If you're arriving in Belgium for the ESSLLI 2024 summer school, you will most likely enter the country through Brussels National Airport (Zaventem), Brussels Midi (South) Train Station, or Charleroi Airport (also referred to as Brussels South Airport, even though it is quite far from Brussels). Here’s how you can reach Leuven from these international arrival points:
From Brussels National Airport (Zaventem)
By Train (preferred):
- Direct Train: The easiest way to get to Leuven from Brussels National Airport is by taking a direct train. The airport has its own train station located in the basement level (-1) of the terminal. Trains to Leuven run frequently, typically every 20-30 minutes, and the journey takes about 15 minutes.
- Tickets: You can purchase tickets from the ticket machines or the ticket counters at the airport. For convenience, you can also buy tickets online through the Belgian Railways website or app (search for SNCB/NMBS on the app stores). It's advisable to check the schedule on the Belgian Railways (SNCB/NMBS) website or app for the most up-to-date information.
By Taxi:
- Taxi Service: Taxis are available at the designated taxi stands outside the arrivals hall of the airport. The journey to Leuven by taxi typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Estimated Fare: The cost for a taxi ride from Brussels National Airport to Leuven is approximately €60-€80. It's advisable to check with the driver for an estimate before starting your journey.
From Brussels Midi (South) Station
By Train:
- Direct Train: From Brussels Midi Station, take a direct train to Leuven. Trains to Leuven depart approximately every 15 minutes, and the journey takes around 30 minutes.
- Tickets: Train tickets can be purchased at the station from ticket machines or ticket counters. For convenience, you can also buy tickets online through the Belgian Railways website or app (search for SNCB/NMBS on the app stores).
From Charleroi Airport
By Bus and Train:
- Bus to Fleurus: The easiest way to travel to Leuven is to take the bus from Charleroi Airport to Fleurus. From Fleurus, take the train to Leuven.
- Bus to Charleroi-Central: Alternatively, you can take the bus from Charleroi Airport to Charleroi-Central, and then take the train to Leuven, which usually requires a switch at Brussels Midi.
- Tickets: You can either purchase a combined bus+train ticket, which will require you to travel through Charleroi-Central, or buy a separate airport bus ticket (for the bus to Fleurus) and a separate train ticket for the journey from Fleurus to Leuven. More information can be found on the Belgian Railways website (Travel to Charleroi Airport).
By Taxi:
- Taxi Service: Taxis are available at Charleroi Airport. The journey to Leuven by taxi typically takes around 1 hour and can be quite expensive.
- Estimated Fare: The cost for a taxi ride from Charleroi Airport to Leuven is approximately €100-€140. It is advisable to check with the driver for an estimate before starting your journey.
Important Note on Leuven and Louvain-la-Neuve
When traveling to Leuven (also called Louvain in French), make sure you do not confuse it with Louvain-la-Neuve, which is an entirely different city located about 30 kilometers south of Leuven. Louvain-la-Neuve is home to the French-speaking Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) and is not the destination for ESSLLI 2024. Leuven, where ESSLLI 2024 will be held, is a Flemish city and home to KU Leuven (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven). Always verify that your ticket and travel plans specify "Leuven" to avoid any mix-ups.
By following these guidelines, you should find your way to Leuven smoothly and efficiently, ready to enjoy the summer school and everything the city has to offer. For further details on transportation and schedules, you can visit the Belgian Railways website or Brussels Airport.