Located in the heart of Europe, Belgium offers excellent transport connections, making Leuven easily accessible from across the globe. The capital city, Brussels, is a key European hub, with extensive flight and train links connecting it to major cities such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin.

With over 200 European and international flight routes serving Brussels Airport, most of Europe’s population can reach Belgium in less than 3 hours. From Brussels, reaching Leuven is quick and convenient.

The main international airport of Belgium, Brussels Airport is located just 20 minutes from Leuven. There is a direct train connection from the airport’s own station (Brussels National Airport) to Leuven station, with frequent departures throughout the day.

The train station is located directly beneath the airport and can be reached easily from the arrivals hall. Car hire and taxi services are also available at the airport.
More information: www.brusselsairport.be and www.belgianrail.be

Located approximately 1.5 hours from Leuven, Brussels South Charleroi Airport is a popular hub for low-cost airlines.

To reach Leuven, you can take an airport shuttle bus (around 1 hour) or travel by train after connecting via a shuttle bus to Charleroi train station. Car hire is also available at the airport.
More information: www.charleroi-airport.com

We encourage attendees to choose sustainable travel options where possible:

By Train: Leuven’s central station is well-connected to major European cities via high-speed rail. Trains are a low-carbon alternative to air travel, especially for attendees travelling from neighbouring countries such as France, the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK.

By Bike: Leuven is a bike-friendly city, with an extensive network of cycling lanes and bike rental services. If you are staying in Leuven, cycling is often the easiest and greenest way to get around.

By Electric Car: Several parking garages in Leuven offer electric vehicle charging stations, making it easier for attendees to arrive sustainably by EV.

Public Transport: Leuven’s public transport network is efficient and well-connected, with regular buses linking the train station, the city centre, and surrounding areas.

By choosing sustainable travel, you’ll help reduce the carbon footprint of ISV2026 while enjoying a comfortable and convenient journey to the symposium.

Leuven is easily accessible by car, located near the Brussels Ring and directly connected to the E40 and E314 motorways.

Please note that Leuven’s historic city centre is largely traffic-free, with vehicle access limited to certain areas. The city centre is divided into five districts, each with its own traffic loop that guides cars from the ring road to a nearby parking garage and back out to the ring road.

To reduce congestion and your environmental footprint, we recommend parking at one of the affordable park-and-ride car parks along the ring road. From there, frequent public buses provide quick connections to the city centre and Leuven train station.

For more information about parking options in Leuven, visit: Parking in Leuven.

Leuven is easily accessible by train, with excellent connections from Brussels South Station (Bruxelles-Midi / Brussel-Zuid), Belgium’s main hub for international high-speed trains. From Brussels South Station, you can reach Leuven in just 30 minutes by direct train.

Brussels South Station connects directly to major cities across Europe, including:

• Paris (Thalys)
• London (Eurostar)
• Amsterdam (Thalys)
• Cologne & Frankfurt (ICE)
• Vienna (Nightjet)

Upon arrival at Leuven station, the city centre is just a 10-minute walk away, along Bondgenotenlaan – one of the city’s main streets, lined with shops, cafés, and landmarks.

With its central location and easy rail access, Leuven is a convenient and welcoming destination for ISV2026 attendees travelling from across Europe and beyond.

Average high 18 degrees Celcius.

Average low 9 degrees Celcius.

The dress code for the symposium will be casual attire.

Currency: Belgium uses the Euro (€).

ATMs: ATMs are available, especially near Brussels airport, train stations, and tourist areas. Look for "Geldautomaat" machines.

Credit Cards: Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or local markets.

Currency Exchange: You can exchange currency at banks, exchange offices, and even some hotels. Rates at exchange offices may vary, so it’s worth comparing options.

Belgium uses Type C and Type F plugs, which are common in Europe. The standard voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz.

• If your device has a different plug type or voltage, you will need a plug adapter or voltage converter to charge your devices.

Most hotels and public spaces in Leuven provide free Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected throughout your visit.

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