TRAVEL TO AACHEN
There are several ways to reach Aachen, Germany via international travel.
AIR TRAVEL
International participants can reach Aachen mainly through three nearby airports, Düsseldorf (DUS), Cologne-Bonn (CGN) and Frankfurt (FRA).
Düsseldorf (DUS)
European and international participants can reach Aachen via the Düsseldorf International Airport. Upon exiting the arrivals area, you can take the “Skytrain” to the airport rail station, where there is a regular connection via the RE1 (RXX) regional train to Aachen Hbf central station (about 1.5 hr travel time).
Cologne-Bonn (CGN)
European travellers can travel to Aachen via the regional Cologne-Bonn airport. There are regular local trains (the S19) taking you from the airport to the Köln Hbf (Cologne central station) in about 20 minutes. From there, several regular trains run to Aachen Hbf central station, chiefly the RE1 (RXX) and RE9 (about 45 mins travel time).
Frankfurt (FRA)
For long-distance flights, flights to Frankfurt will be the most convenient connection. Within Frankfurt Airport is a long-distance rail station with high-speed rail connections (ICE) to Aachen Hbf and/or Cologne. These tend to be a bit more expensive but are usually easier than a connecting flight within Germany and take about 1.5 - 2.5 hrs from Frankfurt Airport to Aachen.
TRAIN TRAVEL (EUROPE)
Aachen Hbf is connected via direct high-speed lines to several major European cities, including Brussels, Paris, or Berlin. Connections (and tickets) can usually be found using the DB Navigator.