To Leuven by train
With Intercity Brussels and Eurostar
Quickly to the heart of Leuven
- From € 25 one-way trip with Intercity Brussels
- From € 37 one-way trip with Eurostar
- Travel time Amsterdam - Leuven 2.49 hours Intercity Brussels
- Travel time Amsterdam - Leuven 2.19 hours Eurostar
Intercity Brussels becomes Eurocity Direct and EuroCity from 15 December
From 15 December 2024, the name and route of Intercity Brussels will change. The fast train to Brussels will soon be called Eurocity Direct. In addition to the Intercity, there will also be an extra train to Belgium, EuroCity. Until that date, you can continue to travel on the current trains.
More information about the new trains between the Netherlands and Belgium
Travel information
You can choose to make the journey with Eurostar or Intercity Brussels. In Antwerp or Mechelen you can change trains and catch a domestic train to the heart of Leuven. Choose which train to Leuven meets your needs the best.
| Travel with Intercity Brussels | Travel with Eurostar | Header | Header | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No reservation required | Fast and comfortable travel to Belgium | Content | Content | Content |
| Flexibility with full-flex | Reserved seats | Content | Content | Content |
| Discount with your “NS abonnement” | Early booking = lowest prices | Content | Content | Content |
| Early bird tarief tickets when you book in advance* | Shortest travel time | Content | Content | Content |
*You can book an Early Bird ticket up until 3 days before departure, limited availability.
Changing trains in Antwerp or Mechelen
With Eurostar you need to travel to Antwerp and with Intercity Brussels to Mechelen and take a domestic train to Leuven.
Prices train tickets Leuven
There are different types of Eurostar rates each with related prices. Train ticket prices for Intercity Brussels depend on the time of booking and travel. Book at least 7 days before departure and you will travel for the best price anywhere in Belgium.
The price depends on
- The moment of booking - Early booking means lowest prices
- Travel class - 1st or 2nd class
- Flexibility - Regarding changing or cancelling bookings
Options flexibility Eurostar
Eurostar Standard
- Change without charge up to 1 hour before departure
- Cancellation with € 25 fee up to 7 days before departure
- Limited availability
Eurostar Plus
- Change without charge up to 1 hour before departure
- Cancellation with € 25 fee up to 7 days before departure
- Sufficient available
Eurostar Premier
- Change without charge up to 48 hours after departure
- Cancel without charge up to 48 hours after departure
- Almost always available
Eurostar Premier
- Change without charge up to 48 hours after departure
- Cancel without charge up to 48 hours after departure
Almost always available
| Discount on NS route | Free travel NS route | Discount on NS route | Free travel NS route | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd class | 1st class | |||||
| Flex rate | € 56.50 | € 43.70 | € 24.50 | € 91.50 | € 69.90 | € 37.60 |
| Early Bird | € 25 | € 10.50 | € 41 | € 17.50 |
Early Bird can be booked up to 3 days before departure, limited availability. Listed from-prices are based on one-way tickets from Amsterdam Central Station. The price of Intercity Brussels is based on kilometres – if you depart form a station that is closer to Leuven, then the trip is cheaper.
Book in advance and save money
Eurostar tickets to Leuven can be booked up to 7 months in advance. The sooner you book, the lower the rate.
For Intercity Brussels you can buy tickets from 180 days before departure. Up until 3 days before departure, you are able to buy our Early Bird tickets: tickets with a significant discount. The availability is limited.
General tips for getting the cheapest tickets
- Book as early as possibly to have the most chance of getting the cheapest tickets.
- Travelling in the evening is often cheaper.
- For a weekend getaway, travel Sat-Sun-Mon instead of Fri-Sat-Sun.
- Book online to avoid booking fee.
Practical information
To make your trip that much easier, we have summed up certain practical issues for you.
Itinerary planner and app
Please keep in mind that there could be delays or engineering works and check your trip with the itinerary planner. That way, you will never get an unpleasant surprise!
Download our app so that you will be kept informed during your trip of the possible changes.
Free access to the lounges
If you have a 1st class ticket, you can enjoy a free drink at the NS International Lounge in Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport and Rotterdam.
Tips Leuven
Would you like tips for your visit to Leuven? Check visitleuven and you can read how you can discover the city. You will find information about all sights, events and you will receive great shopping tips.
Read more great Leuven tips
Facilities on board the train
We gladly inform you about all facilities on board so that you can make your journey more comfortable.
Read all about the facilities and practical issues of Eurostar
Read all about the facilities and practical issues of Intercity Brussels
Leuven
Weekend getaway Leuven
Discover historical sights, taste local beers and relax in Leuven's botanical garden.
Hotels in Leuven
Want to stay in a monastery or farmhouse? We offer tips for some great hotels.
Restaurants in Leuven
We recommend the best restaurants, the chic and inexpensive.
Book your ticket from the nearest station
Blue-bike in Belgium
Join Blue-bike and you can easily and for a little money collect a bike at the station.