Are you thinking about making the journey from Amsterdam to Eindhoven?
And you wonder about the best way to make the trip? You’re in the right spot. I’m a local to the area, and I’m very familiar with this route.
For one, I travel to Eindhoven regularly to catch a cheap flight that departs from Eindhoven Airport. Also, when I’m traveling south, I use this route. My last visit to Eindhoven was in May 2023.
Eindhoven is not a pretty city compared to the many beautiful cities the Netherlands is lucky to have. But Eindhoven is a significant city in the Netherlands. It’s home to one of the most important technical universities in the world, it is home to Philips (you can visit the Philips Museum), and the PSV football club.
And it’s a central regional transport hub because of its airport (popular with low-budget airlines), and it’s a stop on one of the busiest train lines in the country (Amsterdam – Utrecht – Den Bosch – Maastricht). Plus, it’s one of the most important motorways in the country, the A2 between Amsterdam and Maastricht.
It’s also close to Efteling Park. There are plenty of reasons to make this journey for many, and there is one for you too, or you would not be reading this article.
After the Amsterdam to Rotterdam route, this is one of the most popular routes for visitors to the Netherlands.
Let’s dive in so that when you’re done reading this article, you’ll know all that’s important about the different options for transportation from Eindhoven, whether you want to travel between the city centers or the airports. I’ll cover it all.
In a Hurry? Here’s a quick conclusion:
- The train is the best mode of transportation for most people when traveling from Amsterdam to Eindhoven. Why? Because trains depart with the highest frequency. You’ll have the most flexibility with your ticket (on the travel date) and space to move around. This is my preferred way to travel, and since this journey is longer, I advise you to buy a first-class ticket. That is what I do.
- If you don’t mind paying a bit more, a private pre-booked taxi to Eindhoven might be the best solution for you. This ensures a private transfer, at your preferred time.
- Budget Option: the Amsterdam to Eindhoven bus price will be the lowest-priced transportation option. There are regular daily departures, and it will save money. Buses between these cities are comfortable and modern. You will be limited to your booked ticket travel time, and they arrive at the outskirts of town. So do take that in mind. I always use Busbud to find bus tickets when I need them.
TIP: Bookmark this page, to come back later once you’re ready to book, and get all the tips and tricks from the rest of the article.
Table of Contents
Overview
First things first, let’s get a birds-eye view. Amsterdam to Eindhoven is a pretty straightforward stretch. Geographically speaking, The distance between Eindhoven and Amsterdam is roughly 78 miles (or about 125 kilometers).
This is how long this will take you to get from Amsterdam to Eindhoven with different transportation options:
- There are direct trains departing from Eindhoven Centraal to Amsterdam Centraal. The trip from Amsterdam to Eindhoven takes 1 hour and 19 minutes. This train service departs up to four times an hour.
- If you prefer private transportation, I recommend to pre-book a taxi. It will take you about 90 minutes.
- The journey time between Amsterdam and Eindhoven by coaches (bus) typically takes about 1.5 hours. But, they travel to the city outskirts in Amsterdam (so while it sounds only slightly longer than the train, once you add in the time to get from the bus stop to the city, you need to add another 30 minutes). 2 hours is a more realistic time to keep in mind.
- By car, you’re usually looking at a bit under 1.5 hours if traffic’s on your side, but to be safe, calculate 2 to 2.5 hours.
- There are no Amsterdam to Eindhoven flights. Long ago, this was possible, my friend’s mother was a flight attendant on that route, but it’s just memories now.
If you don’t want to travel by car, then between most Dutch cities, the train is the only transportation option available, but between Amsterdam and Eindhoven you have a choice between train and bus, but the train will be a more comfortable way to get from Amsterdam to Eindhoven and for most the best way to get there.
From Amsterdam to Eindhoven By Train
If there’s one thing the Netherlands has figured out, it’s the train system. Now the Dutch will hotly debate this. But we’re spoiled if you compare the train system here to others worldwide. Trains travel frequently, are safe to use, punctual, and user-friendly. In other words, it’s easy to take the train.
Getting on a train from Amsterdam to Eindhoven is easy. Eindhoven central station is well-connected, with frequent direct services to Amsterdam Centraal. Usually, you’ll find an Intercity train departing every 30 minutes during most of the day or every 15 minutes with a quick transfer across platforms in Utrecht. The train journey time is only 1 hour and 19 minutes—the quickest way from all your transportation options on this route.
The Eindhoven train station is right in the middle of the city center.
The main railway operator in the Netherlands is called NS. There are no other train companies on this route.
Benefits of Traveling by Train:
- Speed: The train is the fastest way to get to Amsterdam from Eindhoven
- Comfort: More spacious seats, especially in first class. And room to stretch out, plus no traffic jams!
- Stay Connected: Dutch trains offer free Wifi on all trains in all classes of service. Power outlets are available in most 1st class sections but not all, so don’t count on them being there. In 2nd class, they would only be present in the newest trains.
- Scenery: Enjoy the Dutch landscape whisking by.
- Options: You can travel 2nd class for more affordable prices or 1st class for more comfort.
The ticketing system in the Netherlands used to be complicated, but it is not anymore. First, what is essential to know is don’t buy train tickets in advance. There is no refund policy if you don’t travel, and prices are distance-based. The time of purchase is NOT important. Just get your ticket on the day of travel.
These are the two most simple and easy ways to buy your train tickets:
- If you’re alright with the standard 2nd class, tap your contactless debit or credit card at the departure station and the same card again once you arrive—no fussing about with paper tickets. The correct fare is automatically calculated for 2nd class (take a blue seat).
- If you’re leaning towards 1st class travel (and, honestly, that is me), the surcharge is worth it to me, for the extra space and the fact the carriages are relatively quieter, the best way to buy your ticket is via the NS App (see link below). The app is the way to go for all possible different ticket types.
Either way, you save the €1 per ticket surcharge at the ticket machines or staffed ticket counters. Also, a return’s price is just 2x the price of a one-way ticket. So it’s best to get one-way tickets since a return must be used the same day.
The NS App is also an excellent resource for up-to-date travel information while you’re traveling.
For more tips on Dutch train tickets, check out my article “Train Tickets Netherlands.”
The latter provides all kinds of handy travel information. You can look up train times, a journey planner, prices, how busy trains are, and much more.
I also have a super helpful article on how to travel by train in the Netherlands. It covers in-depth what you need to know. And answers questions like how to board the train, where to find the correct class of travel, how flexible your tickets are, and much more.
PS: If you’re looking for the cheapest train tickets by train, you’re out of luck. Ticket prices are pretty much fixed. It’s the distance and the amount of miles you travel. But you can save money by traveling 2nd class versus 1st class.
Booking Train Tickets (Domestic & International)
Buy your train tickets online. You avoid the €1 surcharge at the machine. you can print your tickets or download them to your phone.
If you book at least 4 days in advance and travel during off-peak hours you can save up to 60%. The longer you book in advance the more you can save.
Traveling from Amsterdam to other European cities like Antwerp, Brussels, Bruges, Paris, London, and many more is easy by train.
Make sure to book online in advance. Prices go up fast. I always recommend a 1st class ticket.
Amsterdam to Eindhoven By Taxi
If you prefer a private transfer to Eindhoven you can book a taxi to Eindhoven. If you pre-book your ride in advance you will save a lot of money compared to the metered price.
You can book your pre-booked taxi from Amsterdam to Eindhoven here.
When you book a taxi in advance you can save up to 70% off the metered priced and enjoy a fixed price. With coverage around the country.
Amsterdam to Eindhoven By Bus
Taking a bus could be your best option if you prefer a cost-effective travel option. Buses are slower than trains and offer less flexibility, but they will be cheaper.
How to Travel Between Eindhoven and Amsterdam by Bus
Flixbus is the primary operator on this route. The bus from Eindhoven to Amsterdam departs from the John F Kennedylaan stop, their bus station. It’s very close to Eindhoven Centraal (train station). Buses run multiple times a day, and while they’re not as frequent as trains, they’re regular.
While buses might not compare to the spaciousness of trains, buses did become better in recent years. Modern coaches come with decent legroom, reclining seats, and onboard WIFI. And it’s a great way to save money for an extra Stroopwafel in Amsterdam 😋.
This is the cheapest way to travel to Amsterdam from Eindhoven, but if you ask me, bus or train? The answer will be easy for me: train, 1st class. It’s worth the extra money because I have many more departure options and space.
If your hotel is in the Amsterdam Arena or Sloterdijk area, then the buses stop right there. In that case the bus quickly wins from the train in terms of speed and comfort.
It’s also good to remember that bus companies usually allow you to bring approximately the same luggage allowance as airlines do. When you travel by train from Eindhoven Centraal to Amsterdam Centraal Station by train, there are no limitations.
Finding Cheap Tickets For The Bus
TIP: Book in advance to find cheap bus tickets. Train ticket prices are fixed, but bus tickets from Amsterdam to Eindhoven are not. If you book early bus companies like Flixbus will offer you the cheapest way to get to Eindhoven. You can book a bus ticket here.
Travel to Amsterdam By Car
Driving offers the freedom public transportation can’t quite match, right?
But if you’re only traveling from city center to city center, that freedom becomes quickly frustrating. Dutch cities like Amsterdam are old and not built for traffic.
There will be hold-ups everywhere. Let’s not even speak about dangerous trams and bicyclists. Eindhoven is easier to navigate by car but still busy, and parking will be expensive.
Do I say not to travel by car? It depends. A car will be comfortable if you plan to see more of the surroundings, like the Van Gogh in Brabant, including Van Gogh Village in Nuenen.
Where to Rent a Car?
Both Eindhoven and Amsterdam have car rental facilities. I always advise private customers to rent from the airport locations. Traffic will be more comfortable out of the airports than in the city center when you need to return the car.
If you’re looking for a rental car, Rentalcars.com is my favorite platform. I find they most often always have the best rates. Discover cars is an alternative. Check them both for the best comparison. Rental Cars is the company I use when renting a car anywhere in the world.
Find the lowest price for Car rental in the Netherlands
For the best car rental rates, I suggest checking both Rental Cars and Discover Cars. I often go with Rental Cars, but it’s worth comparing both.
How to Travel to Eindhoven by Car
You’d take the A2 motorway, which connects Eindhoven and Amsterdam directly. The drive is relatively straightforward and is dotted with clear signposts to Amsterdam. In the other direction, you follow signs towards Utrecht, Eindhoven, and Maastricht. This is a busy motorway and traffic can occur at any time, but especially during rush hour.
Getting To And From Eindhoven Airport
Eindhoven Airport is the 2nd busiest airport in the Netherlands. It’s easy to find cheap flights from Eindhoven. Because this is where many low-budget airlines fly, like Ryanair, and Transavia, chances are if you’re looking for cheap flights in Europe, you will consider using this airport.
From Eindhoven Airport to Amsterdam
Are you flying into Eindhoven Airport? No problem. If you want to travel by train then first, you’ll need to get from Eindhoven airport to the main train station. A regular bus service takes you from the airport to the city in 20 minutes (see below).
These Eindhoven Airport Shuttles have low flooring entrances and can accommodate your luggage.
TIP: Don’t forget to check out. Many people forget this, making your journey more expensive, so keep your card out for an easy trigger.
Once at Eindhoven station you travel to Amsterdam by train or bus, just like discussed earlier in this article.
Eindhoven Airport to Schiphol Amsterdam Airport
If you aim to jump from one airport to another, your route is straightforward. Just follow the same route as above, but instead of catching a direct train to Amsterdam Central Station, you would take the direct train to Schiphol Airport. The travel time is about the same.
Allow plenty of transfer time. You must collect your luggage at Eindhoven Airport and check it in again at Amsterdam Airport. Also, since Eindhoven is a low-budget airport, tickets are not connected. Allow time for delays!
Airlines nowadays don’t take pity on you when you miss a flight. They’ll ask you to buy a new ticket instead. By allowing enough time, you avoid this. I advise 5-6 hours for your layover time as the minimum between these two airports.
Eindhoven Airport to Amsterdam By Bus
The Air Express Buses are no longer in service.
Eindhoven City Center to Airport Shuttle
If you’re in the city center of Eindhoven and need to get to the airport (or vice versa), local buses have you covered. These services run frequently, and you’ll be at your destination in roughly 20 minutes.
There are two routes, bus 400 and 401. Bus 400 will be slightly faster because it has fewer stops. You pay with your own contactless Debit or Credit Card. Overseas cards work. Just tap it when you enter the bus, and do the same when you exit.
Eindhoven Airport to Amsterdam by Taxi
You can also travel from Eindhoven to Amsterdam by taxi. It’s very expensive if you just took a taxi from the taxi rank, but if you pre-book a taxi you can save a lot of money.
You can book your Eindhoven Airport to Amsterdam taxi here.
Frequently Asked Questions Amsterdam to Eindhoven
What is the best way to travel from Amsterdam to Eindhoven?
The train is the most efficient and comfortable mode of transportation on this route. It’s also the fastest. Especially for first-time visitors and those who value comfort and convenience, the train is the better option to travel between Eindhoven and Amsterdam.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Amsterdam to Eindhoven?
The bus or coach option is generally the most budget-friendly way to travel between Eindhoven and Amsterdam. Buses leave from a central location in Eindhoven but only bring you to the outskirts of Amsterdam (Bijlmer Arena Station or Sloterdijk Station).
What is the distance from Amsterdam to Eindhoven?
The distance between Amsterdam and Eindhoven is approximately 78 miles or 125 kilometers.
What is the closest airport to Eindhoven?
Eindhoven Airport is located just a few kilometers from the city center. This is the closest airport to Eindhoven. The airport code for Eindhoven is EIN. The airport is mainly used by low-budget airlines and holiday charter flights. It can save you money departing from this airport for flights in Europe, especially to sunny destinations in the south of Europe.
Is there a fast train from Amsterdam to Eindhoven?
Yes, intercity direct trains offer quicker travel times between the two cities. Travel time is 1 hour and 19 minutes. These trains leave every 30 minutes. With a quick and easy transfer in Utrecht (across platforms), you have twice as many travel options.
How long does it take from Amsterdam to Eindhoven?
The train journey between these cities generally takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. You could do it by car in 90 minutes, but traffic will often make the journey slower than that. Buses also take about 90 minutes (if they can avoid traffic), but they might hit traffic too, and remember you need to get from the bus station into the city in Amsterdam, adding extra time.
Do I need to book tickets from Amsterdam to Eindhoven in advance?
For the train no. Train tickets always cost the same. Just buy one on the day of travel. For the bus you do need to purchase a ticket before you travel. The earlier you book, the cheaper your bus ticket will be. Also, full is full. If a specific departure time is important for you, book well in advance to find the cheapest prices.
Conclusion
You have different options on the route between Eindhoven and Amsterdam. Whether you prefer the efficiency and comfort of the train, the budget-friendliness of the bus, or the freedom of driving yourself, each mode has its pros and cons.
I hope this guide has helped to make deciding what is right for you easier!
Safe travels.
