Quickly to the heart of Leuven
You can choose to make the journey with Thalys 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 Thalys | Header | Header | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No reservation required | Fast and comfortable travel to Belgium | Content | Content | Content |
| Flexibility: easily take a train earlier or later | 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 |
With Thalys you need to travel to Antwerp and with Intercity Brussels to Mechelen and take a domestic train to Leuven.
There are different types of Thalys 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.
| Discount on NS route | Free travel NS route | Discount on NS route | Free travel NS route | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd class | 1st class | |||||
| Flex rate | € 52,90 | € 41 | € 23,10 | € 84,40 | € 64,80 | € 35,50 |
| Early Bird week | € 25 | € 10,50 | € 38 | € 16,50 | ||
| Early Bird weekend | € 36,50 | € 16 | € 50,50 | € 21 |
Early Bird can be booked up to 7 days before departure 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.
Thalys tickets to Leuven can be booked up to 4 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 7 days before departure, you are able to buy our Early Bird tickets: tickets with a significant discount, especially when you travel on week days (Monday-Tuesday).
To make your trip that much easier, we have summed up certain practical issues for you.
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.
If you have a 1st class ticket, you can enjoy a free drink at the NS International Lounge in Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport and Rotterdam.
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
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 Thalys
Read all about the facilities and practical issues of Intercity Brussels
Intercity Brussels Intercity Brussels is the international Intercity that travels to and from Belgium 16 times a day.