By Airplane
Travelling from Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam) to Groningen
When you arrive in the Netherlands at Schiphol, the Amsterdam International Airport, the easiest way to travel to Groningen is by train. The underground train station is beneath the airport, within walking distance of the luggage claim areas. The Dutch railway system is run by Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS). You will recognize it by its yellow and blue colors. Just follow the yellow illuminated signs that direct you ‘To the trains’. Then follow the ‘By Train’ instructions below.
Travelling from Groningen Airport Eelde to Groningen
From a few destinations, it is possible to fly to Groningen Airport Eelde which is close to the city of Groningen. For updated destinations/tickets see https://www.groningenairport.nl/en/home
There is a bus service between Groningen Airport Eelde and the city of Groningen. This trip takes 30 to 45 minutes.
For bus timetables see https://9292.nl/en
By Train
You will have to purchase a single-use chipcard (this is your train ticket) to Groningen before you board the train. Be careful: passengers travelling without a valid ticket will be fined. You can buy either a first-class ticket or a second-class ticket.
There are two ways of purchasing a ticket: the ticket counter and the yellow and blue ticket-vending machines that you will find in the luggage claim hall and by every entrance to the train terminal. You can purchase tickets from the machines only by using your Credit Card or a Debit Card – the Debit card should have the Maestro logo on it.
If you use a single-use chipcard or OV-chipkaart please make sure you check in and out; hold your OV-chipkaart up against the NS card reader in one of the gates or free-standing posts.
You can also buy your ticket online and simply print it yourself. This allows you to take care of everything whenever and wherever it suits you. All you have to do is complete the journey details, pay for the order, download and print your e-ticket. This means that you can board the train straight away! You can use the QR-code on the printed ticket to open the gates at the train station.
Train schedules
You can plan your train trip by using the NS journey planner. You can also download the mobile NS App in Dutch or English from Google Play or the App store.
The journey from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport takes approximately two hours and Groningen is the last stop. The trains are quite comfortable and (most trains) feature free wireless Internet in all classes and 220V AC outlets in first class. Food and drinks are not sold on the trains, please make sure that you purchase these beforehand at the airport.
Planning your journey in the Netherlands
You may find the website http://9292.nl/en very useful for planning public transportation in Groningen and in the Netherlands. The planner combines all available public transportation – trains, buses, trams, metro, and boats – to provide an optimal route. It also informs you real-time about the current delays and disruptions in public transportation.
You can also download the 9292 mobile app in Dutch or English from Google Play or App store.
By car
Please note that car traffic in the city center is restricted and street parking is very limited. Also be aware of the numerous cyclists that may not exactly follow the traffic regulations. There are ten parking garages located near the center.
More information on car parking in Groningen, including the street parking regulations, can be found here.
Public transport (buses) in Groningen
Participants of ADASS2019 will get FREE transportation in Groningen city buses! You simply show your badge (that you will get during registration) to the bus driver, including the backside of the badge. Before conference registration you can simply buy a ticket from the bus driver.
Free bus transportation will not be provided for IVOA meeting participants since this meeting is in the Groningen city centre.
You may find the website http://9292.nl/en very useful for planning public transportation in Groningen and in the Netherlands. The planner combines all available public transportation – trains, buses, trams, metro, and boats – to provide an optimal route. It also informs you real-time about the current delays and disruptions in public transportation.
You can also download the 9292 mobile app in Dutch or English from Google Play or App store.
How to reach Martini Plaza
Use http://9292.nl/en to get a trip advice from door to door.