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Getting around Maastricht

Wondering how you can get around Maastricht? Cycling is the preferred mode of transport in Maastricht but there are also several means of public transport available. Below you will find an overview of the main options you have for getting around Maastricht and the Netherlands. Furthermore, you can find here some suggestions for useful websites on this topic. 

Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle

We highly recommend using a bike during your time abroad. It’s one of the best ways to integrate into Dutch life, explore with ease and make it to class on time! For periods up to 1 month, we recommend renting a bicycle. You can do this easily through OV-Fiets . For longer stays, you can choose between bike subscription packages like Swapfiets , or buying one yourself. You can easily find a second-hand bike via facebook groups, such as Buy / Sell a bike in Maastricht , Cheap Bikes in Maastricht , and Secondhand bikes Maastricht , or on websites such as Student Bike Maastricht . For up to date information on finding a bike in Maastricht, please visit MyMaastricht . 

 

Specific regulations for Maastricht

In the city centre you are only permitted to park your bicycle in the provided racks or in one of the (supervised) bicycle parking facilities. Across from the central train station, you will find an underground bicycle parking facility. You can find all permitted bicycle parking racks in the city on the Maastricht bereikbaar website. . If you park your bicycle anywhere else, the Municipality may remove and confiscate it. If you want to check whether your bicycle is confiscated you can call the Municipality of Maastricht . Also please note that it is not allowed to cycle in the pedestrian/shopping area in the city centre while shops are open.

Trains

Maastricht is well connected to the rest of the Netherlands with trains running from very early morning (around 5:00 a.m.) to late at night (1:00 a.m.). If you would like to visit different cities in the Netherlands, taking a train is the most comfortable and fastest way to get around. On the train you have a choice of carriages: first or second class. Classes are indicated with a large 1 or 2 painted on the outside of each wagon. First class costs more and gives you a slightly larger seat in a compartment that is less likely to be full. Smoking is not allowed on any train, and is also prohibited in the station and on the platforms. There are special smoking zones on the platform, which are indicated by an ash tray and a pillar with the words: “rookzone”. Anyone caught smoking outside these zones will get a heavy fine.

Buses

Arriva provides the public bus transport in Maastricht. The buses from De Lijn and TEC can also be used to travel to and from Belgium. You can find all of the timetables and a journey planner on Arriva’s website . You can also find more on our page, “Getting to Maastricht.” .

MyMaastricht.nl

For more information about public transport around Maastricht and the Netherlands please visit: http://mymaastricht.nl/get-settled/transport/ .

Journey planners

We advise you to have a look at this journey planner , which will help you plan your public transport throughout the Netherlands. You can also use the journey planner of the Dutch Railways .

OV-chip card

You need an OV-chip card in order to use the public transport system in the Netherlands. There are personal, anonymous, and disposable cards. Disposable cards can be purchased at vending machines at the train station, anonymous cards at the ticket office or vending machines at the train station, and personal cards can be purchased online . You can charge your OV-chip card with cash or a bank card at a charging point. These are located at train stations and in shops such as Primera and Albert Heijn.