Eindhoven Airport

Eindhoven Airport is not merely the second most significant air hub in the Netherlands, but also the main gateway to the high-tech Brainport region, renowned for its innovation and design. Unlike the bustling Schiphol in the capital, this terminal appeals to travellers with its "human scale" and thoughtful ergonomics: the journey from the entrance to the boarding gate takes just a matter of minutes here. Eindhoven often becomes the number one choice for those planning a budget journey across Europe, who value the absence of long queues and a calm, modern atmosphere.

Features and Benefits

Eindhoven Airport is famous for its efficiency and focus on passenger comfort. A key advantage is the rapid processing of all formalities. The compactness of the terminal and modern security scanners help minimise stress and waiting time before departure.

Among other important benefits are:

• Excellent transport links: Getting to the city centre is easy and affordable. Bus routes 400 (express) and 401 run with high frequency, connecting the terminal to Eindhoven Central Station.
• Unique facilities: Despite its modest size, the airport offers interesting services. For instance, weary travellers can use the Massage-O-Matic chairs, providing a relaxing shiatsu massage and privacy right in the waiting hall.
• Hotel within the terminal: The Tulip Inn hotel is located directly above the departure zone. This is an ideal solution for passengers with early morning flights, allowing them to wake up literally a few steps away from the check-in desk.
• Automated processes: The airport actively implements self-service technologies, including terminals for automated baggage drop, which significantly speeds up the check-in process.

• Official Website: For the most complete and up-to-date information, including flight schedules, news, and services, please visit the official airport website: www.eindhovenairport.nl.
• Information Desk Phone: For general enquiries, you can call: +31 40 291 9818.
• Airport Address: Luchthavenweg 25, 5657 EA Eindhoven, Netherlands.
• Email: The airport prefers communication via online forms for various requests (general questions, complaints, feedback), which are available on the official website in the contacts section.
• Social Media: Follow updates and ask questions via the airport's official pages on social networks such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage was lost or damaged during the flight, you must immediately contact your airline's baggage tracing service. If you left items within the airport terminal, use the search form on the website in the "Lost & Found" section.
• Passenger Support Contacts: The main support channel is the information phone line and the "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) section on the website, where answers to most questions can be found.

Getting to Eindhoven Airport from the city centre or from the central station (Eindhoven Centraal) is quite simple, as the transport system is excellently organised. The choice of method depends on your budget, time, and amount of luggage. On average, the journey from the city centre takes about 20-30 minutes.

Public transport is the most popular and economical option. Buses run directly from Eindhoven Central Railway Station to the airport.

• Bus No. 400 (AirExpressBus): This is a direct shuttle that goes to the airport without intermediate stops. Travel time is about 20 minutes.
• Bus No. 401: This route also connects the station and the airport but makes several stops along the way, so the trip will take a little longer, approximately 25-30 minutes.

Taxis and private transfers offer more comfort, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling in a group. Official taxi ranks are located at the station exit. A trip to the airport will cost approximately 30-40 Euros. Services like Uber also operate in Eindhoven. For complete peace of mind, you can book a transfer online in advance — the driver will meet you at the designated place and take you directly to the terminal for a fixed price.

Car rental is an excellent choice for those planning to travel around the region. By renting a car in the city, you can easily reach the airport via well-marked roads. Eindhoven Airport has several official car parks. P1 (Gold Parking) is located closest to the terminal but is the most expensive. Car parks P3, P4, P5, and P8 are located slightly further away (within walking distance or accessible via a free shuttle) and offer more favourable rates. It is highly recommended to book a parking space online in advance, especially for long-term parking — this helps to save significantly.

Eindhoven Airport (EIN) is distinguished by a compact and thoughtful structure, making it very convenient for passengers. There is only one two-storey passenger terminal here, which serves both domestic and international flights, including destinations in the Schengen and non-Schengen zones. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about transferring between different buildings — all processes are concentrated under one roof.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The Ground Floor is the arrival and check-in zone. Here you will find airline check-in desks, the baggage claim area, as well as several cafes and shops in the public area. After checking in for the flight, passengers proceed to the First Floor, where the departure zone is located. Here you pass through security control, after which you enter a spacious waiting hall with Duty Free shops, restaurants, and boarding gates.

Procedures at Eindhoven Airport generally proceed quite quickly due to its small size. Nevertheless, since the airport serves many popular low-cost carriers, queues for check-in and security screening may form during peak hours and the tourist season. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2–2.5 hours before departure, especially if you are flying outside the Schengen zone and need to pass through passport control.

Navigating the terminal will not cause difficulties. Signs are in Dutch and English, and all key zones — "Vertrek" (Departures), "Aankomst" (Arrivals), and Gates — are clearly marked. All infrastructure is within walking distance, making movement around the airport fast and comfortable even for those visiting for the first time.

The history of Eindhoven Airport is a journey from a modest airfield to the second busiest aviation hub in the Netherlands. Its story began in 1932, when a runway named Welschap was created on the site of the current airport. Initially, the airfield had a grass surface and was used for sports and recreational flights, but it soon attracted military attention.

A key role in the development of the airport was played by the Second World War. After the occupation of the Netherlands, the airfield was significantly expanded and used by the Luftwaffe. After liberation, it passed under the control of Allied forces and became an important base for operations. After the war, the airport retained its dual purpose — military and civil. In 1984, the first passenger terminal was built, which became an important milestone in its transformation into a fully-fledged commercial airport. The official name was changed from "Welschap" to "Eindhoven Airport" in 1996.

A real breakthrough occurred in the early 2000s with the arrival of budget airlines. This caused explosive growth in passenger traffic, which required radical modernisation. In 2005, a new modern terminal was opened, and in 2013 it was expanded again to cope with the growing number of travellers. Today, Eindhoven Airport is a modern and effective transport hub that continues to play an important role for both civil aviation and the Royal Netherlands Air Force, with whom it still shares the runway.

Eindhoven Airport offers passengers all necessary amenities to make waiting for a flight comfortable and pleasant. Within the terminal, you will find various dining outlets: from coffee shops where you can quickly drink coffee with fresh pastries, to restaurants offering full meals. After passing security control, access opens to shops, including Duty Free, where you can purchase perfumes, souvenirs, and local delicacies. There are also shops with books, electronics, and travel goods at the airport.

For those who wish to relax in a quieter environment, the Aspire Lounge business lounge operates at the airport. Access can be paid for on the spot or obtained with a relevant loyalty card. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or work. Numerous power sockets and USB ports are provided for charging electronic devices, located in waiting areas and at boarding gates.

Financial services are represented by ATMs located both in the public area and in the departure zone, as well as a currency exchange point. In case of necessity, passengers can visit the first aid station. For travellers with children, special mother and child rooms are equipped where you can take care of your baby in a calm environment.

The airport is fully adapted to serve passengers with reduced mobility. An assistance service from the check-in desk to the aircraft board is provided, which is recommended to be booked in advance through the airline. The terminal is equipped with ramps, lifts, and special restrooms, ensuring a barrier-free environment.

If you have an early departure or late arrival, an excellent solution would be the Tulip Inn Eindhoven Airport hotel, which is located directly in the terminal building. For business travellers, modern conference rooms and business centres equipped with everything necessary for meetings and negotiations are available in the hotel and the airport itself.

At Eindhoven Airport (EIN), travellers will find several convenient options for a snack or a full meal. Catering establishments are located both in the public area and in the departure zone after passing security control, offering a choice for every taste and budget.

In the public area (landside), before passing control, the main establishment is the self-service restaurant La Place. This is an excellent place for those who want a leisurely lunch or dinner. They offer a wide range of fresh dishes: from salads and sandwiches to hot soups, pasta, and grilled items. This is an ideal option for a wholesome meal. Prices here are moderate, and the quality of food is traditionally high for this chain.

After passing security control (airside), in the departure zone, the choice is oriented towards a faster format. Here you will find popular international chains:

• Starbucks: for those who cannot imagine a journey without their favourite coffee, frappuccino, and pastries.
• Burger King: classic fast food for a quick and filling snack before departure.
• The Bar: a cosy place where you can order various beverages and light snacks.

Regarding special dietary needs, vegetarian options are easy to find at La Place (salads, vegetable dishes) and at Burger King (vegetarian burgers). at Starbucks, you can always ask for plant-based milk for drinks. With gluten-free or Halal dishes, the choice may be limited, so it is recommended to clarify information directly with the staff of the establishments. Most cafes operate from early morning until the departure of the last flight, adjusting to the airport schedule.

Thus, for a quick snack after passing control, Starbucks or Burger King are excellent choices. If you have time and the desire to enjoy more varied and fresh food, the best choice would be the La Place restaurant in the public area of the airport.

Travelling through Eindhoven Airport, a popular hub for budget airlines in the Netherlands, can be simple and convenient if you know a few nuances. To avoid rushing, arrive at the airport at least 2-2.5 hours before your flight departure. In peak seasons, such as summer months or holidays, it is better to allow 3 hours, as queues for check-in and screening can be longer than usual.

To save time, always complete online check-in for your flight if possible. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop or, if you are travelling light, to the security checkpoint. At security control, be prepared in advance: place all liquids (up to 100 ml each) in a transparent bag, and remove laptops and other large electronics into a separate tray. This will significantly speed up the process for you and other passengers.

When choosing a seat on the plane, most airlines flying from Eindhoven charge an additional fee. If it is not crucial for you where to sit, skip this step when buying a ticket — the system will assign you a seat for free. If comfort is a priority, an aisle seat offers more legroom, while a window seat offers the chance to enjoy views during take-off and landing.

Pay special attention to hand luggage rules. They are strictly enforced, especially by low-cost carriers. Ensure your bag complies with the permitted dimensions and weight specified on your airline's website. It is prohibited to take sharp objects, flammable substances, and liquids in containers larger than 100 ml in hand luggage. It is better to double-check current rules before leaving for the airport.

Passengers with transfers should note that Eindhoven Airport mainly serves direct flights. There is no transit zone here in the usual sense. If you have a self-transfer, you will most likely have to pass passport control (if arriving from a non-Schengen country), collect luggage, check in again for the next flight, and pass security screening once more. Allow sufficient time for this.

Customs control for flights within the Schengen zone is usually absent, but random checks are possible. For passengers arriving from outside Schengen, standard rules apply: use the "Green Channel" if you have nothing to declare, and the "Red Channel" if you are importing goods exceeding established limits.

To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it after passing screening at special fountains. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are generally high. Also, book parking online in advance if arriving by car — this is almost always cheaper than paying on the spot.

In case of a flight delay, remain calm. First, contact your airline representative for information. Depending on the length of the delay, under EU rules, you may be entitled to drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. There are several cafes and shops in the airport where you can pass the time while waiting for departure.