How to get to Aachen

Situated at the crossroads of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, Aachen is a unique historical city that was once the favorite residence of Charlemagne. Today, it is a dynamic spa resort and university hub, attracting travelers with its famous cathedral, thermal springs, and distinct European atmosphere. Getting here is effortless: the city enjoys excellent transport accessibility thanks to a developed network of railways, highways, and proximity to several international airports.

Since the city of Aachen does not have its own civil airport, tourists typically arrive at neighboring transport hubs. The closest options are air gateways in neighboring countries: Maastricht Airport (MST) is just 29 km away, while the Belgian Liège (LGG) is approximately 39 km away. These airports are well connected to the city by ground transport.

For international and intercontinental flights, travelers often choose the major airports of Düsseldorf or Cologne, from where one can quickly reach the destination via a direct train or shuttle.

Traveling by rail is one of the most comfortable options, as Aachen Main Station is a key stop for high-speed trains operating between European countries. The station is located close to the historic center, making arrival exceptionally convenient for tourists.

It is particularly easy to arrive by train from nearby foreign cities such as Maastricht and Liège. Regular connections and short travel times make rail travel the optimal choice for those who value speed and punctuality.

Bus routes connect Aachen with many neighboring regions, offering a budget-friendly alternative to trains. A trip from the city of Maastricht (a distance of about 31 km) on a direct bus usually takes about an hour, which is very convenient for short visits.

Routes from Belgium are also popular: the journey from the city of Liège, while taking more time compared to the train, allows you to enjoy the views of the region. This is an accessible way to travel, especially if you are not restricted by strict time frames.

Traveling by car ensures maximum flexibility and allows you to easily reach the city of Aachen via excellent European roads. The journey from the city of Maastricht, a distance of about 42 km, will take just 50 minutes with clear traffic.

If you are heading from the direction of Belgium, the route from the city of Liège (around 55 km) will require about 55 minutes of time. Thanks to the developed highway system, a taxi or rented car will be an excellent choice for those traveling with luggage or family.

To ensure your stay in the city of Aachen is as pleasant and carefree as possible, we have prepared a list of useful recommendations considering local features.

1. Clothing and Weather. The weather here is changeable, so even in summer, it is worth carrying an umbrella and a light windbreaker. For walking along the cobblestones of the old center, comfortable flat shoes are essential.
2. Transport. The historic center is compact and ideal for walking. For trips to outlying districts, it is convenient to use the ASEAG city bus network.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it is better to carry some cash for kiosks, small cafes, or markets.
4. Health. Tap water here is of excellent quality and safe to drink. Pharmacies are easily recognized by the red letter "A" symbol; many medicines are available only by prescription.
5. Language. The main language is German, but thanks to the city's border status, many locals speak good English, and sometimes French or Dutch.
6. Etiquette. Germans value politeness: when entering a shop, it is customary to say "Guten Tag" (Good day). It is also extremely important to observe punctuality.
7. What to avoid. Never walk on bicycle paths (usually colored red) — this is a zone of high danger and annoyance for local cyclists.
8. Local Taste. Be sure to try Aachener Printen — spicy gingerbread cookies that are the main gastronomic symbol of the city; they can be soft, hard, or covered in chocolate.

By following these simple tips, you will quickly feel at home in the ancient imperial capital and enjoy every minute of your journey.