Getting There & Away: Maastricht

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Several airports serve Maastricht, offering various flight options and connections.

Airports

Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST): Regional, 9 km from city center. Limited direct flights, mostly charters.
Eindhoven Airport (EIN): Second-largest in NL, 85 km north. Hub for low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Wizz Air.
Brussels Airport (BRU), Belgium: 95 km southwest. Major international hub with train connections.

Global & Transfer Options

Direct flights from outside Europe generally arrive at large international airports.

Connections & Scheduling

Düsseldorf Airport (DUS), Germany: 110 km east. International airport with train connections.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS): 210 km north. Largest international airport in NL, direct train connections to Maastricht.
Seasonal price fluctuations: Prices rise during peak summer and holidays. Book 3-6 months ahead. Discover deals on Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner.

MST Transfers

Bus line 30 connects Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) directly to Maastricht train station.

Eindhoven Transfers

Bus line 400/401 to Eindhoven Centraal, then intercity trains to Maastricht. FlixBus also offers direct bus services.

AMS Transfers

Direct intercity trains from Schiphol Plaza to Maastricht Centraal Station (approx. 2.5 hours).

Brussels & Düsseldorf Transfers

Brussels Airport BRU

Direct train to Brussels-North, -Central, or -Midi stations.
Connect to a train for Liège-Guillemins (Belgium).
Take a local train from Liège-Guillemins to Maastricht.
Total travel time: approximately 1.5-2 hours.

Düsseldorf Airport DUS

Regional or IC train to Aachen Hauptbahnhof (Germany).
Connect to a train serving Maastricht.
Total travel time: approximately 1.5-2 hours.
Airports feature extensive facilities: shops, restaurants, lounges, car rentals.

Airport Facilities

Ams, Bru, Dus

Extensive facilities including a wide array of shops, restaurants, and lounges.

Mst, Ein

More basic services, sufficient for regional travel.

Car Rental Services

Available at all airports. Explore options on DiscoverCars.com.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Maastricht Centraal Station serves as a well-connected hub.

National & International

NS operates direct intercity trains to Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Utrecht.
Arriva operates direct regional trains to Liège (Belgium) for onward connections.
Purchase tickets at stations, NS website, or NS app. Anonymous OV-chipkaart also useable.

Long-Distance Buses

Bus travel offers an economical and comfortable option.

Companies & Routes

FlixBus offers various international and national routes to/from Maastricht.
Destinations include Eindhoven Airport, Brussels, and German cities.
Arriva operates regional bus services connecting Maastricht to nearby Limburg towns.

Self-Driving & Requirements

Roads in the Netherlands are well-maintained and clearly signposted.

Driving Information

EU citizens: Valid national driver's license. Non-EU: International Driving Permit (IDP) with national license.
Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts mandatory.
Speed limits strictly enforced (50 km/h urban, 80 km/h outside, 100-130 km/h motorways).

Parking & Safety

Parking in Maastricht city center can be expensive and limited.

Parking & Road Safety

Consider multi-story car parks or Park+Ride facilities on city outskirts for cheaper parking.
Cyclists are prevalent; give them priority and ample space.
Traffic can be busy during rush hours around city centers.

Border Crossing & River Travel

Schengen Area: No routine border checks between NL and Germany/Belgium.
River Maas: Navigable, a stop for European river cruise lines.
No sea-ferry services directly to Maastricht as it is an inland city.

River cruises are for tourism and scenic enjoyment, not regular commuting.
Rederij Stiphout offers scenic boat trips on the Maas.
River cruise docks are within easy walking distance of the city center.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

The Netherlands does not impose specific exit fees or taxes on departing passengers.

Departure Timing

Flights: 2-3 hours before international flights (outside Schengen Area).
Flights: 1.5-2 hours before European (Schengen Area) flights.
Train departures: Arrive 15-20 minutes before scheduled departure.

Airport/Station Facilities

Larger international airports offer extensive facilities.

Amenities for Travelers

Maastricht Centraal Station: kiosks, restrooms, small shops.
Larger international airports: wide selection of restaurants.
Duty-free shops and airline lounges for comfort before departure.

Timely Arrival

Allow ample time for check-in, security, and potential VAT refund processes.

Ease of Travel

Maastricht's transport hubs streamline departures, offering comfort and convenience.

Smooth Exit

Departure procedures are straightforward, ensuring a pleasant end to your trip.

Sea/River Arrivals

River Transportation Options

Maastricht is an inland city, but its location on the River Maas means river transportation plays a role in tourism.

Scenic Cruises

Maastricht is a stop for several European river cruise lines.
Rederij Stiphout offers various scenic boat trips on the Maas River.
Tours pass city landmarks and go to the entrance of the Mount Saint Peter caves.

Port Procedures & Connections

These are mainly for tourist enjoyment and sightseeing, not for point-to-point transportation within the city.

Information

No sea-ferry services directly to Maastricht (inland city).
Immigration procedures at seaports apply at coastal ports, not directly in Maastricht.
River cruise docks are within easy walking distance or a short ride from the city center.

River Maas Significance

Historical Importance

The Maas has historically served as a trade route.

Scenic Value

Presents picturesque views of the city from the water.

Recreational Use

Ideal for leisurely cruises, offering an unique perspective.

Travel Planning Tip

Maastricht's well-connected transport network provides numerous ways to reach and depart the city efficiently.

Getting There & Away