How to get to Aachen Hbf Train Station

Travel to the Aachen Hbf train station from the Aachen city center

The historic city of Aachen, in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, sits close to the borders of both Belgium and the Netherlands. Long beloved as a natural spa town, there are several sites around Aachen for bathing in naturally sulfurous thermal springs. However, Aachen's biggest claim to fame is the Aachen Cathedral (called the Aachener Dom in German), a UNESCO world heritage site which was built on the emperor Charlemagne's orders and consecrated in the year 805 B.C. Getting to and from the cathedral is easy thanks to the centrally-located Aachen Hauptbahnhof, or central station, which is walking distance from the middle of town. The Aachen Hbf train station itself is also fairly old, though it's hardly on par with what's in store for visitors in terms of the rest of the city's history-the current station building dates back merely to 1905.​

What is the best way to get to the train station from the Aachen city center?

By far the easiest way to travel to the train station from the Aachen city center is to walk. Given the city's age, the center of Aachen and its various historic sites are quite compact, and visitors can go by foot between the Aachen central station to the Aachen Cathedral (which is located right in the oldest part of town) in about 15 minutes. The route passes through the city center's charming, winding streets. Using the cathedral as a starting point, public transportation to the Aachen Hbf train station also offers plenty of travel options. The simplest route is to walk to the bus stop at Elisenbrunnen, just a couple minutes by foot from the cathedral, and catch the 11, 21, 31, 44, or 51 bus, disembarking shortly thereafter at Aachen Hauptbahnhof.

How far is it from the city center to the Aachen Hbf train station?

Walking to the train station from the city center at Aachen Cathedral is a quick stroll, at just under seven-tenths of a mile (one kilometer). The walk takes about 15 minutes, while the total route via public transportation is similar in physical distance and shaves off just a few minutes of time. Expect the door-to-door journey from the cathedral to the station to be about ten minutes or fewer when taking advantage of one of the many Aachen public buses covering the route. It's also possible to walk from Carolus, a primary Aachen thermal spa that is a bit outside of the center of town but is another of the city's major draws. This walk is about a mile and a quarter (two kilometers) and takes 20 minutes. However, for travelers in a bit of hurry after a healing plunge into the city's thermal springs, catching the number 34 bus to get to Aachen Hbf from Carolus is quite convenient. Walk a mere two minutes to the Ungarnplatz (Carolus Thermen)​ bus stop and disembark five stops later at Wallstraße, which is just around the corner from the central station.

How accessible is the Aachen Hbf train station for those with limited mobility?

To travel to the train from the Aachen city center as a limited-mobility passenger is generally easiest by public bus, as the majority of Aachen's city buses offer ramps or a kneeling function. Once at the Aachen Hbf train station, the platforms all offer step-free accessibility as well as elevators. The station also has a wheelchair-accessible restroom and there is a guidance system for visually-impaired travelers throughout Aachen Hbf. Furthermore, when traveling by train on Deutsche Bahn, Germany's national railway company, it's possible to call ahead to request station assistance for limited-mobility passengers. 

Local tips: points of interest near the Aachen Hbf train station

In terms of what to do near the train station, there are plentiful options. In good weather, a pleasant way to pass a bit of time before or after a train is to take a stroll in Kurpark, the city's oldest public park. Kurpark offers a restaurant and green walking paths and is four-tenths of a mile (650 m) from Aachen Hbf. Another notable sightseeing option is practically right outside the station. The Marschiertor dates back to the 13th century and is one of Aachen's two remaining original city gates, from the medieval era when the city was still fully walled in. Finally, for travelers anticipating a long journey and looking to plan ahead in terms of packing something to eat, it might be a good idea to pick up a snack beforehand from one of the several casual restaurants and on-the-go food options near the station. Aachen Hbf itself offers a fairly limited choice in terms of refreshments.