By plane
Maastricht-Aachen airport is 10 miles away from the city center of Heerlen. Albeit it is more convenient to fly to Eindhoven airport and take a bus and train to Heerlen, because of the low number or flights arriving and departing from Maastricht-Aachen airport. For international flights it is better to arrive and depart from BrusselsBE, AmsterdamSchiphol, NL or DusseldorfDE. Each of these airports are about 2-3 hours away from Heerlen by car.
By train
The main train station is situated in the center of the city. Three other trainstations in Heerlen are Heerlen de Kissel, Heerlen Woonboulevard Opening 2010 and Hoensbroek. There is a train from Aachen Hbf to Heerlen called the euregio-line which travels twice per hour. The trainstation in Heerlen is going to get a renovated starting in 2010 adding more travel options when completed second part of the Maankwartier build. Also this will be a shoppingmall when ariving in this new station when completed with eating and drinking possibilities.
By bus
The bus terminal is close to the back exit of the trainstation. The bus operator in Heerlen and surrounding cities is Veolia. There is one international busline from Aachen to Heerlen.
By car
Heerlen is situated along the A76 highway but get on the N281 if traveling south or north because there is no exit to Heerlen on the A76. You can find taxies waiting on the upper level when exiting at front of the trainstation. From Aachen by car you will have to take the N281. From Maastricht take the A79 to Heerlen. At the end of the A79 is Heerlen. You can also use the inner ring of parkstad to get to Heerlen.