Eindhoven Airport, or EIN, offers a compact and modern experience for travellers exploring the Netherlands or connecting to European destinations.
The passenger experience at EIN, handling 6.8 million passengers annually across over 80 destinations, is shaped by its single, two-level terminal, primarily serving low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Transavia, and Wizz Air. The terminal’s bright, functional design, enhanced by a 2021 expansion and 3D security screening technology, ensures easy navigation with clear signage and local touches like the Inkijkmuseum’s art displays. Its modest size keeps walking distances short, though summer peaks can make it feel busy, particularly at security checkpoints.
Accessing the airport from Eindhoven’s city centre, 7.6 kilometres away, is quick and convenient. Bus lines 400 and 401 connect to Eindhoven Centraal railway station in 20-25 minutes for £2.50, running every 15-30 minutes from 5 am. to midnight.
Taxis, stationed outside the terminal, cost £20-£25 for a 10-minute ride, with pre-booked options like Welcome Pickups available. Car rental agencies, including Avis, Sixt, and Hertz, are opposite the terminal entrance, and parking options include P1 Gold Parking, a one-minute walk away, at £4 per hour, with P3, P4, and P5 lots for longer stays at £30-£40 per week, bookable online. The A2 motorway ensures easy driving access.
The airport’s layout features a single terminal with arrivals, check-in, and gates 1-10 on the ground floor, and gates 11-12, lounges, and additional amenities on the first floor. With 12 gates and a central security checkpoint, the terminal is efficient, though bus transfers to aircraft can add time. Ongoing terminal expansion, set to increase capacity to 35,000 square metres by 2025, may cause minor disruptions. Schengen flights bypass passport control, while non-Schengen arrivals face quick checks, typically 5-10 minutes.
Delays are most common during holiday seasons, with security queues taking 10-20 minutes but up to 45 minutes at peak times. Winter weather or staffing shortages can affect schedules, and baggage claim may slow for international flights. Arriving two hours early is advised, with Fast Track slots bookable for £5 to skip queues. Checking flight statuses via airline apps or airport displays helps manage gate changes.
Dining options include Farm Food . Drinks for hot meals, AH to Go for sandwiches and juices, and Starbucks for coffee, all on the first floor, with a McDonald’s at the forecourt. Most eateries operate from 7 am. to 10 pm, with vending machines for late-night snacks. Retail features B&S Shop Fly duty-free for cosmetics and alcohol, Rituals for skincare, and Aviflora for Dutch tulips, mostly on the ground floor. Prices align with local norms, with a coffee at £2.50.
Facilities cater to diverse needs, with free Wi-Fi via “Eindhoven Airport (free)” after email registration, though connectivity can be slow, and premium access costs £2. Charging outlets are limited, with some at Starbucks and under seats. The Aspire Lounge on the first floor, accessible for £30 or via Priority Pass, offers snacks and Wi-Fi. Accessibility features include lifts, accessible restrooms, and mobility assistance, bookable 48 hours in advance. A children’s play area, Kiddyland, is on the first floor, and a meditation centre provides calm. The Tulip Inn Hotel, accessible via the first floor, offers 120 rooms for layovers, but the terminal closes from midnight to 4:30 am, preventing overnight stays. The forecourt is the designated smoking area.
On-time performance is generally reliable, supported by a 3,000-metre runway handling 10 airlines, though peak congestion can cause minor delays. Connections within the single terminal are swift, with domestic-to-domestic transfers taking 20 minutes and international transfers up to 60 minutes due to passport control, requiring a two-hour layover for self-transfers.
Eindhoven Airport blends modern amenities with regional accessibility, offering a practical experience for travellers. Its proximity to the city and ongoing sustainability efforts, aiming to cut emissions by 30% by 2030, make it a convenient hub for exploring the Netherlands and beyond.
Ryanair to Dublin
Ryanair operates from the main terminal, with check-in desks typically in the check-in area (desks 1–10, self-service kiosks available; closes 45 minutes prior). Exact desk numbers are displayed on airport screens.
Departures are most commonly from gates 1-6 (non-Schengen area; dynamic, shown on screens ~30-45 minutes before departure).
