Airport Guide to Dusseldorf (DUS)

Airport Overview

Terminal Transfer | Getting into Town | Car Parking | Information Desks | Airport Facilities

As the largest airport in the North Rhine-Westphalia area, and third largest airport in Germany, Dusseldorf International Airport (DUS) is an ideal gateway into the region. It’s 7km (4.3 miles) north of downtown Dusseldorf, and serves nearly 19 million passengers per year. The airport is a major hub for both Air Berlin and Lufthansa, which each offer around 300 flights per day. A large area of land located south-west of the terminals is currently being developed as Dusseldorf Airport City, to be completed by 2013. It already houses hotels, businesses and a cinema.

With over 40 restaurants and coffee shops scattered throughout the airport, and even more retail outlets, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Otherwise, you can always see what’s happening at Messe Dusseldorf, a trade fairground that hosts more than 40 annual fairs. It’s only 500 metres from Airport City, and will easily keep you entertained for hours.

Although it’s a busy airport – over 70 airlines use it on a daily basis – Dusseldorf International offers an efficient and stress-free transit environment.

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Terminal Transfer

Dusseldorf International has three major terminals and a small executive terminal reserved for private and corporate customers. Transfer between the terminals is straightforward because they are all connected to a central terminal area, and it’s easy enough to walk between them.

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Getting into Town

Train: Dusseldorf International has its own railway station, at which more than 350 trains stop each day. The station is located at the eastern end of the airport. (The Skytrain – a cable railway system – links the station with the terminal). The journey from the airport to the centre of Dusseldorf takes about ten minutes. The airport also has a S-Bahn station, located below the terminal. Fares between the airport and central Dusseldorf are around €2, but Skytrain fares are generally included in the ticket price.

Bus: Regional buses stop at both the Dusseldorf railway station, and in front of the arrivals terminal. The buses leave the airport every 15-30 minutes, and cost between €2 and €3.80.

Taxis: These are always available outside the central arrivals area. Fares vary depending on where you’re going. Downtown Dusseldorf will set you back around €20, while travelling to downtown Essen will cost nearly €50.

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Car Parking

There’s ample parking at Dusseldorf International, with 20,000 parking spaces available. Short-term parking options are offered directly opposite the terminal areas – only a short walk away – in parking lots P1, P2, P3, P7 and P8, with more than 10, 000 available spaces. These are priced at €3.50 – €3.90 per hour. There are also three long-term and long-term savings areas available, which are located 15 minutes away, but have access to the Skytrain or shuttles. Long-term parking costs €3.50 per hour or €23.50 per day, parking three to eight days costs €70.50, and €80.50 for the next week. Long-term savings parking, also not more than a 15-minute walk from the terminal building, costs €39 for the first week, with an added €10 each following week. It’s worth noting that cheaper parking is available at the railway station – at €7 per day, it’s a much more cost-effective alternative for short stays.

You can also reserve a parking space online, to make sure you won’t drive around needlessly searching for a free one. Reservations cost €6 over and above the usual parking charges. Dusseldorf offers private parking areas to Gold Card holders and first-class passengers. A valet service is also available.

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Information Desks

There are plenty of information desks in both the departures and arrivals areas, as well as in the Dusseldorf Airport Rail Station. The main information desk is in the central arrivals area – and if you have a difficult query, you can even telephone them in advance, and be met with the information you require when you get there.

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Airport Facilities

Money and communications: There are ATMs located throughout the airport. Two banks can be found on the departures level, and one in arrivals.

Luggage: There is a luggage wrapping service provided by Safer Bag which costs €5. There are also trolleys available for €1, and a porter service. It’s worth remembering that EU regulations limit the amount of liquids that can be carried on a plane. Dusseldorf International is fairly strict on this point – you may be required to purchase a Dusseldorf clear plastic bag for €1.

Conference and business: There are a variety of business lounges attached to each of the terminals, including the Lufthansa Business Lounge, British Airways Terrace Lounge, and Emirates Lounge. There are also a number of conference centres to choose from, the largest is the Wöllhaf Conference Centre, which has 24 conference rooms equipped with the latest technology. It is located on the third floor, and can accommodate both small groups as well as groups as large as 250 people. There are also conference centres at the Sheraton Dusseldorf Airport Hotel, and the Maritim Hotel. Finally, there are meeting facilities available at Station Airport, adjacent to the airport.

Other facilities: There are a wide range of other services and facilities available at Dusseldorf International. There’s a petrol station on the grounds, two hotels attached to the airport, a pharmacy, a dentist, VIP Lounges, and even a cinema at Airport City.

Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the airport. There are six internet access points at gates A, B and C, near McDonald’s on the arrivals level and 2 on the arrivals level near the airport information desk).

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