When I need to travel from Amsterdam to Eindhoven, I travel by train, or car. A pre-booked taxi can also be a good idea.
The train takes 1 hour 20 minutes and costs €24 to €40 – it’s my usual choice because trains run every 30 minutes direct, with even more frequent connections via Utrecht.
A private transfer takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to two hours and costs €185-210 for up to 4 people – worth considering if you’re traveling with luggage or prefer door-to-door convenience.
A rental car can also be a good idea if you plane to explore this beautiful region, for example to see all the amazing Vincent van Gogh locations you find in this province.
Table of Contents
Why Visit Eindhoven
Most travelers heading to Eindhoven are either catching flights from the budget-friendly airport or exploring the Netherlands beyond Amsterdam. Eindhoven earned the nickname “City of Light” as the birthplace of Philips electronics, and today it’s the country’s technology capital.
The Philips Museum tells the story of innovation from the first light bulbs to modern healthcare technology. During October, Dutch Design Week transforms the city into Europe’s largest design festival. The former Philips factory district of Strijp-S has become a creative hub filled with studios, restaurants, and boutiques.
While not as picturesque as Amsterdam’s canals, Eindhoven offers a refreshingly modern face of the Netherlands focused on innovation rather than tourism. It’s a great hub to take local day trips to Van Gogh locations in Nuenen, Den Bosch, and the Efteling Themepark. If day trips are your goal I highly recommend a rental car.
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Find Places to Stay in Eindhoven
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My 3 Favorite Eindhoven Hotels
- My top pick: Pullman Eindhoven Cocagne – phenomenal breakfast and modern luxury
- Modern experience: NH Collection Eindhoven – floor-to-ceiling windows and great roof top terrace
- Special location: Hotel Kazerne – Very cool little boutique hotel in a beautiful building
Train from Amsterdam to Eindhoven: Fast and Frequent
I take the train to Eindhoven more than any other option because it’s simply the most practical. Direct NS Intercity trains run every 30 minutes and take exactly 1 hour 20 minutes. With a quick change in Utrecht (just across the platform), you get twice as many departures – essentially every 15 minutes..
The journey costs €24 for second class or €40 for first class. I usually purchase first class tickets on this route because the extra space makes the hour-plus journey more comfortable, especially if you’re working. This route is also very busy.
⤷ I wrote a complete guide on “How to book train tickets in the Netherlands” where I explain all the options, and which is best for travelers.
Eindhoven Centraal sits right in the city center.
Eindhoven Airport
If you’re traveling to Eindhoven airport you can easily change to a bus from Eindhoven station. Bus 400 and 401 serve the airport frequently. You can buy your bus ticket in advance here and avoid the hassle in the bus (open ticket).
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Private Transfer: Door-to-Door Comfort
When you’re traveling with suitcases, or when you just prefer door-to-door comfort, I recommend pre-booking a private transfer. The 125-kilometer journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to two hours and costs €185-210 for up to 4 passengers. Which is cheaper than taking a metered taxi without pre-booking.
Save Up To 50%
When you book a taxi in advance you can save up to 50% off the metered priced and enjoy a fixed price. With coverage around the country.
Reserve Your Taxi Now
Booking Your Transportation from Amsterdam to Eindhoven
Train Tickets
Book through the official NS website and then load your tickets onto the app to avoid the €1,50 machine surcharge. Your ticket works for any train that day, giving you complete flexibility.
⤷ Here is my article where I tell you all about booking your train tickets in the Netherlands
Money-saving tip: When you book 4+ days ahead you’re often eligible for a discount if you travel off-peak, the earlier you book the higher the discount.
You’ll need internet access for your train tickets and navigating Eindhoven with an app like Google Maps. Skip the expensive international roaming charges, or plans—an eSIM costs a fraction of your provider’s rates and gives you more data. Plus, it’s simple to install before you travel.
Private Driver
Book your taxi in advance and you save significantly on the fare compared to metered journeys. When booking it’s worth it to select “Luxury” instead of “Standard” for a nicer driving experience. Standard is comparable with a regular ride-share experience. Luxury means a driver in suit, and a nicer vehicle.
Save Up To 50%
When you book a taxi in advance you can save up to 50% off the metered priced and enjoy a fixed price. With coverage around the country.
Reserve Your Taxi Now
Budget Option: Bus Service
FlixBus operates between Amsterdam and Eindhoven with tickets starting at €10 and journey times of 1 hour 45 minutes. Buses run multiple times daily with comfortable coaches featuring Wi-Fi and power outlets. But compared to trains buses departures are very limited.
Buses depart from Amsterdam Sloterdijk, not the city center which add time and cost to get there. In Eindhoven they do have a central stop. Buses are less flexible (you need to travel on the departure you book)
This works well if your Amsterdam hotel is near Sloterdijk station or if you’re connecting to Eindhoven Airport, as some buses stop there directly.
Driving Between Amsterdam and Eindhoven
As a local I drive this route often, but I only recommend driving if you’re exploring the surrounding Brabant region. The A2 motorway is direct but frequently congested, especially around Utrecht and near both cities during rush hours. Then there is also parking. So if you’re just visiting cities the train is better.
Driving time ranges from 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic. Parking in Amsterdam costs €5-10 per hour, while in Eindhoven city center you can expect to pay €2-3 per hour.
Booking a rental car makes sense for exploring Van Gogh’s Nuenen nearby or visiting the Efteling theme park, both easier to reach by car than public transport.
What to Do in Eindhoven
Eindhoven centers around technology and design rather than charm. The Philips Museum occupies the original 1891 factory where Gerard Philips produced his first light bulbs – and essential for understanding why Eindhoven became the Netherlands’ tech capital.
PSV Stadium offers tours of the home ground of one of the Netherlands’ most successful football clubs. Even non-football fans appreciate the behind-the-scenes look at Dutch sports culture and the stadium’s role in city life. PSV has won multiple league titles and competes regularly in European competitions.
Strijp-S district transformed from industrial wasteland to creative quarter. Former factory buildings now house design studios, galleries, restaurants, and the futuristic Evoluon building. The area feels like a glimpse into the Netherlands’ tech-focused future.
Just 10 kilometers away, Van Gogh’s Nuenen makes an excellent half-day trip. The village where Van Gogh lived and painted for two years features the Vincentre museum and cycling routes past locations that inspired his work.
During Dutch Design Week each October, the entire city becomes an exhibition space with installations, workshops, and events that draw design professionals from across Europe. Make sure to book your Eindhoven hotel far in advance during this week.
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Frequently Asked Questions How to Get from Amsterdam to Eindhoven
Is the private transfer worth the extra cost compared to the train?
The train is cheaper and often faster door-to-door. But it is all about the convenience factor. If you’re traveling with luggage, or just appreciate the comfort of door-to-door service without stranger the private transfer is worth the extra cost. You don’t have to travel to the station, no platforms to manage, and no luggage issues. Make sure to pre-book your taxi if you want to take one. Metered prices are much higher.
How reliable are the trains from Amsterdam to Eindhoven?
Very reliable – it’s one of the Netherlands’ busiest lines. I’ve taken this route dozens of times and rarely is there a problem, if there is there usually will be replacement services. Because trains run so often and tickets are flexible missing one train isn’t a crisis.
Can I travel this between Amsterdam and Eindhoven with lots of luggage?
Trains have no luggage limits but limited storage space during peak hours. Buses allow airline-standard luggage. Private transfers handle luggage best – drivers help load/unload and there’s dedicated storage space.
Should I book advance tickets or can I buy same-day tickets?
Train prices are “fixed” so getting a ticket on the same day will not cost more than I wrote in this article. But if you book in advance (4+ days) you can get a discount, the discount amount is higher the earlier you book. Read my article on train tickets where I tell you all about Booking train tickets, including this discount option. For buses you always need to book in advance – prices rise and popular departure times sell out. Private transfers should be booked at least a few hours ahead.
What if I need to travel between the airport instead of the city center?
Schiphol to Eindhoven Airport requires the train to Eindhoven Central, then bus 400/401 to the airport – about 2 hours total. You can buy your bus transfer ticket to Eindhoven airport here in advance, which saves you time and hassle when entering the bus. A private transfer is also a good alternative. When you pre-book a taxi from Amsterdam Airport the driver waits for you if you’re delayed. There are no direct bus connections between the airports.
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Conclusion
I recommend the train for most travelers – it’s fast, frequent, and drops you in both city centers. The 1 hour 20 minute journey with no connections beats driving through traffic.
Choose a private transfer if you’re traveling in a group or value door-to-door convenience over cost savings. You avoid station walks with luggage.
The bus works for budget-conscious solo travelers who don’t mind the less central stops and fixed schedules.
I recommend booking a rental car if you’re exploring multiple destinations in the region.
Read More:
- All my “How To Get From Amsterdam” Transportation Guides
- Explore Vincent van Gogh sites in Nuenen, which is so close to the city
- Efteling Theme Park Tips (just as good as Disney)
If this guide helped you plan your trip to Eindhoven, consider buying me a coffee – that helps me to continue producing these detailed guides!
