Travel to/from Freiburg

Freiburg does not have its own airport, but there are several airports nearby that are suitable to travel to ICAPS 2011.

EuroAirport Basel/Mulhouse/Freiburg

(Preferred option if your airport offers direct flights to the EuroAirport.)

The EuroAirport (airport code: EAP; also: BSL, MLH) is located in France about 60 kilometers from Freiburg and mainly provides connections within Europe. It is served by several low-cost airlines. Round-trip flights to many major European cities are occasionally available for less than 100 EUR, but prices vary a lot. One half of the airport is considered French territory while the other is Swiss, and arriving passengers can choose whether they prefer to enter France or Switzerland. (This may make a difference in terms of visas and customs.) Please note that Switzerland, unlike Germany and France, is not part of the European Union. However, it is part of the Schengen area, so travel between Germany or France and Switzerland is usually uncomplicated.

The airport is connected to Freiburg's city centre via an airport shuttle, which leaves approx. every 60-90 minutes and takes about 55 minutes (see timetable). It arrives at Freiburg's central train station (Freiburg Hbf), which is within walking distance of the city centre and main conference venue. To take the airport shuttle, leave the airport on the French side. You will need cash (Euro bills) to pay for the ticket.

Alternatively, you can leave the airport on the Swiss side and take a bus to Basel (Switzerland) and reach Freiburg by train from there. This journey takes about 70 minutes. For the schedule see the website of Deutsche Bahn and search for a connection from Basel, EuroAirport to Freiburg(Breisgau) Hbf (Freiburg main station). For this option, you will need Swiss currency (Francs).

Frankfurt Airport

(Preferred option in most other cases, including most intercontinental arrivals.)

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is one of the largest airports in Europe and is well-connected to destinations all over the world.

The best way to get from Frankfurt Airport to Freiburg is by train, which takes about 2-2.5 hours. There is a long-distance railway station inside the airport, with one high-speed train connection between Frankfurt Airport and Freiburg per hour. Half of these are direct (i.e. no change of trains). Note that the latest departure on most days is at 21:54, so please choose your flight accordingly or plan a night in Frankfurt. For the schedule, consult the website of Deutsche Bahn and search for a connection from Frankfurt(M)Flughafen to Freiburg(Breisgau) Hbf (Freiburg central station). ("Flughafen" means "airport" – be sure not to select Frankfurt's central train station instead!)

Zurich Airport

(Good option if you know what you're doing.)

Zurich airport (ZRH) is the main airport in Switzerland and has connections to destinations all over the world.

The best way to get from Zurich airport to Freiburg is by train, which takes between 2 and 3 hours with at least one change. Note that the latest departure on most days is at 21:43, so please choose your flight accordingly. For the schedule, consult the website of Deutsche Bahn and search for a connection from ZRH Zurich Airport to Freiburg(Breisgau) Hbf (Freiburg central station).

Please note that Switzerland is not part of the European Union and has its own currency.

Travelling by train

Germany has a comfortable and rather reliable railway system. All long-distance trains are run by one company, Deutsche Bahn. Freiburg is connected to the German high-speed railway (ICE) network, and travelling by train is often the fastest way to get there. This may even hold true in some cases when you're travelling from abroad. For example, the fastest train connections from Paris to Freiburg take about 3.5 hours.

Tickets can be bought online. Besides the standard fares, there are often reduced fares available which restrict passengers to a particular day and train. These tickets are subject to availability and not refundable if you miss a train.

For arrivals at Frankfurt Airport, many airlines offer so-called rail&fly (or sometimes fly&rail) tickets that are usually very good deals. Alternatively, there is a possibility to order a return ticket for 73 EUR when booking certain conference hotels. (This only applies to travel within Germany and hence does not make sense when arriving at EuroAirport or Zurich.)