Transport

Finding your way from the airport to Groningen is straightforward, and we are here to assist you every step of your journey. On this page, you'll find detailed information and practical tips on traveling within Groningen and across the Netherlands. Explore the guides and suggestions below to make your journey smooth and hassle-free!

Getting around

You can buy a single bus or train ticket, but the most common way to pay for public transport is by using an OV-chipkaart (OV-chip card). Check out Study in NL for more information about public transport in the Netherlands.

Student Mobility Card

Hanze University of Applied Sciences and Student Mobility have arranged a special public transport card with a discount for international students. This customised mobility card has been created specifically for international students and is called the Student Mobility Card. This card can be reserved prior to your arrival in Groningen.

Getting to campus by public transport

The easiest way to figure out how to get to campus by public transport is by checking the up-to-date bus schedule on Google Maps or by downloading the 9292 app on your smartphone! 

Getting to Groningen from Schiphol Airport  

We understand that finding your way around a new country and city can be challenging. This is why we're here to help with the resources listed below. 

Video travel guide: from Schiphol Airport to Groningen

If you are arriving at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, you can check our video guide, explaining step by step how to reach your destination in Groningen. The video guide is also relevant for any train journey within the Netherlands!

How to reach Groningen: comprehensive travel guide 

To keep track of all the steps of your journey, you can download our comprehensive travel guide. In this document, you will find step-by-step instructions, ‘good to know’ and useful tools that you need so you can reach Groningen effortlessly. You can keep it at hand during your trip to double check the details and find answers to your questions!  

Pick-up Service

In case you need extra guidance and support during your journey, you can get in contact with a Hanze student ambassador or apply for a physical Pick-Up Service. Learn more about the possible options below.  

Online support  

A student ambassador will be your point of contact throughout your travel day, ensuring you have someone to turn to for questions or support along the way. To arrange your Online Travel Buddy, simply fill out this form —we’re here to make your journey stress-free!  

Physical support 

If you apply for the physical Pick-Up Service, a Hanze student can pick you up from Schiphol airport or Groningen Central Station and take you to your destination in Groningen by train or by bus. It's a great way to connect with a current student and have company during your bus or train ride! 

Yet there are a couple of things you need to know before applying:  

• For the second semester the pick-up service is available from the 16th of January 2025 until the 13th of February 2025. 

• For the first semester the pick-up service is available during the entire summer until the 4th of September 2025. 

• The pick-up service is available between 09:00 and 21:00. If you arrive before this time, we ask you to wait until 09:00. If you arrive after 21:00 you can decide to travel to Groningen by yourself, or you can book a place for the night and get picked up the next morning. 

• Book the pick-up service at least 2 weeks in advance. We would prefer you to book it even earlier, as soon as you know when you will arrive. If you do not book the pick-up service 2 weeks before your arrival date, please refer to the video and travel guide resources to plan your trip on your own. 

• The pick-up service is free, but you need to pay for your own travel costs, such as your train or bus tickets.  

When your pick-up request has been processed, you will receive the contact details from the person who will help you to travel within or to Groningen. This person will reach out to you to make sure everything will run smoothly. When you apply for a pick-up, tell us whether you will be arriving by yourself or together with other students. Make sure to fill in the details of your travel companion(s). 

A student will be waiting for you upon arrival at either Groningen Central Station, or Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Rotterdam/The Hague Airport, Groningen Airport Eelde. 

Click to apply for the Hanze physical Pick-Up Service.