Port information & tips for Maastricht
Maastricht is the charming capital of the province of Limburg and enchants visitors as one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands with its very special, almost Mediterranean flair. The historic old town directly on the banks of the Maas impresses with cobblestone alleys, exclusive boutiques, and first-class gastronomy, while the medieval architecture creates an inviting atmosphere. Absolute highlights include the lively Vrijthof square with the imposing St. Servatius Basilica and the impressive Dominicanen bookstore, which is housed in a former Gothic church. River cruise ships usually dock at the centrally located Maaspromenade or the Kesselkade, allowing travelers to reach the city center and the famous Sint Servaasbrug immediately thanks to the ideal location.
Maastricht, a charming gateway to the tranquil waterways of the Netherlands, is a popular port of call for river cruises on the Meuse and is characterized by its central location and easy accessibility. River cruise docks are typically located directly in the city center, allowing you to quickly enjoy the historical flair after embarkation.
Car
Maastricht is excellently connected thanks to the A2 and A79 motorways and is therefore easily accessible by car. The A2/E25 connects the city directly with important axes from the direction of Liège, Eindhoven, and beyond. For a stress-free journey, it is recommended to set navigation systems to one of the numerous multi-story car parks or P+R (Park & Ride) lots on the outskirts of the city, as large parts of the historical center are car-free zones. The P+R facilities also offer free parking in combination with discounted public transport into the center. For example, a P+R car park is available at Maastricht main station (Parallelweg 15).
Train
Maastricht main station (Station Maastricht) is centrally located in the Wyck district and is an important hub for national connections with NS as well as regional and international trains from Arriva and NMBS, including direct connections from Rotterdam and Liège. From the station, you can easily reach the river cruise docks in the center by taxi or by bus, which takes you to the Markt or Vrijthof in about five minutes.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST), located only about 10 to 13 kilometers northeast of the city center. A taxi ride to the center takes about 20 to 25 minutes and costs around 25 to 35 euros. Alternatively, bus line 30 takes you directly to Maastricht main station in approximately 25 minutes. For travelers from the DACH region, Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) at a distance of about 90 to 112 km and Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) at about 100 to 115 km are also easily accessible. Comfortable bus and train connections to Maastricht exist from these airports, with buses often providing direct connections in 1.5 to 2 hours of travel time. Arriving the day before is always recommended for international flights to start your river cruise in a relaxed manner.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Maastricht, a charming gateway to the tranquil waterways of the Netherlands, is a popular port of call for river cruises on the Meuse and is characterized by its central location and easy accessibility. River cruise docks are typically located directly in the city center, allowing you to quickly enjoy the historical flair after embarkation.
Car
Maastricht is excellently connected thanks to the A2 and A79 motorways and is therefore easily accessible by car. The A2/E25 connects the city directly with important axes from the direction of Liège, Eindhoven, and beyond. For a stress-free journey, it is recommended to set navigation systems to one of the numerous multi-story car parks or P+R (Park & Ride) lots on the outskirts of the city, as large parts of the historical center are car-free zones. The P+R facilities also offer free parking in combination with discounted public transport into the center. For example, a P+R car park is available at Maastricht main station (Parallelweg 15).
Train
Maastricht main station (Station Maastricht) is centrally located in the Wyck district and is an important hub for national connections with NS as well as regional and international trains from Arriva and NMBS, including direct connections from Rotterdam and Liège. From the station, you can easily reach the river cruise docks in the center by taxi or by bus, which takes you to the Markt or Vrijthof in about five minutes.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST), located only about 10 to 13 kilometers northeast of the city center. A taxi ride to the center takes about 20 to 25 minutes and costs around 25 to 35 euros. Alternatively, bus line 30 takes you directly to Maastricht main station in approximately 25 minutes. For travelers from the DACH region, Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) at a distance of about 90 to 112 km and Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) at about 100 to 115 km are also easily accessible. Comfortable bus and train connections to Maastricht exist from these airports, with buses often providing direct connections in 1.5 to 2 hours of travel time. Arriving the day before is always recommended for international flights to start your river cruise in a relaxed manner.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The berths for river cruise ships in Maastricht are located very centrally on the Kesselskade or the Maasboulevard, allowing you to reach the historic old town immediately. Thanks to this first-class location, the city can be easily explored directly from the ship.
On Foot
Most sights, such as the market square or the famous Vrijthof, are only about a 5 to 10 minute walk from the shore. The path leads you through picturesque alleys and offers direct access to the city's charming pedestrian zones.
Taxi
Official taxi ranks are located at the nearby market and at the main station, ensuring fast transportation within the city. In addition, taxis can be easily ordered directly to the berth to reach more distant destinations or the modern Wyck district effortlessly.
Bicycle
Maastricht is a bicycle-friendly city and offers flexible transportation thanks to numerous rental stations near the port. The well-developed cycle paths along the Maas and through the center allow for an active yet relaxed exploration of the surroundings.
To make your stay in Maastricht ideal, we recommend exploring the historic old town and its hidden treasures directly on the banks of the Maas.
Vrijthof & Binnenstad
The extensive Vrijthof forms the magnificent center of the city and fascinates with the monumental St. Servatius Basilica; additionally, the inviting terraces of the cafes are perfect for enjoying the lively atmosphere against a historic backdrop.
Stokstraatkwartier
This charming district near the piers is considered one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the Netherlands and impresses with its beautifully restored 17th-century houses, while the winding alleys offer a first-class selection of elegant boutiques.
Sint-Pietersberg & Grotten Noord
Just a short drive from the city center lies this impressive natural monument, which, with its mysterious underground limestone passages and historic fort, is ideal for a varied excursion into the region's eventful history.
Historic Center & Boekhandel Dominicanen
The historic center of Maastricht, featuring the world-famous bookstore in the Dominican Church, is easily reachable on foot in less than ten minutes from the ship landing stage at Maasboulevard and offers a fascinating blend of sacred Gothic architecture and modern design. The picturesque alleys around Vrijthof Square are perfect for a relaxed stroll and also offer first-class cafés where you can enjoy traditional Limburg Vlaai in an authentic atmosphere. Thanks to the central location of the port, a visit to the impressive Onze-Lieve-Vrouwebasiliek can be ideally combined with a walk through the charming Stokstraat district. It is best to visit Boekhandel Dominicanen right at opening in the morning to admire the unique architecture in peace, and use the afternoon for a walk along the historic city wall before returning to your ship in a timely and stress-free manner.
The way back to the moorings on the Maas is extremely straightforward thanks to the central location of the berths and can be easily integrated into a relaxed stroll through the city.
On Foot
Since most river cruise ships dock directly at the Maasboulevard or the Kesselskaade, you can walk back to the ship from the Vrijthof or the Markt in just a few minutes. The paths through the historic old town are excellently signposted and lead you safely across the iconic Sint Servaasbrug or through the atmospheric shopping streets comfortably to the riverbank.
Taxi
For a particularly comfortable return journey, fixed taxi ranks are available at the central Vrijthof as well as on the Markt square. Additionally, you can have a vehicle called at any time from larger hotels such as the Hotel Derlon on the Onze Lieve Vrouweplein to reach your mooring on the Maas punctually and easily.
Public Transport
The modern buses of the Arriva company efficiently connect the outer districts and the main railway station with the city center, with the Mosae Forum stop being an ideal exit point right by the water. Thanks to the high frequency of service, you can reach the moorings quickly and use the remaining time for a final look at the passing Maas.
