A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dover vs. Leuven for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dover or Leuven?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dover and Leuven can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Dover or Leuven?

Dover

Dover is a major port town on the English Channel, and the closest port in the United Kingdom to the rest of continental Europe. It is best known for its white cliffs, pubs, and Roman history.

Leuven

Lying just east of Brussels, Leuven is a Belgian city and capital of the Province of Flemish Brabant known for its breweries, historic architecture, and university. Because of the university, the town is at its busiest during the academic year (September through June), but there is plenty to see and do during all seasons.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Leuven or Dover?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dover is £124, while the average daily cost in Leuven is £152. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dover and Leuven in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dover £62
    Leuven £79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dover £124
    Leuven £158
Compare Hotels in Dover and Leuven

Looking for a hotel in Dover or Leuven? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Dover


Hotels in Leuven


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dover Hotel Prices and Leuven Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dover £39
    Leuven £52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dover

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dover:

  • One-Way Taxi Transfer from Dover Seaport to London: $254
  • Dover to Heathrow and London Direct Shared Transfer: $131
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to Gatwick City Hotels: $55
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London Airport (LHR): $66
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London City Hotels: $98
  • Private Transfer from Dover Port to London Gatwick Airport (LGW): $55
  • Private Transfers from Heathrow Airport to Dover Cruise Port: $147
  • Private transfer from Dover to London hotel or airport: $210

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:

  • Brussels Airport(BRU) to Brussels hotels-Arrival Private Transfer: $24
  • Brussels Airport(BRU) to Brussels city - Arrival Private Transfer: $33
  • Brussels Airport Shuttle Transfer <-> Brussels (1 to 8 PLACES): $34
  • Private transfer from Airport(BRU) to Brussels City Center: $44
  • Brussels Airport(BRU) to City hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
  • Private transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels city Business car: $54
  • Brussels Airport Transfer <-> Tomorrowland Boom (1 to 8 Places): $58
  • Private Airport Transfer: Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels: $65
  • Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $65
  • One-way Private Transfer From/To Brussels Airport: $70
  • Private Transfer from Brussels Airport to the city of Brussels: $73
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels City by Business Car: $74

Is it cheaper to fly into Dover or Leuven?

Prices for flights to both Leuven and Dover change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dover £38
    Leuven £42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leuven

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leuven.

  • Mechelen Small-Group Walking Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $75
  • Mechelen Food Tour: $82
  • Vegan Walking Food Tour in Mechelen: $82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dover £20
    Leuven £19

Tours and Activities in Dover

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dover are as follows:

  • Pilgrims and Pit Stops: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Canterbury: $5.99
  • The Condensed Canterbury Tour: $13
  • The Canterbury Classic Tour: $16
  • Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 14.00 Tour: $19
  • Canterbury Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 11.00 Tour: $19
  • Small-Group City Running Tour in Canterbury: $27
  • Dover Castle Admission Ticket: $29
  • From Dover Cruise Ship; Grand Tour of White Cliffs Country & back: $108
  • Private Guided Walking Tour of Canterbury: $153
  • Dover Shore Excursion:Post-Cruise Tour to London via Canterbury and Leeds Castle: $172
  • Dover Cruise Ship to Leeds Castle via Canterbury, Villages & back: $177

Tours and Activities in Leuven

Here are a few actual costs in Leuven for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self-Guided Walking Tour with Offline Access: $5.99
  • Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $32
  • Small-Group Mechelen City Guided Walking Tour: $52
  • Mechelen Small-Group Running Tour: $52
  • Guided Small-Group Cycling Tour of Mechelen: $60
  • Small-Group Chocolate Tour in Mechelen: $63
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $74
  • Private 2 Hour Walking Tour of Mechelen : $229
  • Soothing Corners of Leuven - Romantic Tour: $288
  • Special Christmas Journey in Leuven - Walking Tour: $395

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dover £7.71
    Leuven £21

Sample the Local Flavors in Dover

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dover:

  • Full Day Wine Tour in Sussex and Kent: $178


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dover and Leuven, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Dover much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dover would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dover and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Leuven would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Leuven than you might in Dover.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dover Expensive? and Is Leuven Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dover or Leuven?

Leuven has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover and Leuven, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Dover or Leuven?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Dover or Leuven in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Leuven. Most visitors come to Dover for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Dover is generally around the same temperature as Leuven. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 17°C (63°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In Dover, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dover usually receives more sunshine than Leuven during summer. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dover usually receives less rain than Leuven. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dover 17°C (63°F) 
    Leuven 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Dover or Leuven in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dover as well as Leuven. The autumn months attract visitors to Dover because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Dover is around the same temperature as Leuven in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Leuven fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Dover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 114 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in October than Leuven. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dover 12°C (54°F) 
    Leuven 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Dover or Leuven in the Winter?

Both Leuven and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Dover this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Leuven. It's quite cold in Dover in the winter. In the winter, Dover is a little warmer than Leuven. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dover in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Leuven averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Dover usually receives more sunshine than Leuven during winter. Dover gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dover usually receives less rain than Leuven. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dover 4°C (40°F) 
    Leuven 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Dover or Leuven in the Spring?

Both Leuven and Dover during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dover for the natural beauty.

In April, Dover is generally cooler than Leuven. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 9°C (47°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the spring, Dover often gets more sunshine than Leuven. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 147 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in April than Leuven. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dover 9°C (47°F) 
    Leuven 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Leuven and Dover

Dover Leuven
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in)