Where is Groningen
Groningen is located in the north of the Netherlands, close to the German border and about 200 km from Amsterdam.
The city is well connected to international transport hubs and can easily be reached by train, plane or car.
- Amsterdam – approx. 200 km / 2 hours
- Bremen – approx. 150 km / 2 hours
- Hamburg – approx. 290 km / 3 hours
- Brussels – approx. 330 km / 3.5–4 hours
- Düsseldorf – approx. 260 km / 2.5–3 hours
- Groningen Airport Eelde – approx. 15 km / 20 minutes
By Plane
By Train
The nearest major international airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, one of Europe’s largest aviation hubs with direct flights from most major cities worldwide.
From Schiphol Airport you can take a direct train to Groningen.
Travel time: approximately 2–2.5 hours.
Train schedules and tickets: Nederlandse Spoorwegen
A smaller regional airport nearby is Groningen Airport Eelde, located about 15 km from the city centre. It mainly serves seasonal and regional flights.
Airport information: Groningen Airport
The Dutch rail network provides frequent and reliable connections to Groningen.
Direct trains run regularly between Amsterdam and Groningen. The journey takes about 2 hours.
International travellers can connect easily via Amsterdam from cities such as:
Paris (Thalys / Eurostar), Brussels, Berlin, London
International train connections: Nederlandse Spoorwegen International
European rail planner: DB
By Car
By Bike
Groningen is well connected to the Dutch motorway network and easily reachable from neighbouring countries.
Approximate driving times:
Amsterdam – 2 hours
Bremen – 2 hours
Hamburg – 3 hours
Of course, Groningen can also be reached by bike.
Thanks to the Netherlands’ extensive cycling network, riders can follow well-signposted routes all the way into the city. Long-distance LF cycling routes connect the northern Netherlands with the rest of the country and beyond.
However, unless you have plenty of time (and strong legs), most international visitors will probably arrive by train or plane — and then continue exploring Groningen by bike once they are here.
After all, this is one of the world’s true cycling cities.