Maastricht

1. International Airports Nearby

Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST)

• Location: Approximately 10 km northeast of Maastricht.
• Airlines: Limited international flights, primarily to holiday destinations and some European cities.
• Transportation to City Center:
  • Bus: Line 29 connects the airport to Maastricht city center. The journey takes about 30 minutes and costs around €3.50.
  • Taxi: A taxi ride to the city center costs approximately €25-€30 and takes about 15-20 minutes.

Eindhoven Airport (EIN)

• Location: About 90 km northwest of Maastricht.
• Airlines: More extensive international connections, especially with low-cost carriers.
• Transportation to Maastricht:
  • Bus: Direct buses (Line 400) run from Eindhoven Airport to the Eindhoven train station, where you can catch a train to Maastricht. The total travel time is around 2 hours, costing approximately €15-€20.
  • Taxi: A taxi from the airport to Maastricht costs around €100-€120.

Brussels Airport (BRU)

• Location: Approximately 120 km southwest of Maastricht.
• Airlines: Major international hub with flights to destinations worldwide.
• Transportation to Maastricht:
  • Train: Take a train from Brussels Airport to Brussels Central Station, then transfer to a train to Maastricht. The total journey takes about 2.5 hours and costs around €25-€35.
  • Bus: Flibco offers shuttle services from Brussels Airport to Maastricht, costing around €20-€25 and taking about 2.5 hours.

2. Train Connections

Maastricht is well-connected by train to various international destinations:

• Amsterdam: Direct trains run frequently, taking about 2.5 hours. Tickets cost around €25-€35.
• Brussels: Direct trains take about 1.5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from €20-€30.
• Liège: A quick 30-minute train ride, costing around €10-€15.
• Cologne: Trains take about 2 hours, with prices around €20-€30.

Ticketing Procedures

• Purchase Options: Tickets can be purchased at the station, online via NS (Dutch Railways) or SNCB (Belgian Railways) websites, or through mobile apps.
• Discounts: Consider purchasing an Interrail or Eurail pass if you plan to travel extensively within Europe.

3. Bus Services

While Maastricht has limited direct international bus services, there are options available:

• FlixBus: Offers connections to various European cities, including Brussels, Cologne, and Amsterdam. Prices vary but typically range from €10-€30 depending on the destination.
• Local Buses: Local bus services connect Maastricht to nearby towns and cities, with tickets costing around €3-€5.

4. Costs Overview

• Local Transport:
  • Bus fare within Maastricht: €2.50-€3.50.
  • Taxi fare within the city: Starting at €3.50, with an average ride costing €10-€15.
• Train Fares: As mentioned, expect to pay between €10-€35 for intercity travel, depending on the distance and destination.

5. Local Considerations and Tips

• Language: Dutch is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
• Currency: The Euro (€) is the currency used. Credit cards are accepted in most places, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors.
• Public Transport Apps: Download local transport apps like NS for train schedules and 9292 for bus and tram services.
• Biking: Maastricht is bike-friendly, and renting a bike can be a great way to explore the city.
• Cultural Etiquette: Be polite and greet locals with a friendly "Hallo" or "Goedemorgen" (Good morning). Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill is common.

Conclusion

Navigating international travel in Maastricht is relatively straightforward, with various transportation options available. Whether you choose to fly into nearby airports, take the train, or use bus services, planning ahead will ensure a smooth journey. Enjoy your travels in this charming Dutch city!