it take to get from Waterloo to Mechelen by train?

On average, it takes around 1 hour and 0 minutes to travel from Waterloo to Mechelen by train, although you can get there in 56 minutes on the fastest services. With 58 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check our Journey Planner for more information.

How fast can trains travel from Waterloo to Mechelen?

The fastest time a train can travel the 21 miles (34 km) from Waterloo to Mechelen is 56 minutes.

Are there any direct trains from Waterloo to Mechelen?

Yes, there are direct trains that run between Waterloo and Mechelen. You'll usually find 29 travelling on this route each day.

What are the train times from Waterloo to Mechelen?

Check out the next trains departing from Waterloo to Mechelen for Tuesday 7th October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
11:1012:131h 3m, direct
11:1912:1758m, 1 change
11:4112:411h 0m, direct
12:1013:131h 3m, direct
12:4113:411h 0m, direct
12:4913:4758m, 1 change
13:1014:131h 3m, direct
13:1914:1758m, 1 change
13:4114:411h 0m, direct
13:4914:4758m, 1 change

How do I find cheap train tickets from Waterloo to Mechelen?

If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.

1. Book in advance

The price of train tickets from Waterloo to Mechelen starts at § one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.

2. Be flexible with your travel times

If you can, consider travelling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as many train companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.

3. Buy a rail pass

If you're visiting multiple locations on your trip, buying a rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. We're official retailers of Interrail Passes that are valid for travel within one country or multiple countries across Europe.

4. Choose a slower or connecting train

On some busier routes, you might have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have some extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare.

5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts

Many train companies in Europe will often run sales on tickets throughout the year or offer discounts to senior/youth/group travellers, so keep an eye out!

6. Take a night train

Save on accommodation and use the night to travel by sleeper train to your next destination.

For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

§Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

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