Station Board
Nijmegen, sculpture at het Stationsplein (designed by Tony Cragg)
Photo: Michielverbeek, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons (recadrée)

Guide pour un premier voyage

Nijmegen

Nijmegen, Pays-Bas

5 quaisThrough
Ce guide n’est pas encore traduit. Les informations propres à la gare sont donc affichées en anglais.

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Depuis l’aéroport

From Airport

  • Most international visitors arrive via Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS).
  • Train: Take the direct Intercity train operated by Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Schiphol Airport station directly to Nijmegen Centraal.
  • Journey Time: Approximately 91 minutes.
Détails

Billets et applications

Download the NS App: This is essential. It provides real-time updates on platform changes and schedules. Buying your tickets through the app or the NS website is often easier than navigating machines on arrival.

Détails

Ascenseurs et accès de plain-pied

If you have heavy bags, don’t struggle with the stairs; the station is fully adapted with elevators to all platforms.

Détails

Toilettes

Toilets: Paid restrooms are available in the station. They typically cost around €0.70 to €1.00. Keep some coins handy, as machines may not always accept cards.

Détails

Wi-Fi

There is free WiFi available throughout the station area.

Détails

Trouver votre quai

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Comment s’y rendre

How to Get to Nijmegen

Nijmegen is well-connected to the rest of the Netherlands, making it an easy destination for international travelers.

From Airport Most international visitors arrive via Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS).

  • Train: Take the direct Intercity train operated by Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Schiphol Airport station directly to Nijmegen Centraal.
  • Journey Time: Approximately 91 minutes.
  • Cost: €26.10 for a standard one-way e-ticket (prices may vary if purchased at a station machine).
  • Important: You do not need to worry about ticket zones for national train travel; simply purchase a ticket from point A to point B.
  • Payment: Buy e-tickets online at ns.nl (cheaper and avoids queues) or use red-and-yellow NS ticket machines at the airport. Machines have an English option and accept credit/debit cards.
  • Tip: Always "check in" and "check out" by tapping your card or ticket at the yellow gate readers if you are not using a pre-booked e-ticket with a barcode.

From City Center Nijmegen is a highly walkable city, but for reaching areas like the Radboud University campus or the suburbs, the local bus network (operated by Breng) is excellent.

  • Options: The bus station is located directly adjacent to Nijmegen Centraal Station.
  • Frequency: Buses run frequently throughout the day, typically every 10–15 minutes on major routes.
  • Payment: You can tap in and out using a contactless debit/credit card or mobile phone (OVpay). Alternatively, you can purchase tickets via the 9292 app or at the station.

By Taxi

  • Journey Time: From the airport, a taxi or private transfer takes about 80–90 minutes depending on traffic.
  • Approximate Cost: Expect to pay €150–€200+. Taxis are significantly more expensive than the highly efficient train network.

Quais et organisation de la gare

Nijmegen station is a straightforward through station, making it relatively simple to navigate once you understand its layout. Unlike massive multi-level interchanges, Nijmegen features a single level of platforms accessed via an underground passenger tunnel. Think of the station as a linear arrangement where all platforms are reachable from this central subterranean walkway, which connects the main station hall to the platforms above.

The station currently operates with a main set of platforms typically numbered 1 through 4, with additional tracks often used for regional or local services, such as the regional Arriva lines. Because it is a through station, trains do not terminate here in the traditional sense of a dead-end; they pass through, meaning the platform layout is designed for efficient flow rather than complex maneuvering. You will find that the platform numbering is sequential, and there are no confusing upper or lower levels to navigate, which significantly reduces the risk of getting lost.

As a primary Gelderland transport hub, Nijmegen is busy, but its compact size means you do not need the 15-minute buffers required at larger national hubs. A standard walk from the main entrance to any platform takes only a few minutes. If you are traveling with heavy luggage or have limited mobility, you will be pleased to know that elevators are available to provide step-free access from the tunnel to every platform.

The most common point of confusion for first-time visitors is not the layout itself, but the nature of platform changes. Because the station is a busy junction, departure platforms can occasionally shift, especially during peak hours. Always check the digital departure screens in the main hall or the tunnel before heading to your train. Additionally, note that platforms may be divided into sections (often labeled A, B, or C) to help you find your specific carriage, so keep an eye on the platform displays as you arrive. By keeping your eye on the main information boards and allowing a standard 5-10 minutes to reach your platform from the station entrance, you will find navigating Nijmegen to be a stress-free experience.

Conseils pratiques

Traveling to Nijmegen for the first time? Don’t worry, but do prepare—it will make your arrival much smoother. I wish someone had told me these specifics before I arrived.

Before You Arrive

  • Download the NS App: This is essential. It provides real-time updates on platform changes and schedules. Buying your tickets through the app or the NS website is often easier than navigating machines on arrival.
  • Check for Group Deals: If you are traveling with others, check the NS website for "Off-peak Group Tickets." They can save you significantly compared to buying individual tickets at the station.
  • Station Size: Nijmegen Central is a manageable, tidy hub. You won’t get lost, but it does have an underground tunnel system to reach platforms, so give yourself a little extra time if you have heavy luggage.

At the Station

  • Facilities: You’ll find an "AH to go" supermarket inside for cheaper snacks and drinks than the kiosks. There is free WiFi available throughout the station area.
  • Toilets: Paid restrooms are available in the station. They typically cost around €0.70 to €1.00. Keep some coins handy, as machines may not always accept cards.
  • Accessibility: If you have heavy bags, don’t struggle with the stairs; the station is fully adapted with elevators to all platforms.
  • ATM: You can find ATMs in the main hall for cash withdrawals if needed, though card payment is widely accepted throughout the Netherlands.

Common Mistakes

  • The "Check-In" Trap: Never forget to "check in" at the yellow card readers when you start your journey and "check out" when you finish. If you fail to tap out, you will be charged the maximum fare.
  • First vs. Second Class: It sounds simple, but double-check your ticket class. Blue seats are second class; red seats are first class. Sitting in the wrong section can result in a fine.
  • Platform Changes: Don't rely on the platform number you saw hours earlier. Check the main departure screens 20–30 minutes before your train departs, as track changes can happen.

Questions fréquentes

What are the opening hours of Nijmegen Station?

Nijmegen Station is open daily from the start of train services, which is approximately 05:00, until 01:30. The station building and its facilities, including the main hall and access to platforms, are available during these hours.

Where can I store my luggage at or near Nijmegen Station?

At the station, there are paid automatic storage lockers (Kluiswand) located in the central hall. Alternatively, you can use LuggageHero, which offers storage from €1.49 per hour or per day at verified local shops, often at half the price of station lockers.

How do I get to Nijmegen Station from the city centre?

The station is within walking distance of the city centre. A walk from the main square, Grote Markt, takes about 10–15 minutes in a straight line through the shopping streets. The main entrance faces Stationsplein.

Which platforms are used for main train departures at Nijmegen Station?

The main trains at Nijmegen Station depart from tracks 1, 3, and 4. Additionally, track 35, which is a dead-end track, is often used for regional Arriva lines. Platform access is provided via an underground tunnel.

What accessibility features are available for passengers with reduced mobility?

The station is fully adapted with elevators and ramps providing access to all platforms. The NS assistance service is also available but requires booking at least 1 hour in advance.

What services are available in the main hall of Nijmegen Station?

In the main hall, you will find yellow ticket machines and the NS Service & Tickets information desk. Other services include free Wi-Fi throughout the station area, paid restrooms, waiting areas, and sockets for charging gadgets.

À propos de cette gare

Through station serving Nijmegen, Netherlands. Originally opened in 1865, the station was extensively rebuilt following severe damage during the Second World War. Today, it functions as a vital regional rail hub for the Gelderland province, providing essential connections for thousands of daily commuters and travelers. The station currently operates with four primary platform tracks, though infrastructure upgrades are underway to increase capacity.

If you are a first-time visitor, you may wonder if this station is overwhelming. Rest assured, Nijmegen is a straightforward, manageable hub that is well-signposted with clear, English-friendly digital displays. While it is an active interchange for regional and local services, the layout is intuitive for those unfamiliar with European rail travel.

To ensure a smooth journey, arrive at the station at least 15–20 minutes before your scheduled departure. Keep in mind that platform assignments can occasionally change up to 30–60 minutes before a train departs, so always verify your platform number on the overhead departure screens upon arrival. The station is compact, and the city center is just a short, five-minute walk from the main entrance, making it a convenient point for starting your visit.