Welcome to Leuven
While you're here for the conference, we invite you to explore this history-laden city. This year, Leuven University celebrates its 600 years of existence, making it the oldest University in Belgium. You will enjoy the many places for food or drinks, Leuven being a human-sized city, you can explore most of it by foot.
In the heart of Belgium, Leuven is easily accessible by public transport. Be aware that Leuven is a bike friendly city. You will encounter many of these specimens while walking through the city. They are used to bike in crowded areas, but you may not be used to bikes rushing past you, be careful!
All up-to-date information can be found on the Visit Leuven website, and you can find some general tips below.
By Train
High-Speed Connections
Leuven is easily accessible by train from major high-speed hubs:
From Bruxelles-Midi / Brussel Zuid: The main international hub for Eurostar and TGV. Frequent trains reach Leuven in just 25 minutes.
From Liège-Guillemins: If you arrive via ICE or Thalys from Germany, you can catch a direct train to Leuven that takes approximately 30 minutes.
The most up-to-date train timetable is on belgiantrain.be or using the SNCB mobile app.
By Plane
Airport Options
Brussels Airport Zaventem (BRU) is the airport to go to, since it has a direct train connection to Leuven in 20 minutes.
You may wish to avoid Brussels South or Charleroi Airport (CRL). The name is misleading since the airport is an hour away from Brussels. However, if you have no other choice, once you arrive at CRL, you will have to:
- Take a Flibco bus to Bruxelles Midi (55 min)
- Take the train from Bruxelles Midi to Leuven (see above)
By Car
Parking & Navigation
Follow your favourite Navigation System. You will have to pay for your parking in the city. There are frequent controls and the fines can become expensive.
There is a convenient parking garage next to the venue: Parking Vaartkom. There is an elevator to the park on the hill next to the venue.