Your Train Ride to Maastricht
Whether you are arriving from across the border or across the ocean, the final leg of your journey to ESID 2026 is best experienced by train.
Discover how to reach the heart of the Netherlands with ease.
Your Gateway Cities
Maastricht is uniquely positioned at the intersection of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. This “crossroads” location makes it one of the most accessible cities in Europe by train, connecting you to high-speed train networks.
Brussels
The direct neighbour
Just a hop away. Connect here from the Eurostar or Thalys.
It’s the perfect spot for a quick waffle before your final leg to Maastricht.
Airport Connection Guide
Brussels Airport (BRU)
Best Connection For: Africa, North America, and European travelers looking for the fastest overall transit time.
Arriving to the Train Station: Once you arrive to Brussels, head to Level -1. The station is integrated into the terminal building.
Amsterdam
The classic route
Arriving from Schiphol? You’re on a direct, comfortable Intercity train.
Watch the Dutch landscape change from urban hubs to the historic south!
Airport Connection Guide
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Best Connection For: North America, Asia, and direct European flag-carrier flights. This airport is one of Europe’s most efficient single-terminal hubs.
Arriving to the Train Station: The train station is located directly beneath Schiphol Plaza. Follow the yellow “Trains” signs from the arrivals hall.
Paris
The high speed connection
This route offers one of the fastest high-speed stretches in Europe, as the Eurostar whisks you toward Maastricht via Liège-Guillemins.
Airport Connection Guide
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
Best Connection For: SkyTeam travelers and those combining ESID 2026 with a visit to France! The Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is massive hub with its own dedicated TGV station.
Arriving to the Train Station: Go to Terminal 2 to find the “Gare Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV.”
Düsseldorf
The german gateway
A short 1.5 to 2-hour journey. It’s so close that many locals commute this route daily. Seamless, efficient, and frequent.
Airport Connection Guide
Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)
Best Connection For: European regional flights and Middle Eastern carriers. The Dusseldorf airport is highly accessible with a unique “SkyTrain” link.
Arriving to the Train Station: Take the SkyTrain from the terminal to the “Düsseldorf Flughafen” rail station (5-minute automated ride).
Frankfurt
The major link
For those coming from further afield, Frankfurt’s ICE trains are like ``planes on tracks.`` High-speed, high-comfort, and high-efficiency.
Airport Connection Guide
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Best Connection For: Global long-haul travelers (Star Alliance hub) and those preferring high-speed trains.
Arriving to the Train Station: Once you arrive, follow signs for the Fernbahnhof (Long-distance train station) located at Terminal 1. Do not go to the “Regionalbahnhof”!
Eindhoven
The local secret
The closest major airport in the Netherlands.
A quick 1-hour train ride and you’re at the MECC.
Airport Connection Guide
Eindhoven Airport (EIN)
Best Connection For: European low-cost carriers (Ryanair, Transavia, WizzAir). The Eindhoven Airport is the closest international airport to the meeting venue.
Arriving to the Train Station: Exit the arrivals hall and take the Airport Express Bus (Line 400 or 401) to Eindhoven Centraal.
The European Train Experience
Come to Maastricht directly by train!
Choosing the train for your journey to ESID 2026 is more than a travel choice—it is a commitment to a sustainable future.
Modern high-speed rail turns travel time into a “Productive Retreat,” offering spacious seating, stable Wi-Fi, and the freedom to move, all while significantly reducing your carbon footprint.
France, UK, & Switzerland
The western corridor
- London 🇬🇧: Experience the seamless Eurostar connection. Travel from St Pancras International to Brussels Midi in just 2 hours, then enjoy the final 90-minute scenic leg to Maastricht. Total time: ~4.5h.
- Paris 🇫🇷: The Eurostar (formerly Thalys) connects Paris Gare du Nord to Liège-Guillemins in record time. It is one of the fastest high-speed stretches in Europe. Total time: ~3h.
- Lyon & Marseille 🇫🇷: Utilize the direct TGV lines to Brussels. Enjoy the changing landscapes of France from your window before the final hop to Maastricht.
- Zurich & Basel 🇨🇭: Use the efficient Swiss SBB and German ICE networks. Traveling through the Rhine Valley offers some of the most beautiful views in Europe. Total time: ~6-7h.
Italy & Spain
The southern hubs
- Milan 🇮🇹: Connect via the stunning Simplon or Gotthard routes through the Alps into Switzerland, then head North through Germany. It’s an unforgettable “Slow Travel” experience that brings you to Maastricht refreshed.
- Barcelona 🇪🇸: The high-speed TGV-Renfe connection to Lyon or Paris makes a rail journey from the Mediterranean entirely possible in a single day of scenic travel.
Germany, Austria, & Scandinavia
The central & northern hubs
- Berlin & Hamburg 🇩🇪: High-speed ICE trains run frequently to Cologne or Düsseldorf. From there, it is a simple regional connection into Maastricht. Total time: ~6h.
- Munich 🇩🇪: Board the direct ICE to Cologne. With on-board restaurants and “Silence Zones,” it’s the perfect environment for pre-congress reading.
- Vienna 🇦🇹: Experience the Nightjet sleeper train for a truly sustainable arrival, or use the daytime ICE network via Frankfurt.
- Copenhagen 🇩🇰: Connect through Hamburg. The journey acros the German plains is a relaxing transition into the heart of the Netherlands.
Warsaw & Prague
The eastern connections
- Warsaw 🇵🇱: Travel via Berlin on the EuroCity express. Modern, comfortable, and efficient, this route connects the East to the West with ease.
- Prague 🇨🇿: Use the EuroCity connection through Dresden and Berlin. A beautiful route that highlights the connectivity of the European academic community.
Why Choose the Train for ESID 2026?
Direct reach
Unlike airports, train stations are located in the city center. You arrive exactly where you need to be, saving time and transfer costs.
Convenience
Enjoy the freedom of no liquid restrictions and no strict weight limits. Your bags stay with you at all times, ensuring a hassle-free arrival.
Sustainability
Traveling by rail can reduce your journey's CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared to flying, aligning your travel with the sustainable values of the IEI community.
Productivity
Most high-speed trains (ICE, TGV, Eurostar) offer power outlets and reliable Wi-Fi, allowing you to catch up on research or prepare your presentation in comfort.
