Aachen North Rhine-westphalia, Germany Travel Guide
Flying into Germany or a neighboring country has several convenient airport choices for reaching Aachen. Consider which airport best suits your flight origin and onward travel plans.
Larger hubs extend your reach with a wider range of airlines and destinations.
Flight availability generally remains good year-round. Prices typically go up during peak summer months (June-August), around major holidays (Easter, Christmas), and during significant events like CHIO Aachen. Booking reserving flights ahead of time is a good plan for better rates. Flexibility with travel dates can bring savings.
All major airports (DUS, CGN, BRU, FRA) hold comprehensive facilities. This includes duty-free shops, a wide range of restaurants and cafes, vehicle rental firms, currency exchange services, ATMs, and lounges. Wi-Fi access is also widely available. Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) offers more restricted services, reflecting its smaller size.
Direct flights from global hubs usually arrive at Frankfurt (FRA), Düsseldorf (DUS), or Brussels (BRU). From this group airports, onward travel to Aachen typically occurs by train or bus. Few direct flights land at Maastricht Aachen Airport from outside Europe.
Aachen sits directly at the border with Belgium and the Netherlands. All three are Schengen Area members, meaning routine passport inspection generally do not occur at land borders. Always carry a valid passport or national ID.
Aachen Hauptbahnhof serves as the main train station. Db (DB) operates most services, including high-speed ICE trains heading to major German cities and Thalys services to Brussels and Paris. Regional trains (RE/RB) connect to nearby German, Belgian, and Dutch cities.
FlixBus is the main operator for long-distance bus travel in Germany and Europe. It has a wealth of connections to and from Aachen, typically stopping at Aachen Westfriedhof or the central bus station (Bushof). This option can be more budget-friendly than trains, though often slower.
Aachen benefits from good connections to the German Autobahn network (A3, A4, A44). Roads are generally in excellent condition. Driving generally remains safe.
Walking and cycling present excellent ways to explore Aachen. The city center is specifically good for pedestrians.
Aachen increasingly invests in bicycle infrastructure, with a growing network of bike lanes. Consider cycling for getting around locally.
Prepare for your departure from Aachen by understanding exit processes and timing.
Facilities cater to departing travelers, from check-in to last-minute needs.
No specific exit fees. Prepare documents for airport/station procedures. Digital boarding passes simplify the process.
Allow 2-3 hours for international flights and 1-2 hours for domestic/Schengen flights. For trains, 15-30 minutes before departure is typically fine.
Download boarding passes or train tickets to your phone. This saves time and minimizes reliance on an internet connection.
Ensure all your travel documents are easily accessible. A smooth departure makes for a nice end to your Aachen journey.
