Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) is one of Germany’s busiest airports, serving the Rhine-Ruhr region. Getting to the city center is straightforward thanks to the airport’s excellent train connections. The airport has its own train station accessible via SkyTrain.
Your Options: S-Bahn vs. RE/IC
🚇 S-Bahn S11 (Recommended for Tourists)
- ✅ Price: from €3.20 (cheapest option)
- ✅ Time: 12-15 minutes to Hauptbahnhof
- ✅ Frequency: Every 20 minutes
- ✅ Direct: No transfers needed
- ✅ Stops: Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof (main station)
💡 Best for: Most tourists. It’s cheap, fast, and goes directly to the main station.
🚄 RE/IC (Long-Distance Trains)
- ✅ Price: From €12.90 (more expensive)
- ✅ Time: 10-12 minutes (slightly faster)
- ✅ Comfort: More spacious, quieter
- ⚠️ When: Only if you’re continuing to another city
💡 Best for: If you’re traveling onward to another German city (e.g., Cologne, Frankfurt, Amsterdam).
Step-by-Step: Using S-Bahn (Easiest Option)
Take the SkyTrain to the Station
From Terminal A or B, follow signs to “SkyTrain” (automated people mover). The SkyTrain takes you to the airport train station (Düsseldorf Flughafen). It’s free and runs every 3-5 minutes.
🗺️ Tip: The SkyTrain is clearly marked and easy to find. Just follow the train symbols.
Buy Your Ticket
At the ticket machine at the train station, select “Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof” or “Düsseldorf City”. The ticket costs from €3.20 (prices subject to change) and is valid for the entire journey.
💳 Payment: Cash or card accepted. Machines have English language option.
Validate Your Ticket
Important! Before boarding, validate your ticket in the red or yellow Entwerter machine. Insert your ticket, wait for the stamp, then remove it.
⚠️ Warning: If you forget to validate, you could be fined €60!
Board the Train
Take S-Bahn S11 (direction: Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof). Check the departure board for the next train. They run every 20 minutes.
🚉 Platform: Usually platform 1 or 2 for S-Bahn trains.
Arrive at Hauptbahnhof
After 12-15 minutes, you’ll arrive at Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof (main station). From here, you can walk, take a taxi, or use public transport to your final destination.
🗺️ City center: Hauptbahnhof is in the city center. You can walk to most hotels and attractions within 10-15 minutes.
Alternative: Taxi or Uber
If you prefer not to take the train:
- 🚕 Taxi: approximately €25-35, 15-20 minutes (depending on traffic)
- 🚗 Uber: Similar price, book via app
- ⚠️ Note: Much more expensive than the train, but door-to-door service
Continuing Your Journey
If you’re traveling onward to another German city (e.g., Cologne, Frankfurt, Amsterdam), you can take an RE or IC train directly from Düsseldorf Airport. This is more expensive (from €12.90) but saves you a transfer.
Pro tip: If you’re continuing by train, book your entire journey (airport → final destination) in one ticket. It’s often cheaper than buying separately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Forgetting to validate: Always validate your S-Bahn ticket before boarding!
- ❌ Missing the SkyTrain: You need to take the SkyTrain first to reach the train station.
- ❌ Getting off too early: Wait for “Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof” – it’s the main stop.
Pro Tips
Buy Tickets in Advance
Book online with Omio to avoid confusion at the airport.
Validate Immediately
Validate your ticket as soon as you buy it, before you forget.
Check Train Times
S-Bahn runs every 20 minutes, so you won’t wait long.
Use SkyTrain
Take the free SkyTrain from terminal to train station - it’s quick and easy.
From Hauptbahnhof to Your Hotel
Once you’re at Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof, you can:
- 🚶 Walk: Many hotels are within 10-15 minutes walking distance
- 🚇 U-Bahn/Tram: Take U-Bahn or tram to your destination (same ticket valid for 90 minutes)
- 🚕 Taxi: Taxi stand right outside the station