TRAVEL TO LEUVEN

Leuven is easy to reach thanks to its central location in Belgium and excellent transport connections. Whether you travel by air, train, bus, or car, you’ll find convenient options to suit your needs.

Travel to Leuven

Leuven is well connected to Belgium’s rail network.

>> Brussels South Railway Station: About 30 minutes from Leuven. From there, high-speed trains link you to Paris, London, Amsterdam, Vienna, and other major European cities.

>> City access: Leuven station is a 10-minute walk from the city center via Bondgenotenlaan, one of Leuven’s main streets.

>> More info: https://www.belgiantrain.be | https://www.raileurope.com

Belgium’s main international gateway is Brussels Airport (Zaventem – BRU), located just 20 minutes from Leuven.
>> Direct train connection: Brussels Airport-Zaventem to Leuven (approx. 13 minutes). The station is located beneath the airport and accessible via escalators and lifts from the arrivals hall.
>> Other options: Bus, taxi, and car rental services are available.
>> More info: https://www.brusselsairport.be | https://www.belgiantrain.be

Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) is another option, about 64 km from Leuven.
>> There is no direct train from Charleroi Airport to Leuven.
>> Public transport: Bus to Charleroi-Sud station + train to Leuven (approx. 1h45–2h).
>> Alternative: Flibco’s Door2Gate shuttle (advance booking required) offers a direct transfer to Leuven.
>> More info: https://www.charleroi-airport.com | https://www.flibco.com

Antwerp Airport (ANR) mainly serves European destinations and is about 60 km from Leuven.
>> To reach Leuven first travel to Antwerp Central Station (only by taxi or local bus).
>> From Antwerp Central, take a train to Leuven (approx. 50 minutes).
>> More info: https://www.antwerp-airport.com/ | https://www.belgiantrain.be

FlixBus offers routes to Leuven from various EU and UK locations. Buses run more frequently to Brussels and Brussels Airport, where you can easily transfer to Leuven by train or local bus.
>> More info: https://www.flixbus.com

Regional networks:
>> Flanders (including Brussels Airport): https://www.delijn.be
>> Wallonia (including Brussels South Airport): https://www.letec.be

Leuven can be reached via the Brussels Ring and the E40 and E314 motorways. The historical center of Leuven is traffic-free. The rest of the city center is subdivided into 5 districts. In each district a loop directs traffic from the ring road to a city center parking garage and back to the ring road. We advise you to park your car in one of the more advantageous ring road car parks. Public transport buses drive regularly from the car parks to either the city center or the train station.

More information about car parks in Leuven can be found here .

Travel in Leuven

Leuven has an extensive bus network serving the Leuven city center and the surrounding areas. The main bus station is located next to the train station. A 60 min. ticket will cost you EUR 3.00, and one-day or weeklong passes are also available.
More information can be found on the bus service website: www.delijn.be .

Leuven is a small-sized city, all locations are within walking distance. One of the most sustainable and healthy cities in Europe with traffic-free zones and outstanding cycling infrastructure.

Download your free city map here or get it at Visit Leuven, Jozef Vounckplein 2, Leuven.

Bike rental in Leuven is possible with Blue-Bike. You can find a pick-up point near the Leuven train station inside the bicycle parking, Prof. R. Van Overstraetenplein 1/001, 3000 Leuven. For the first 24 hours you can already rent a bike for €2,50. Different rates apply after 24 hours which you can consult on Blue-Bike’s website .