Here are several common ways to reach Aachen:
By Plane:
Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN): The nearest major international airport is Cologne Bonn Airport, approximately 85 kilometers away from Aachen. From the airport, you can take a train or use other ground transportation options to reach Aachen.
Düsseldorf Airport (DUS): Düsseldorf Airport is another international airport located about 100 kilometers from Aachen. Like Cologne Bonn Airport, you can use train services or other ground transportation options to reach Aachen from Düsseldorf Airport.
Frankfurt (FRA): Frankfurt Airport is another big international airport, approximately 260 kilometers away from Aachen. There some direct train connections (ICE) to reach Aachen, otherwise you can take a train to Cologne and from there you will have a several train connections to Aachen.
Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST): Maastricht Aachen Airport is relatively smaller and serves regional flights. It is about 40 kilometers from Aachen.
By Train:
From Cologne: Aachen is well-connected by train, and there are frequent services from major cities. The high-speed train (Thalys) connects Aachen to Cologne in about 1 hour. From Cologne, you can reach Aachen Hauptbahnhof (main train station).
From Düsseldorf: Trains also connect Aachen to Düsseldorf. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the type of train.
From Brussels: International train services connect Brussels to Aachen. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
From Paris: The Eurostar Train connect Aachen to Paris. The journey takes about 3 hours.
By Car:
From Cologne or Düsseldorf: Aachen is accessible by car via the A4 motorway from Cologne or the A44 motorway from Düsseldorf. The journey time by car is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours from these cities.
From Brussels: If you are coming from Brussels, you can take the E40 motorway and then connect to A3/E40 toward Aachen.
By Bus:
Long-Distance Buses: Long-distance buses, such as FlixBus and Eurolines, connect Aachen to various cities in Germany and Europe.
Local Transportation:
Public Transportation: Aachen has an efficient local public transportation system, including buses. Aachen Hauptbahnhof (main train station) is a central hub for various transportation options.
Taxis: Taxis are readily available in Aachen and can be hired for local transportation.
Before planning your trip, it's advisable to check the latest travel options and schedules, especially considering potential changes in transportation services. Additionally, individual circumstances may affect the most suitable mode of transportation for your journey.