Alert: if you are travelling on saturday or sunday then be aware of train disruptions.
Travelling saturday/sunday: Take train to Zwolle (approximately half way to Groningen and then follow signs for 'snelbus Groningen direction Hoogeven' which usually is organised at the back of the train station (high platform number exit). In Hoogeven you need to board the train again for Groningen. This adds an extra hour to the journey often. If you are in doubt there are usually several NS staff available for directions.
Food: After the opening on Sunday we will have a light buffet (with substantial food) and there will be a packed lunch provided each day of the conference. If you have indicated allergies etc then I will contact you later with instructions. Note that the Netherlands has a dinner at 6 culture so most restaurants stop serving at 8.30 pm.
Coffee/tea: we will have coffee/tea available all through the day but you need to bring your own cup (we will provide one at registration).
Weather: Groningen is a coastal climate so in July the weather will be mostly too warm (36 C), dry and sunny with periods of too cold (16 C), cloudy and heavy downpours and sometimes just drizzle and sometimes everything on the same day. We expect the weather to be around 25-27 C all week. Best download the local weather app https://www.buienradar.nl/
Hotels: We hope you have already booked accommodation. Most of the discount codes are no longer valid so contact hotels directly to ask for the discount. If you need assistance please use the website contact form.
Parking: if you are here by car let us know so we can arrange parking
EUROBIC Travel information
Local transport
If you do not already have your conference badge then you can pay with a bankcard by tapping in (and importantly tapping out before getting off!) at the pole when entering and leaving the bus. Your conference badge will have a logo that provides free bus travel to and from the train station/city center to Zernike Science Park (Nijenborgh bus stop, https://maps.app.goo.gl/ozx118KsenDbcfwn6)
Buses 1, 2 and 15 go to the Zernike complex. Googlemaps is handy for checking times and locations. You can also use https://ov9292.nl or the ov9292 app.
Of course Groningen is the bicycle capital of Europe so if you want to move about with élan then join the locals and rent a bicycle (more information later).
It is traditional in the Summer holiday period for travel in the Netherlands to be extra exciting. This year is particularly exceptional.
Note that in the Netherlands train tickets can be bought on the trains. Tickets are available:
· online https://ns.nl
· at a kiosk at the station
· at service desk at Schiphol airport in main concurse
· Check in/out without your bankpass (does not always work and be sure to check out at the end of the journey)
Tickets are both on day if use and can be used on any train all day. There is no seat reservation.
Internation arrival Travel advice
Download the NS app (NederlandsSpoorwegen) for up to date train information
From Schiphol airport:
Note that passport control can sometimes be a long wait at Schiphol airport for non-EU passport holders.
Take train to Utrecht Central or Amersfoort Station from platform 1 or 2 in the train station under the main concourse of the airport. Take train (2 each hour) to Zwolle, transfer to bus replacement to Hoogeven and then by train to Groningen
From Germany by train:
travel via Leer (take transfer bus to Groningen)
travel via Hengelo/Utrecht (note there is a bus replacement service between Zwolle and Hoogeven (Saturday 11th /Sunday 12th)
From Belgium/France by train:
The problems in the Rotterdam area are now resolved. Travel via Eurostar: disembark in Rotterdam or Schiphol and take train to Zwolle, transfer to bus replacement to Hoogeven and then by train to Groningen. See ns.nl for details