Travelling to Leuven
Leuven, ideally located in the heart of Belgium, is a leading destination for business travelers. Leuven is just 15 minutes away by direct train from Brussels Airport. The city is also easily reached via major highways and national rail connections. Whether arriving by plane, train, or car, visitors benefit from Leuven’s excellent connectivity. For international guests, Belgium’s Schengen visa policy facilitates entry for many nationalities.
By train
Train travel is one of the more efficient and lower‑impact ways to reach Leuven. Belgium’s national rail operator, NMBS/SNCB, provides frequent services throughout the day from major Belgian and European connections.
- From Brussels Airport, the train to Leuven takes 15 minutes.
- From Brussels South Station (Bruxelles‑Midi / Brussel‑Zuid), the journey takes around 30 minutes.
- Leuven station is located at the edge of the city centre, with most hotels and venues within walking distance. Local buses operated by De Lijn and taxis provide further transport options from the station.
By plane
- Brussels International Airport (BRU) is Belgium’s main gateway and one of Europe’s most well‑connected airports, offering delegates a wide choice of long‑haul and European flights. Delegates can board a direct train to Leuven from inside the airport terminal, making the onward journey simple and efficient. The train ride takes only 15 minutes.
- Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) is a convenient choice for delegates flying with low‑cost carriers, with its compact layout and a straightforward 1.5–2 hour connection to Leuven via the shuttle to Brussels and subsequent train.
Moving around in Leuven
- On foot Leuven’s city centre is highly walkable, and most hotels, venues and key locations lie within a short walking distance of one another. A city map is available to help delegates find their way and navigate Leuven with ease.
- By bike Leuven has an extensive network of cycling paths and bike‑friendly streets. Bike rental options are available throughout the city, offering a quick and convenient way to travel between locations.
- By public transport For destinations slightly further out, local bus services operated by De Lijn provide frequent connections within Leuven and to surrounding neighbourhoods. Buses depart from several stops across the centre, including the station area.
By car
We encourage visitors to use public transport when travelling to Leuven, as it is a convenient and reliable option. If travelling by car is preferred, Leuven is also connected to several major motorways, including the Brussels Ring, the E40 and the E314, providing good access for regional and national travellers.
- The city offers a range of parking facilities, including long‑stay options suitable for multi‑day conferences.
- Access in and around Leuven may change depending on ongoing roadworks, events or temporary traffic measures. For the latest updates on accessibility and traffic situations, one can consult the city’s mobility and roadworks overview.
Visa
Belgium is part of the Schengen Area, an international area without border controls at internal frontiers, which guarantees free movement to EU citizens, along with non-EU nationals living in the EU or visiting the EU. It is composed of 29 Schengen states: 25 EU member states and 4 non-EU countries: Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. On the other hand, border controls are still in place in Ireland and Cyprus. Even though both countries are EU member states, the Schengen rules do not apply there.
Short-stay visa (Type C)
Non-EU or EEA nationals may need a short-stay visa for visits of up to 90 days. This visa is issued by the consulate of a Schengen member state and permits travel throughout the Schengen Area during the approved period.
Who needs a visa?
Some nationalities are exempt from the visa requirement. A full list is available via the ibz Immigration Office.
Where to apply
Applications can be submitted to:
- The Belgian embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country of residence, or
- The embassy of the Schengen country representing Belgium locally
Detailed information on visa procedures is available via the FPS Foreign Affairs website.
How to Reach Leuven – At a Glance
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