Car hire Eindhoven

Introduction

Eindhoven is a fairly young city with a modern image. Since the end of the 19th century, the city has developed through industrial activity: first the textile industry, then the electronics industry (Philips), followed by DAF's automobile factories. During the Second World War, the city was bombed, as a result of which there are few historical buildings left in the center.

Population

Eindhoven has over 200,000 inhabitants, which makes it the fifth largest city in the Netherlands. Thanks to the presence of a university and many polytechnics, the population of Eindhoven is relatively young.

Location

Eindhoven is located in the south of the Netherlands, in the province of Noord-Brabant. Eindhoven is situated at 120 kilometers from Amsterdam, 115 kilometers from Rotterdam, 90 kilometers from Utrecht and 80 kilometers from Maastricht.

Economy

The city is the most important center of the industrial belt in the south of the Netherlands. Historically, electronics manufacturer Philips has played a major role, even though the company has since moved its headquarters to Amsterdam. In addition, DAF Trucks provides many jobs. In 2006, it was the second largest truck manufacturer in Europe. Eindhoven presents itself as the ICT and knowledge center of the region. Companies spend relatively much on Research & Development. The presence of the Technical University of Eindhoven also contributes to the city's technological image.

Airports

To the north-west of the city lies Eindhoven Welschap Airport. It is an important airport for low cost carriers, but is also used by companies like KLM/Air France. There are direct connections to Paris, London, Barcelona, Rome, Milan, Pisa, Dublin, Istanbul and many other European holiday destinations.

Public transport

The city has no metro or tram, although it does have an extensive network of buses, which are operated by two companies: Hermes and BBA. Like elsewhere in the Netherlands, so-called strip cards are required. To and from Eindhoven Airport there is a special bus service.

Traffic and Parking

Eindhoven is not a difficult place to drive. Around the center there is the so-called Inner ring (indicated with road signs), which makes it easy to drive from one part of the city to another. Many inhabitants complain about the many traffic lights in the city, which are set to give buses priority.

There are many parking lots and car parks. Do keep in mind that the Eindhoven police will have no compunction fining you when you ignore the one-way traffic signs, when you park in the wrong place or forget to fill the parking meter. In some streets in the city center, bikes are not allowed, which is also rigorously enforced.

Hotels

Eindhoven offers a wide range of hotels. There is no 5 star hotel, but the 4 star category is amply represented. The city is a center of technology and science, which attracts many business people. The institutes for higher education also attract many foreign delegations, so we recommend booking your hotel room in advance.

External Sources

For more information about Eindhoven, we recommend Google, and the following sources:

• Wikipedia, Eindhoven
• VVV Eindhoven
(Dutch and English)
• Municipality of
(Dutch and English)