Aachen
Aachen, a city rich in history and culture, famous for its cathedral and as a gateway to three countries.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier navigation
Aachen
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier navigation
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Aachen, a city rich in history and culture, famous for its cathedral and as a gateway to three countries.
"This train station is amazingly well set up and quite clean. It is absolutely better than the station I took a train from Aachen to on the Belgian side of the border."
Coin for Lockers
Bring coins for luggage lockers; they don't accept notes or cards. You might need to buy something to get change. :moneybag:
Paid Restrooms
Customer toilets at the station require payment. Plan accordingly! :toilet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Aachen Cathedral
Domhof 1
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this stunning cathedral boasts intricate mosaics and is the resting place of Charlemagne.
Three-Country Point (Dreiländereck)
Vaalserberg
Experience standing in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands simultaneously at this unique geographical landmark.
Granus Tower
Altstadt
A medieval tower offering panoramic views of the historic city center, a true gem in Aachen's old town.
Centre Charlemagne
Kockerellstraße 1
Explore the history and culture of Aachen through interactive exhibits at this modern museum.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Aachen Hauptbahnhof
Getting Around Aachen
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Coin for Lockers
Bring coins for luggage lockers; they don't accept notes or cards. You might need to buy something to get change. :moneybag:
Paid Restrooms
Customer toilets at the station require payment. Plan accordingly! :toilet:
International Hub
Aachen HBF connects to many German cities and international destinations like Belgium and Netherlands. :train2:
Walkable City Center
The station is about a 15-minute walk from the city center, making it easy to explore on foot. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
Coin for Lockers
Bring coins for luggage lockers; they don't accept notes or cards. You might need to buy something to get change. :moneybag:
Paid Restrooms
Customer toilets at the station require payment. Plan accordingly! :toilet:
International Hub
Aachen HBF connects to many German cities and international destinations like Belgium and Netherlands. :train2:
Walkable City Center
The station is about a 15-minute walk from the city center, making it easy to explore on foot. :walking:
Convenient Amenities
Plenty of kiosks for snacks, coffee, and essentials inside the station. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Aachen Hauptbahnhof is a well-maintained and clean station with good international and domestic train connections. It offers convenient amenities like shops and kiosks, and is within walking distance of the city center. However, visitors should be aware of coin-only luggage lockers and paid restrooms.
"The Station is nice typically like any other central station in Germany. There are lots of stores inside the station to grab some quick bites and coffee . You can find taxis parked outside if incase you need one. Closely connected to his stops and city center . I saw few druggists outside the station which has become quite common nowadays."
Vivek Vkmj
"A fairly old looking building, which has some shops and restauranrs inside. It is about 15 minutes' walk from the town centre.
There are luggage lockers, but they only take coins, not notes or cards. I had to buy something from one of the shops to get change. There are also customer toilets, but you have to pay to use them.
The station has services to many German cities, as well as regular international connections to Belgium and Netherlands."
Tintin
"I stayed in Aachen as a part of a trip where I went to the Belgium Grand Prix.
If I could give 6 stars I would, this train station is amazingly well set up and quite clean. It is absolutely better than the station I took a train from Aachen to on the Belgian side of the border."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Aachen Hauptbahnhof (HBF) is a major railway hub with frequent connections from various German cities. You can easily reach Aachen via Deutsche Bahn (DB) trains. Many travelers use the station as a transit point for onward journeys. +2
Yes, Aachen HBF offers international train services, notably to Belgium and the Netherlands. Thalys trains to Paris also pass through Aachen.
Commuting daily from Cologne to Aachen is possible but can be time-consuming. The train journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes one way, so factor in travel time and costs.
Aachen HBF is well-connected to the city's public transport network. Numerous bus lines depart from the station, providing easy access to various parts of the city and surrounding areas.
The station generally offers good accessibility with escalators and lifts on most platforms. However, it's always advisable to check specific platform access if you have significant mobility concerns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Train tickets can be purchased at the DB Information Centre within Aachen HBF, ticket machines, or online through the Deutsche Bahn website or app.
Yes, luggage lockers are available, but they exclusively accept coins. You may need to purchase something from a station shop to get change if you don't have enough coins.
Yes, the customer toilets at Aachen HBF require a fee for use.
The operating hours for the DB Information Centre can vary. It's best to check the official Deutsche Bahn website or inquire at the station for the most up-to-date information.
It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance for international travel, especially for services like Thalys, to secure better prices and ensure availability.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Aachen HBF offers a range of amenities including various kiosks for food and drinks (coffee, bakery items, groceries), a chemist, and a DB Information Centre.
Yes, there is a large parking lot located adjacent to the main station for those arriving by car.
Aachen Hauptbahnhof is conveniently located about a 15-minute walk from the city center, making it easy to start exploring Aachen on foot.
Yes, there is a hotel located very close to the main station, approximately a 1-minute walk away, offering convenient accommodation options.
Key attractions include the Aachen Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage), the Three-Country Point, Granus Tower, and the Centre Charlemagne museum.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When traveling with children, consider the walkability of the city center from Aachen HBF. While manageable, having a stroller might be easier for younger children. The station itself has amenities like kiosks for snacks, which can be a lifesaver for hungry little ones. Remember that restrooms at the station require payment, so having coins handy is essential for family convenience.
🎓 Students and Academics
For those looking for accommodation, keywords like 'rooms in Aachen' and 'Aachen dormitory' are relevant. The city has various student housing options, and the proximity of the train station to the city center can be beneficial for students who might be traveling frequently or have international connections.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Aachen Hauptbahnhof: A Gateway to Europe
The station itself is described as well-made, maintained, and clean, featuring multiple train tracks and bus stops. While it's a functional and efficient station, travelers should be aware of specific amenities. For instance, luggage lockers are available but operate solely on coins, and using the customer toilets incurs a fee. Despite these minor inconveniences, the presence of numerous kiosks for snacks, coffee, and essentials, along with a DB Information Centre, ensures travelers have access to necessary services.
Beyond its role as a transit point, Aachen HBF is also a gateway to exploring the city itself. It's conveniently situated about a 15-minute walk from the historic city center, allowing visitors to easily begin their exploration on foot. The proximity of a hotel also adds to the convenience for those needing immediate accommodation upon arrival or before departure.
Exploring Aachen's Historical and Cultural Gems
For a truly unique geographical experience, a visit to the Three-Country Point (Dreiländereck) is a must. Here, you can literally stand in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands simultaneously, a fascinating spot for photos and a sense of global connection. Back in the city, the Granus Tower stands as a medieval sentinel, offering panoramic views of Aachen's charming old town. Climbing this tower provides a fantastic perspective of the city's layout and historical architecture.
To delve deeper into Aachen's rich past and cultural evolution, the Centre Charlemagne museum is an excellent destination. This modern museum presents interactive exhibits that tell the story of Aachen, from its Roman origins to its status as an imperial city. It's an engaging way to understand the context of the historical sites you'll encounter throughout your visit.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit