Groningen Airport Eelde, located 15 kilometres south of Groningen’s city centre in the Netherlands, serves as a regional hub for the northern provinces, connecting travellers to popular holiday destinations like Gran Canaria, Mallorca, and Crete. Handling around 120,000 passengers annually, this small international airport, operated by Groningen Airport Eelde NV, is known for its low-cost carriers such as TUI Fly and Corendon, and its role as a base for the KLM Flight Academy. With a single terminal and a focus on leisure travel, it offers a straightforward and pleasant experience for those exploring the northern Netherlands or beyond.
The passenger experience at Groningen Airport is refreshingly simple. The compact terminal, with a single departure hall capable of holding 200 passengers, ensures easy navigation. Arrivals typically involve a short walk from the aircraft across the tarmac, with a conveyor belt in the arrivals hall streamlining baggage claim. Check-in is efficient, with 20 desks and self-service kiosks, though some passengers report kiosks taking 10–15 seconds to load pages, which can slow the process during busier periods.
Security screening is thorough, requiring liquids and electronics to be removed, but queues are generally short, taking under 10 minutes outside peak times. Staff are friendly, and a free assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility, bookable 48 hours in advance, provides support via blue call points at the terminal and car park. The airport’s clean facilities and clear signage make for a hassle-free journey, though some note the departure hall’s limited seating during crowded periods.
Accessing the airport is convenient, with excellent connections to Groningen and nearby areas. The A28 motorway, accessible via exit 37, offers a 15–20-minute drive from the city centre. Bus Line 9, operated by Qbuzz, connects Groningen Noord and Central railway stations to the airport in 25–30 minutes for €2–€3, with departures every 15–30 minutes from 5 am. to midnight. Travellers from Assen can take Bus Line 50 to De Punt, a 0.5-kilometre walk from the airport, for €3–€4.
Taxis, including a premium Mercedes S-Class airport service, cost €30–€40 to Groningen, with fixed fares available through pre-booking. Car hire desks from Europcar and Hertz are located in the terminal, and three parking lots (P1, P2, P3) with 1,000 spaces are within a two-minute walk, starting at €4 per day, among the cheapest in the Netherlands. Cyclists benefit from dedicated paths from Groningen, with secure bike parking at the terminal. Roadworks around Groningen, particularly on Groningerweg, can cause delays, so checking www.groningenbereikbaar.nl is advised.
The airport’s layout is compact and efficient, with a single terminal housing check-in, security, and a combined departure and arrivals hall. The 2,500-metre runway, extended in 2013, supports larger aircraft, and 14 aircraft stands ensure smooth operations. Digital flight information screens provide real-time updates, but the lack of tannoy announcements means passengers must monitor boards closely. The terminal’s small size means gates are within a five-minute walk from security, though seating can be limited during peak summer and winter seasons. Recent upgrades, including a solar park between taxiways, enhance sustainability, but ongoing construction may occasionally disrupt passenger flow.
Delays are minimal, with on-time performance generally strong due to the airport’s low traffic and lack of slot restrictions. However, peak summer (July–August) and winter (December–March) seasons see increased charter flights, which can lead to 15–30-minute delays due to weather conditions like fog or strong winds, or occasional air traffic control issues. Travellers are advised to arrive 90 minutes early for Schengen flights and two hours for non-Schengen to account for potential security or check-in queues, especially on weekends.
Dining and retail options are modest but practical. A single restaurant in the departure hall serves basic meals and snacks, open from 6 am. to 8 pm with vending machines available outside these hours. A small duty-free shop and Relay newsstand offer souvenirs, travel essentials, and snacks, operating from 6 am. to 7 pm. Options for special dietary needs are limited, so passengers may need to bring their own food. The lack of a dedicated VIP lounge is offset by the terminal’s relaxed atmosphere, with three outdoor terraces providing open-air seating.
Facilities cater to essential needs. Free Wi-Fi is available but can be unreliable, requiring registration for unlimited access. A charging point for electric vehicles, accommodating two cars, is located outside the terminal, and ATMs are present, though currency exchange is absent. Toilets are clean but limited in number, with some travellers noting the need for more modern facilities. A children’s play area and accessible restrooms are available, and guide dogs are permitted with prior airline notification. An information desk, open 8 am. to 5 pm. weekdays, assists with queries, and baggage services include lost-and-found and wrapping stations. The airport closes overnight, so no sleeping facilities are provided, and nearby hotels are recommended for layovers.
Connections are limited, as Groningen Airport primarily serves point-to-point leisure routes to destinations like Heraklion, Gran Canaria, and Knock. The minimum connection time is 35 minutes, but self-transfers require clearing security and immigration, which can take up to an hour during busy periods. Passengers should allow a two-hour buffer for smooth transfers, particularly for international flights, as weather or staffing shortages can cause delays. Checking flight status via the airport’s website or Flightradar24 is recommended.
Groningen Airport Eelde offers a relaxed and efficient experience, with its small size, affordable parking, and easy access making it a practical choice for northern Netherlands travellers. Its focus on leisure routes and minimal congestion ensure a pleasant start to any holiday.
