{"id":14110,"date":"2026-03-11T16:17:46","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T15:17:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.estiv.org\/?page_id=14110"},"modified":"2026-06-23T09:38:19","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T07:38:19","slug":"travel-and-venue-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.estiv.org\/congress2026\/travel-and-venue-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel and Venue"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"block-heading\">Free public transport with your congress badge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To make your stay as convenient as possible, ESTIV has arranged free public transport within Maastricht for all congress participants. During the congress, your badge entitles you to travel free of charge on the local buses between Maastricht Central Station, MECC Maastricht and the city centre. Simply show your congress badge when boarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bus services run frequently throughout the day, making it easy to move between your hotel, the congress venue and the city centre. For up-to-date travel information and route planning, you can also use the 9292 travel planner: <a href=\"https:\/\/9292.nl\/en\">https:\/\/9292.nl\/en<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\r\n<div id=\"accordion-block_e5d5f54316ce4e3ba964059a57ff99dc\" class=\"block-accordion\">\r\n    <div class=\"accordions\">\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n            <h3 class=\"accordion-item-title title-dash ns\">MECC Maastricht<\/h3>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content\">\r\n                <div class=\"accordion-content-inner\">\r\n\r\n                    <p>ESTIV 2026 will take place at the <strong>Maastricht Exhibition &amp; Congress Centre (MECC)<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<h5><strong>Maastricht Exhibition &amp; Congress Centre (MECC)<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Forum 100<br \/>\n6229 GV Maastricht<br \/>\nThe Netherlands<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #00ccff;\"><a style=\"color: #00ccff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mecc.nl\/\">www.mecc.nl<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The MECC offers extensive and flexible spaces suitable for conferences, trade fairs, cultural events, and exhibitions. With <strong>30,000 m\u00b2 of event halls<\/strong>, <strong>28 meeting rooms<\/strong>, and <strong>2 auditoriums<\/strong>, MECC Maastricht provides the facilities required for high\u2011level international congresses. The centre combines modern infrastructure with the intimate, people\u2011focused hospitality characteristic of Maastricht.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\r\n\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n            <h3 class=\"accordion-item-title title-dash ns\">Venue facilities<\/h3>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content\">\r\n                <div class=\"accordion-content-inner\">\r\n\r\n                    <h5><strong>Lunch<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>The registration fee includes all scheduled coffee breaks and lunch breaks as indicated in the official programme.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<h5><strong>Registration desk<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Located on the ground floor at the main entrance. You will receive your name badge here, which must be visible at all times inside the venue.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<h5><strong>Wi-Fi<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Free Wi\u2011Fi is available throughout the congress centre.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\r\n\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n            <h3 class=\"accordion-item-title title-dash ns\"><\/h3>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content\">\r\n                <div class=\"accordion-content-inner\">\r\n\r\n                    \r\n\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n\r\n        <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"block-column is-layout-flow block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1799\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.estiv.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/20211221-mecc-definitief-gerlach-delissen-photography-54-1799x1200.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11447\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.estiv.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/20211221-mecc-definitief-gerlach-delissen-photography-54-1799x1200.jpg 1799w, https:\/\/www.estiv.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/20211221-mecc-definitief-gerlach-delissen-photography-54-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.estiv.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/20211221-mecc-definitief-gerlach-delissen-photography-54-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.estiv.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/20211221-mecc-definitief-gerlach-delissen-photography-54-678x452.jpg 678w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1799px) 100vw, 1799px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"block-column is-layout-flow block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1799\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.estiv.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/20211221-mecc-definitief-gerlach-delissen-photography-45-1799x1200.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11448\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.estiv.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/20211221-mecc-definitief-gerlach-delissen-photography-45-1799x1200.jpg 1799w, https:\/\/www.estiv.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/20211221-mecc-definitief-gerlach-delissen-photography-45-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.estiv.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/20211221-mecc-definitief-gerlach-delissen-photography-45-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.estiv.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/20211221-mecc-definitief-gerlach-delissen-photography-45-678x452.jpg 678w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1799px) 100vw, 1799px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"block-heading\">Getting to Maastricht<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Maastricht is located in the southeast of the Netherlands close to Belgium and Germany. It is one of the country\u2019s oldest cities, offering historic architecture, international culture and convenient access by air, rail, road, and public transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Below you will find an <strong>expanded, detailed travel guide<\/strong>, supplemented with factual information from SETAC\u2019s travel page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"block-column is-layout-flow block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n<div id=\"accordion-block_d7ed340497244ee785b1dc39c835e052\" class=\"block-accordion\">\r\n    <div class=\"accordions\">\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n            <h3 class=\"accordion-item-title title-dash ns\">Arriving by car<\/h3>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content\">\r\n                <div class=\"accordion-content-inner\">\r\n\r\n                    <p>If travelling by car, the venue is conveniently located directly along the A2 motorway and is clearly signposted. From Amsterdam or Eindhoven, take exit 55 (Randwyck-MECC); from Paris or Li\u00e8ge, take exit 56 (Gronsveld-MECC).<\/p>\n<p>MECC Maastricht benefits from excellent road connections via key European routes, including the A2 and E25, making it easily accessible from across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Upon approaching Maastricht, follow the blue motorway signs marked \u201cMECC\u201d or \u201cRandwyck\u201d, which will guide you directly to the venue.<\/p>\n<p>For visitors travelling from Germany, the A73 connects to the A2 near Maastricht. From Belgium, the E25 or E40 provide convenient access via Li\u00e8ge, continuing north towards Maastricht. Clear signage is provided well in advance of all relevant exits to ensure straightforward navigation.<\/p>\n<p>Please note that traffic around the venue may be busier during peak hours or large events. It is therefore advisable to allow extra travel time and to use a navigation system with live traffic updates.<\/p>\n<p>For the most up-to-date information on roadworks, traffic disruptions, and planned closures in the Netherlands, please consult the Rijkswaterstaat traffic information service (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.rwsverkeersinfo.nl\">www.rwsverkeersinfo.nl<\/a>) or use navigation apps such as Google Maps or Waze, which provide real-time updates.<\/p>\n\r\n\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n            <h3 class=\"accordion-item-title title-dash ns\">Parking<\/h3>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content\">\r\n                <div class=\"accordion-content-inner\">\r\n\r\n                    <p>MECC Maastricht offers extensive on-site parking facilities, including both covered and outdoor options, all within short walking distance of the main entrance.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div id=\"copilot-message-rig\" class=\"fai-CopilotMessage__content r1izxv8h ___7qar2c0 fcthzvy\" dir=\"auto\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">\n<div class=\"___1vve6yh f22iagw f1vx9l62 f122n59 f3bhgqh f1mnxvew fly5x3f\">\n<div class=\"___j4vmuw0 f22iagw f1vx9l62 f1869bpl fly5x3f fbc6vix\">\n<div tabindex=\"-1\" data-testid=\"loading-message\" data-fui-focus-visible=\"\">\n<div id=\"response-idrie\" class=\"___1yop6mf f336tjw f9ijwd5 fz7g6wx fod5ikn f1s184ao\" data-testid=\"lastChatMessage\">\n<div class=\"___1j4t0a1 f1lmfglv f1abmfm4\" dir=\"auto\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-testid=\"markdown-reply\" data-message-type=\"Chat\">\n<div class=\"___1obcdld f22iagw f1vx9l62 f1i1t7jz fk15e71 f1k953kz f137keqj f1rncccw f1stllg3 f1w4kmmc f1tric3v f10dk5ic fx8cdsv f16nlwsl f1eookvz fhjrts3 fqugt2f f18d18k8 f1v1vhmp f1hdmul3 f198vjnp f2dshw1 fjpjndq fnmj2pj ffrrb40 f1mon110 fhajzam fimndk6 fxv4dng fb1rn9k f59wlhv f1xmfh30 f18yf5o5 fmr6chf fw8qy2q ff161sd f1qr7t77 f1yyogn1 foogchg fp5872b f1tpb8gf f1hdgrc8 f1vatr43 frkxccd f9pdzkb f158oiaz ft5kggy f5l4ui7 f13j03li f18xdoka f8off4e f1go6zfc f128n2ra f1jpxw2j f1lwd9n0 fy0b8hm f1g2633v fx4kvgi fkvolse f1gxrt3a f1os76ua f1js9cnw f1g87ej0 freluf8 f1yggaq6 f2i3chp f1151osp florpoh f35kzfz ftp9m57 f1e288vi fz62hnz fixvuys f1nmofwh fc1c6mv f18a2er7 fhvkrdl fhxnn68 f1oce4bo fvhlfan f7tc0t0 f1ngf1n2 ffrzq6x f1yjiq2m f1aqdgql f1huvaf f10ij78l f1k94sa4 fkmfumq f1jvzkyl f1eu24ob f1xbfc1f fmf0lwf f107dsy8 f3w566c f4648sl f13zpkng f7unjfp f8p1rz fzu6h1w f1i1bi6h f1smo7hi f1sk1xod f1kgogdq f1gjktkp ft608jz f19dd9cz fg3xr24 fhd155k f1b8gl2e fg4b9ou flb4lo fdicbfk fgwcyh1 f1jbds0d f1fb9uea f1stuka4 fcrtu6g fwqh0xn f11w66yg f6e0e65 f1vvgu0 f1607507 fgct6un f1ec1nbe f1m9bycv f1ntoah8 f1b694rt faql4r2 fpjuhzh fmavl6h f1d9bsk fmzhlt0 f145l92p fwkyaqm f129obh1 f19la9g f127w39w fr0ux9m fxhidck f1cu4h9j f1wnbo7v f1eueg4z fy9c24f f1h2o91j f1iw08fq\">\n<p>The navigation addresses for the different parking areas are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"\">\n<li><strong>MECC P1<\/strong><br \/>\nPaul-Henri Spaaklaan 7D<br \/>\n6229 EN Maastricht<\/li>\n<li><strong>MECC P3<\/strong><br \/>\nDuboisdomein 5a<br \/>\n6229 GS Maastricht<\/li>\n<li><strong>MECC P4<\/strong><br \/>\nDuboisdomein 5a<br \/>\n6229 EN Maastricht<\/li>\n<li><strong>MECC P8<\/strong><br \/>\nGaetano Martinolaan 95<br \/>\n6229 GS Maastricht<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Please note that parking is not organised by the congress. However, ample on-site parking is available near the venue. Parking tickets can be purchased online in advance or upon arrival.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\r\n\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n\r\n        <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"block-column is-layout-flow block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\r\n<div id=\"accordion-block_ce2e1f4092d4c94b924ba3e4695b4037\" class=\"block-accordion\">\r\n    <div class=\"accordions\">\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n            <h3 class=\"accordion-item-title title-dash ns\">Arriving by Air<\/h3>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content\">\r\n                <div class=\"accordion-content-inner\">\r\n\r\n                    <p>Maastricht has its own airport: <strong>Maastricht-Aachen Airport.<\/strong> In addition, there are several (inter)national airports within an hour\u2019s drive from the centre of Maastricht. This ensures that Maastricht and the region is easily accessible from all over the world.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>Getting from Maastricht Airport to MECC<\/strong><\/h5>\n<h6>TAXI<\/h6>\n<p>Travel time is approximately 15\u201320 minutes to the MECC Maastricht.<\/p>\n<p>Taxis are readily available throughout the city, including at Maastricht Central Station and all major hotels. Travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions, especially during busy conference periods. Taxis provide direct drop-off at the MECC entrance, offering a convenient and comfortable option for visitors.<\/p>\n<p>Uber is also available in Maastricht and functions similarly to traditional taxis. Rides can be booked through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uber.com\/nl\/nl\/\">Uber app<\/a>, and pricing is displayed in advance. Depending on your location and the time of day, Uber may offer shorter waiting times or more cost-effective rates compared to standard taxi services.<\/p>\n<div>\n<h6>BUS<\/h6>\n<p><em><strong>1. Bus to Maastricht Central Station<\/strong><\/em><br \/>\nFrom various points in the city\u2014such as the historic center, Wyck district, or major hotels\u2014you can take a local bus to Maastricht Central Station (Maastricht CS). Several bus lines stop here, and buses generally run frequently throughout the day.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>2. Train from Maastricht CS to Maastricht\u2011Randwyck Station<\/strong><\/em><br \/>\nAt Maastricht CS, transfer to a local train heading toward Maastricht\u2011Randwyck.<\/p>\n<p>The train ride is approximately 3\u20134 minutes.<br \/>\nTrains run regularly, typically every few minutes during peak times.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>3. Short Walk to MECC<\/strong><\/em><br \/>\nAfter arriving at Maastricht\u2011Randwyck Station, it&#8217;s a 250\u2011meter walk to the MECC.<br \/>\nThe route is well signposted, and the conference center is directly adjacent to the station\u2014ideal for visitors with luggage or tight schedules.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<div>\n<h5><strong>Preferred ESTIV Airports<\/strong><\/h5>\n<ul class=\"\">\n<li>Brussels Zaventem Airport<\/li>\n<li>D\u00fcsseldorf Airport<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><strong>Other airports with good access<\/strong><\/h5>\n<ul class=\"\">\n<li>Eindhoven Airport<\/li>\n<li>Amsterdam Schiphol Airport<\/li>\n<li>Brussels Charleroi Airport<\/li>\n<li>Cologne-Bonn Airport<\/li>\n<li>Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><strong>Official Airline Partner \u2013 Lufthansa Group<\/strong><\/h5>\n<div>\n<p>Benefit from the cooperation with the <strong>Lufthansa Group airlines<\/strong> (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Edelweiss and Discover Airlines) and optimize your travel costs when flying to ESTIV 2026.<\/p>\n<p>The Lufthansa Group\u2019s extensive global route network serves around <strong>310 destinations worldwide<\/strong>, including long\u2011haul and transatlantic flights operated in cooperation with <strong>Air Canada<\/strong> and <strong>United Airlines<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Special discounted fares are available for ESTIV participants.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lufthansa.com\/content\/lh\/markets\/nl\/en\/event\/estiv-2026\"><strong>Click here<\/strong><\/a> and the discounted rates will be displayed.<br \/>\nThe reduced fares apply to travel <strong>up to one week before and one week after the event<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>We look forward to welcoming you on board.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\r\n\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n\r\n        <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"716\" height=\"852\" src=\"https:\/\/www.estiv.org\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/lufthansa-group.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12815\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.8403838824792987;width:317px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.estiv.org\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/lufthansa-group.png 716w, https:\/\/www.estiv.org\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/lufthansa-group-380x452.png 380w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 716px) 100vw, 716px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n<div id=\"accordion-block_3b551d7ad9fc32926e667f1bcee55059\" class=\"block-accordion\">\r\n    <div class=\"accordions\">\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n            <h3 class=\"accordion-item-title title-dash ns\">Arriving by Train<\/h3>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content\">\r\n                <div class=\"accordion-content-inner\">\r\n\r\n                    <p>Maastricht Central Station is the city\u2019s main transport hub, offering seamless connections for visitors arriving by train, bus, taxi, or bicycle. From the station, it\u2019s about a 15\u2011minute walk to the historic city centre, making it an ideal starting point for exploring Maastricht.<br \/>\nThe station provides frequent local and regional train services, including regular connections to Maastricht\u2011Randwyck, the station closest to MECC Maastricht.<\/p>\n<div>\n<h5><strong>Direct &amp; semi-direct routes from major cities<\/strong><\/h5>\n<ul class=\"\">\n<li><strong>Amsterdam Schiphol Airport \u2192 Maastricht<\/strong><br \/>\nDirect trains every 30 min, travel time 2.5\u20133 h.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Brussels Zaventem Airport \u2192 Maastricht<\/strong><br \/>\nVia Leuven or Li\u00e8ge; total travel time 1.5\u20132 h.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Paris Charles de Gaulle \u2192 Maastricht<\/strong><br \/>\nHigh\u2011speed Thalys\/Eurostar to Li\u00e8ge, then 30 min to Maastricht; total 3\u20133.5 h.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cologne\/Bonn Airport \u2192 Maastricht<\/strong><br \/>\nVia Aachen; about 2 h.<\/li>\n<li><strong>London Heathrow \u2192 Maastricht<\/strong><br \/>\nEurostar to Brussels or Amsterdam, then train to Maastricht; 5\u20136 h.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\r\n\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n            <h3 class=\"accordion-item-title title-dash ns\">Railway Stations in Maastricht<\/h3>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content\">\r\n                <div class=\"accordion-content-inner\">\r\n\r\n                    <h4><strong>Maastricht Central Station<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Main station with trains, buses, taxis; 15\u2011minute walk to the city centre. Local trains connect to Randwyck.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><strong>Getting from Maastricht Central Station to MECC<\/strong><\/h5>\n<h6>Train<\/h6>\n<p>The quickest way to reach MECC from Maastricht Central.<\/p>\n<p>1 stop to Maastricht\u2011Randwyck<br \/>\nJourney time: 3\u20134 minutes<br \/>\nUpon arrival, MECC is just a 250\u2011meter walk<br \/>\nTrains run frequently throughout the day, making this a fast and reliable option for conference delegates.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #00ccff;\"><a style=\"color: #00ccff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ns.nl\/reisplanner\/#\/\">NS APP<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<h6><strong>Bus<\/strong><\/h6>\n<div>\n<p>Several local bus lines depart from Maastricht Central Station and stop near the MECC:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"\">\n<li>Buses run <strong>every few minutes<\/strong> during the day.<\/li>\n<li>Get off at <strong>Forum MECC<\/strong> or <strong>Randwyck Station<\/strong> depending on the line. This option offers a convenient alternative when train schedules do not align.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #00ccff;\"><a style=\"color: #00ccff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.arriva.nl\/\">Arriva App<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h6><strong>Taxi<\/strong><\/h6>\n<div>\n<p>A taxi ride from Maastricht Central Station to MECC takes approximately <strong>8\u201310 minutes<\/strong>, depending on traffic. Taxis are available directly outside the station and offer door\u2011to\u2011door service.<\/p>\n<h6><strong>Walk<\/strong><\/h6>\n<p>For those who prefer to walk, the route from Maastricht Central to MECC takes about <strong>30\u201335 minutes<\/strong>. The path is straightforward and passes through the Randwyck district.<\/p>\n<h6><strong>Bike<\/strong><\/h6>\n<p>Cycling is a popular way to get around Maastricht. The journey from Maastricht Central Station to MECC takes roughly <strong>10 minutes<\/strong> by bike, with dedicated cycling lanes along most of the route. Bicycle rentals are available at the station.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h5><strong>Maastricht\u2011Randwyck Station<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Only <strong>250 metres from MECC<\/strong> \u2014 perfect for ESTIV delegates. Walking time: <strong>3 minutes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\r\n\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n\r\n        <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"block-column is-layout-flow block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\r\n<div id=\"accordion-block_9cf2fa1068ed1dda0c310044e40a54b1\" class=\"block-accordion\">\r\n    <div class=\"accordions\">\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n            <h3 class=\"accordion-item-title title-dash ns\">Local Transport Tools<\/h3>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content\">\r\n                <div class=\"accordion-content-inner\">\r\n\r\n                    <div>\n<h5><strong>Rail Planner App (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.interrail.eu\/nl\/plan-your-trip\">Interrail<\/a>\/Eurail)<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Offline international rail timetables.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>Dutch Transport Apps<\/strong><\/h5>\n<ul class=\"\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ns.nl\/reisplanner\/#\/\"><strong><span style=\"color: #00ccff;\">NS App<\/span><\/strong><\/a> \u2013 national trains, e\u2011tickets, delay info<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #00ccff;\"><a style=\"color: #00ccff;\" href=\"https:\/\/9292.nl\/\"><strong>9292<\/strong><\/a> <\/span>\u2013 full Dutch public transport planner<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #00ccff;\"><a style=\"color: #00ccff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.arriva.nl\/\"><strong>Arriva App<\/strong> <\/a><\/span>\u2013 regional buses &amp; trains in Limburg<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><strong>Payment for Public Transport in the Netherlands<\/strong><\/h4>\n<div>\n<p>Public transport in the Netherlands is integrated and easy to use. In Maastricht and throughout the country, you can pay for trains, buses, trams, and metro in the following ways:<\/p>\n<h5><strong>1. OVpay (Contactless Payment)<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>The simplest method for visitors:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"\">\n<li>Check in and out using your <strong>contactless debit\/credit card<\/strong> (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro) or <strong>mobile wallet<\/strong> (Apple Pay \/ Google Pay).<\/li>\n<li>Works on <strong>all Dutch public transport<\/strong>, including NS trains, Arriva trains, Arriva buses, and city buses.<\/li>\n<li>No need to buy a ticket in advance.<\/li>\n<li>You pay the <strong>standard public\u2011transport fare<\/strong>, automatically charged to your card.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><strong>2. OV\u2011chipkaart<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>The traditional Dutch public\u2011transport smartcard.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"\">\n<li>Available as a <strong>personal card<\/strong> (for residents) or <strong>anonymous card<\/strong> (for visitors).<\/li>\n<li>Can be loaded with travel credit or used with certain travel products.<\/li>\n<li>Required if you want to rent an <strong>OV\u2011fiets<\/strong> (NS rental bicycle).<\/li>\n<li>Useful for longer stays, but <strong>not necessary<\/strong> for most international visitors thanks to OVpay.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><strong>3. Mobile Tickets (App-Based)<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Many regional operators offer mobile ticketing:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ns.nl\/reisplanner\/#\/\"><strong>NS App<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 buy train e\u2011tickets for any domestic trip.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Arriva App<\/strong> \u2013 buy bus and regional train tickets in Limburg.<\/li>\n<li>Tickets are scanned using a QR code at gates or on buses.<br \/>\nThis can be convenient if you prefer having a pre\u2011purchased ticket rather than tapping in\/out.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><strong>4. Paper Tickets<\/strong><\/h5>\n<ul class=\"\">\n<li>NS still offers <strong>single\u2011use disposable tickets<\/strong> from machines at train stations.<\/li>\n<li>These carry a \u20ac1 surcharge.<\/li>\n<li>Buses <strong>do not<\/strong> sell paper tickets at NS machines; bus drivers often sell a limited selection of paper or printed tickets, but payment with card is preferred and increasingly cash\u2011free.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\r\n\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n\r\n        <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n<div id=\"accordion-block_800590d155f6ba879d950c134e6338d0\" class=\"block-accordion\">\r\n    <div class=\"accordions\">\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n            <h3 class=\"accordion-item-title title-dash ns\">Bike Rental in Maastricht<\/h3>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content\">\r\n                <div class=\"accordion-content-inner\">\r\n\r\n                    <p>Cycling is one of the fastest and easiest ways to move around Maastricht.<\/p>\n<div>\n<h5><strong>NS OV\u2011fiets<\/strong> (public transport bicycle)<\/h5>\n<p>Available at Maastricht Central, Maastricht Randwyck, and Maastricht Noord.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"\">\n<li>Requires an OV\u2011chipkaart with OV\u2011fiets subscription<\/li>\n<li>Daily rental rates<\/li>\n<li>Electric OV\u2011fietsen available<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><strong>Arriva Shared Bikes (Arriva Deelfiets)<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Operated via the <span style=\"color: #00ccff;\"><a style=\"color: #00ccff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.arriva.nl\/over-je-reis\/met-de-fiets\/arriva-deelfiets-limburg\/\">Arriva Deelfiets app<\/a><\/span> (or <a href=\"https:\/\/glimble.nl\/\">Glimble<\/a>).<\/p>\n<ul class=\"\">\n<li>Unlock via smartphone<\/li>\n<li>\u20ac1 first 20 minutes, \u20ac0.05\/min thereafter, daily cap<\/li>\n<li>Must end ride at official Arriva parking spots<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Extensive bike stations are located across the city, including:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"\">\n<li>Maastricht Central Station<\/li>\n<li>Maastricht\u2011Randwyck Station<\/li>\n<li>MECC Maastricht<\/li>\n<li>Major squares, museums, parks, university areas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><strong>Why cycling works well in Maastricht<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>The city\u2019s compact structure and bike\u2011friendly routes make cycling fast and environmentally friendly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\r\n\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n\r\n        <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube block-embed-youtube embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"youtube video-container\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Maastricht: The best way to get to Maastricht\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YdfCoEy3moI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Free public transport with your congress badge To make your stay as convenient as possible, ESTIV has arranged free public&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11449,"parent":11440,"menu_order":42,"ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":2,"_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","_searchwp_excluded":"","_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[0],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_core_expirator_enabled":"","_core_expirator_date":"","_yoast_wpseo_redirect":"","rank_math_redirect":"","redirect":"","_core_expirator_redirect_url":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-14110","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.estiv.org\/api\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14110","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.estiv.org\/api\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.estiv.org\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.estiv.org\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/www.estiv.org\/api\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14110\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15255,"href":"https:\/\/www.estiv.org\/api\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14110\/revisions\/15255"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.estiv.org\/api\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11440"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.estiv.org\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/11449"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.estiv.org\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14110"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}