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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

The Netherlands

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Eindhoven Airport (EIN), 7.6 km west of the city, serves as the main gateway for many European travelers. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), approximately 130 km northwest, is the largest international airport in the Netherlands, a main entry point for travelers from outside Europe. Prices are generally higher during peak summer season (June-August) and around major holidays.

Airport Details

  • EIN: Mainly serves budget airlines (Ryanair, Wizz Air, Transavia) to European cities (London, Barcelona, Rome).
  • AMS: Hosts major international airlines (KLM, Delta, United) with global connectivity (North America, Asia, Africa).
  • Booking: Book 3-6 months in advance for better prices. Flexibility with dates may lead to savings.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Both airports feature useful facilities. Efficient transfer options connect them to the city.

Transfer Information

  • EIN to City: Hermes bus lines 400 (Express) and 401 directly to Eindhoven Centraal Station (20-25 mins). Pay with OV-chipkaart, contactless card, or cash. Taxis/Uber are available.
  • AMS to Eindhoven: Most efficient by train (NS). Direct intercity trains from Schiphol Plaza to Eindhoven Centraal (1 hr 15 mins - 1 hr 30 mins). Purchase tickets from yellow NS machines or via the NS app. Travel luggage with good maneuverability is beneficial.
  • Other Transfers: FlixBus offers connections. Car rental is an option but trains often prove more efficient for city access.

Affordable Flights

Discover great deals for flights with Dollar Flight Club for budget travel.

Compare Airfares

Find and compare flight options globally using Skyscanner for your journey.

Car Rental Deals

Explore car rental options and secure competitive rates through DiscoverCars.com.

Land Transportation

Train & Bus Connections

  • Domestic Trains: Eindhoven Centraal is a major hub. NS (Dutch Railways) offers frequent, reliable services to all major Dutch cities.
  • International Trains: Connect to international services (Thalys, ICE, Eurostar) from major Dutch hubs like Amsterdam Centraal. Direct trains to Belgium exist.
  • Long-Distance Buses: FlixBus offers connections within the Netherlands and across Europe, often cheaper than trains but with longer journey times.
  • Border Crossings: Part of Schengen Area, seamless with neighboring countries. Non-Schengen citizens still need appropriate visa/ETIAS.

Self-Driving & Road Safety

  • Driver's License: Valid domestic license generally accepted. International Driving Permit (IDP) is advised for non-EU licenses. Drive on the right.
  • Road Conditions: Well-maintained and high quality. No toll roads.
  • Parking: City center parking is expensive and limited. Utilize P+R (Park and Ride) facilities on outskirts for cheaper daily rates.
  • Cyclist Awareness: Cyclists are omnipresent and often have priority. Be aware of bike lanes and yield to cyclists when turning.

Sea/River Arrivals

Eindhoven Inland

Eindhoven is an inland city; direct sea or river arrival is not a mode of access. Connecting via land transport from Dutch ports is the way.

Ferry/Cruise Ports

Major ferry ports: Hook of Holland, IJmuiden, Rotterdam. Cruise ships mainly dock in Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Standard Schengen immigration procedures apply.

River Recreation

The Dommel River through Eindhoven mainly serves for local recreation like kayaking, not tourist transport.

Departure Information

Airport Departure Procedures

No specific exit fees are levied on departing travelers from Dutch airports; costs are included in flight tickets.

Recommended Timing

  • Eindhoven Airport (EIN): Arrive 1.5-2 hours before European flights. Consider earlier during peak seasons.
  • Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS): Arrive 2-3 hours before intercontinental flights; 2 hours for European. Walking distances may be long.
  • Train Station (Eindhoven Centraal): Arrive 15-30 minutes before departure. Trains generally depart promptly.

Airport & Station Facilities

Facilities cater to departing travelers, offering comfort and convenience.

Amenities

  • Eindhoven Airport (EIN): Shops, restaurants, few lounges.
  • Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS): Extensive duty-free shopping, diverse dining, lounges, comfortable waiting areas.
  • Eindhoven Centraal Station: Various shops, eateries, waiting areas.

Affiliate Resources: Compensation & Flight Help

For unexpected flight disruptions, services exist to assist you with compensation claims.

Flight Compensation

  • AirHelp: This service aids passengers in receiving up to €600 in compensation for delayed or canceled flights.
  • Commission: AirHelp provides a 15-16.6% commission for referrals.
  • Cookie Duration: The cookie duration for AirHelp is 45 days, recognizing continued engagement.

Travel Insurance Resources

Secure your journey with comprehensive travel insurance options.

Insurance Providers

  • World Nomads: A travel insurance storefront for adventurous travelers.
  • SafetyWing: Insurance specifically designed for digital nomads and remote teams.
  • Insubuy: Offers medical and travel-related coverage for foreigners visiting the United States.

Departure Checklist

  • Confirm your flight or train schedule the day before departure.
  • Use the NS app for train updates or your airline's app for flight information.
  • Allow ample time for transfers to the airport, especially during peak hours.
  • Ensure all luggage complies with airline size and weight limits.
  • Have all necessary travel documents (passport, boarding pass, visa) ready.
  • Consider packing snacks and a reusable water bottle for your journey.

Land Transportation

Train System

Eindhoven Centraal Station holds designation as a major railway hub. NS, the national railway company, maintains frequent and reliable services connecting Eindhoven to all major Dutch cities. Trains run punctually and comfortably.

Domestic & International Trains

  • Domestic Connections: Direct or easy connections to Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, Maastricht, The Hague.
  • International Connections: Main international trains (Thalys, ICE, Eurostar) depart from major hubs like Amsterdam Centraal. Direct trains to Belgium are available.
  • Ticketing: Purchase from yellow NS ticket machines or via the NS app.

Long-Distance Buses & Driving

FlixBus serves as the main long-distance bus operator, supplying connections to various cities within the Netherlands and across Europe. These services offer a cheaper alternative to trains but typically involve longer journey times.

Bus & Car Travel

  • Bus Stops: Main FlixBus stops are typically near the train station or a designated bus terminal.
  • Self-Driving: Drive on the right. Speed limits are strictly enforced. Roads are well-maintained.
  • Parking: City center parking is expensive. Utilize P+R facilities on the outskirts for cheaper rates.

Schengen Area Travel

Seamless border crossings with neighboring Schengen countries (Belgium and Germany).

Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is advised for some non-EU licenses.

Cyclist Awareness

Be aware of extensive bike lanes and yield to cyclists when driving.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry & Cruise Ports

Eindhoven, an inland city, does not have direct sea or river access for arrival. However, major ferry and cruise ports in the Netherlands connect well to land transportation for onward travel to Eindhoven.

Ports & Connections

  • Major Ferry Ports: Hook of Holland, IJmuiden, and Rotterdam (with services from the UK).
  • Cruise Ports: mainly Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
  • Immigration: Standard Schengen Area immigration procedures apply upon arrival at seaports.

River Transportation

The Dommel River flowing through Eindhoven is mainly for local recreational use, like kayaking or canoeing. It does not serve as a mode of public transport for tourist arrivals or long-distance travel within the city.

Recreational Use

  • Dommel River: Limited to leisure activities like kayaking.
  • No public transport function for river travel in Eindhoven.
  • Connections: From seaports, travel to Eindhoven by train or bus.

Departure Information Summary

Airport Departures

No specific exit fees. Arrive 1.5-3 hours before your flight, depending on the airport and destination.

Train Departures

Arrive 15-30 minutes before your train. Eindhoven Centraal Station holds shops and eateries.

Confirm Schedule

Always confirm flight or train schedules the day before using relevant apps.

Final Departure Tip

Prepare for your arrival and departure to make certain a relaxed and straightforward travel experience to and from Eindhoven.