Practical Information

We are pleased to welcome you to ECSAS 2025! Here is some information to help you prepare for your time at the conference.

Getting to Heidelberg

Travelling from Frankfurt Airport:

  • By Train: Several trains depart from the Flughafen Fernbahnhof, or long-distance train station through the day and can be booked online via the Deutsche Bahn app or directly at the station. Please keep in mind that connections shorter than 30 minutes are not recommended since delays and cancellations are common.
  • By Shuttle: Shuttle services operate between Frankfurt Airport to Heidelberg at different times of the day. Please check the websites of the options below for more details.
  • TLS (https://www.tls-heidelberg.de/en/)
  • Lufthansa Airport Shuttle (https://frankfurt-airport-shuttles.de/index.php

By Bus: The private bus company Flixbus runs several buses between Frankfurt Airport and Heidelberg, and could be a cost-effective option. However, delays can happen and you can face long waiting hours. (https://www.flixbus.de/)


Reaching the Venue

Venue:

The conference is taking place at the Neue Universität campus, located at Universitätsplatz 1, 69117 Heidelberg. Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iZBSuUkEnTbheL9p9

Local transport information:

The Neue Uni campus is located in the heart of the Old City (or Altstadt) which is easily traversable by foot from Bismarckplatz. Alternatively, some buses run to the stop “Universitätsplatz” which is located right in front of the venue.


Getting around Heidelberg

  • Heidelberg has a robust public transportation system with buses, trams and S-Bahn connecting most of the city and its surrounding areas. You have to buy a ticket from a ticket machine before boarding a bus or tram. There are English menus on the ticket machines. Fines for not having a ticket are heavy ,€60.
  • We recommend you navigate Heidelberg with Google Maps (or similar) or ask for directions. Heidelberg is a university town and most people speak English.
  • Be careful with taking the right bus/tram since the same route goes in two directions. You can check that by reading the signs in front of the bus/tram where both numbers and directions should match the recommendations shown on Google Maps.
  • Please note that card payments are not as widely accepted in Germany as in some other countries. We highly recommend carrying sufficient cash, especially for use in smaller establishments, restaurants, local transportation. Small change can come in handy for paying at ticket counters, publics toilets, etc.
  • Be aware that supermarkets, pharmacies and retail remain close on Sundays and holidays. October 3rd, is a public holiday, so plan ahead in case you need to do any last-minute shopping.

Meals & Receptions

  • Water and coffee breaks will be offered throughout the conference. There will be water dispensers available at the venue at all times. Also keep in mind that Heidelberg has high-quality tap water which is safe to drink.
  • Lunch will be provided for all attendees on October 2 and 3, and will feature a selection of planet-friendly, plant-based options. The catering service will be provided on all three floors of the Neue Universität. If you want to know more about Heidelberg University’s Sustainability Initiative, please visit  Sustainability | Studierendenwerk Heidelberg AöR
  • Welcome Reception: you are invited to join us on October 1 at 20:00 for a reception at the Neue Universität’s Foyer and garden
  • Other options for meals at the University include:
  • Zeughaus-Mensa im Marstall: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hFfgcChww9j2V6wa6
  • Triplex-Mensa am Universitätsplatz: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yefout7EjiJQkzBi7
  • Heidelberg is a tourist town with many restaurants and cafes offering meals in different budgets.

Weather

October in Heidelberg typically brings cool, crisp autumn days with average temperatures ranging from about 7°C in the early mornings to 15°C in the afternoons. While many days are pleasant and sunny, light rain showers are common, so a warm jacket and an umbrella are advisable. Evenings can feel quite chilly, especially along the Neckar River, so layering is recommended.


WiFi at the Venue

Conference attendees who have access to eduroam will be able to use the network at the venue. If you do not have eduroam access, please contact the front desk for specially generated credentials which will give you access to the university network. In both cases, our IT staff will be present at the front desk to support you.