Dusseldorf Layover Guide (DUS)

What are you looking for in DUS?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) is an international airport located in Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It’s situated about 7 km (4.3 miles) from downtown Düsseldorf. The airport officially opened in 1927. Düsseldorf is one of Germany’s major economic centers and a hub for fashion and trade fairs. The city is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, historic old town, and beautiful location along the Rhine River, offering plenty of leisure opportunities.

Can you leave Dusseldorf Airport (DUS) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can generally exit DUS during a layover provided your connection allows sufficient time and airline has pre-arranged transit (6:00–21:00). To clear passport control and enter the city, you must meet Schengen entry requirements. Nationals exempt from Schengen visas may leave airside; others need a C-visa. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Düsseldorf: 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket

Get on board and enjoy the highlights of Düsseldorf on this 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket. The 90-minute loop takes you through Königsallee, Altstadt, Medienhafen and more, with commentary in 10 languages. Hop off at any stop to explore further before hopping back on to continue your panoramic city discovery. » book this tour

Düsseldorf: Altbier-Safari Beer Walking Tour

Explore the traditional Altbier culture on a 2-hour walking tour through Düsseldorf’s Old Town. Visit five historic microbreweries, sample authentic craft beers, learn about the brewing process and local legends. A fun, immersive experience perfect for beer lovers and travelers on a short layover looking to taste Düsseldorf’s famous Altbier. » book this tour

Düsseldorf: City Sightseeing Cruise on the Rhine

Set sail on a 1-hour panoramic cruise along the Rhine River and see Düsseldorf from the water. Relax on board with live commentary, admire the Old Town skyline and modern architecture, and enjoy snacks and drinks available for purchase. A unique and leisurely way to explore the city during any layover. » book this tour

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

  • Altstadt (Old Town) Vibrant historic district filled with lively bars, pubs, and shops lining narrow streets. Perfect for sampling local Altbier and exploring cultural landmarks, marvelous daily museums, and historic churches. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Take S-Bahn S11 to Düsseldorf Hbf (~12 min) then walk (~10 min) or taxi (~15 min)).
  • Rhine Promenade Scenic riverside walkway offering panoramic views of the Rhine and city skyline. Enjoy charming cafés, public art installations, and leisurely strolls along the waterfront, perfect for photography and relaxing urban exploration. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: S-Bahn S11 to Hbf then tram U72 (~15 min) or taxi (~20 min)).
  • MedienHafen Redeveloped harbor showcasing avant-garde architecture by Frank Gehry, David Chipperfield, and other renowned architects. Explore trendy restaurants, bars, art galleries, and striking waterfront buildings in a vibrant modern district. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: S-Bahn S11 to Hbf then tram U74 (~18 min) or taxi (~20 min)).
  • Rhine Tower (Rheinturm) Iconic 240-meter telecommunications tower with observation deck and revolving restaurant offering 360-degree views of Düsseldorf and the Rhine. Ideal for panoramic photography and enjoying meals above the city lights. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: S-Bahn S11 to Hbf then U-Bahn U78 (~15 min) or taxi (~20 min)).
  • Königsallee Luxury shopping boulevard known as ‘Kö’, lined with designer boutiques, high-end fashion houses, and elegant cafés alongside a landscaped canal under chestnut trees. A must for upscale window shopping and people watching. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: S-Bahn S11 to Hbf then walk (~10 min) or taxi (~15 min)).
  • Schloss Benrath Exquisite 18th-century baroque palace with opulent salons, landscaped gardens, and the Museum of European Garden Art. Stroll lakeside terraces and ornate halls for a glimpse into aristocratic life. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: S-Bahn S11 to Hbf then S6 to Benrath (~20 min) or taxi (~25 min)).
  • Kunstsammlung NRW Prestigious art museum featuring modern and contemporary collections across two venues: K20 at Grabbeplatz and K21 in the historic Ständehaus. Highlights include works by Picasso, Kiefer, and Beuys. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: S-Bahn S11 to Hbf then tram U75 (~12 min) or taxi (~18 min)).
  • Carlsplatz Market Bustling open-air market offering fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, gourmet street food, and flowers. Immerse yourself in local culinary culture with seasonal delights and friendly vendor interactions. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: S-Bahn S11 to Hbf then walk (~8 min) or taxi (~15 min)).

Things to Do in Dusseldorf Airport (DUS)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Seven pay-per-use lounges across Piers A, B and C offer a range of snacks, hot and cold dishes, free Wi-Fi, workstations and shower facilities. Notable lounges include Hugo Junkers in Pier B and Open Sky in Pier C. Family packages and VIP-service add-ons are available, all bookable online. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Two on-site hotels—Sheraton Düsseldorf Airport atop P3 and the Maritim in Airport City—offer Park Sleep & Fly packages, day rooms and 24-hour check-in. Nearby Lindner Hotel provides direct terminal access. Quiet rooms, queen beds and sound-insulation ensure rest before early flights, with shuttle and SkyTrain links for seamless transfer. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
DUS operates 24-hour terminal access but no dedicated sleep pods or quiet zones. Security opens around 3:30 a.m. and two cafés operate around the clock. Travelers report armrest-free seating in the check-in hall and third-floor Terminal B near the observation deck as the quietest spots for a makeshift nap.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Düsseldorf Airport provides free, unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi throughout all terminals upon acceptance of the terms of use. No access codes or payments are required—simply connect to the “#DUSfreeWiFi” network. Business travelers can also use the self-service workstations in the central terminal, offering printers, refreshments and Nespresso coffee.

SIM/eSIM Card: In the Arrivals level public area, the Akia shop (08:00–23:00) sells prepaid SIMs from Telekom, Vodafone and O2 (from ~€15 for 8 GB). eSIM data plans can be instantly activated via providers like MobiMatter online, with top-ups available. For better rates, consider city-center carrier stores after arrival. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Airport taxi stands at the Arrivals and Departures levels host licensed “Airport Taxis” with credit-card payment, invoices, GPS navigation and child seats. Typical fares: city center ~€28 (15 min), Messe ~€20 (10 min), central station ~€29 (20 min). Flat-rate and regional options cover Neuss, Ratingen and beyond.

Train: Düsseldorf Flughafen has an underground S-Bahn station served by the S11 line (to central station in 17 min) and a main station for regional and ICE trains. A fully automated SkyTrain links both stations to all terminal piers every 5–7 min. (more info)

Bus: The Arrivals hall bus station serves local lines 721 (main station), 760 (Ratingen), SB51 (Kaarst – Meerbusch), 896 (Messe fairs). At the rail station, catch 729 (Theodor-Heuss-Brücke), 759 (Ratingen-Ost) or 776 (Derendorf). FlixBus intercity services (N79, 068, N116) stop on platform 14. (more info)

Shuttle: Early-morning shuttle buses run from Düsseldorf Flughafen station to the terminal on weekends (02:20–03:45 a.m.) until October. SkyTrain acts as an inter-terminal shuttle daily. Additional private hotel- and group-transfer shuttles operate on request, with designated pick-up areas at Terminal Exit B.

Car rentals: All major brands—Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt, Thrifty and Wheego—have counters on the Arrivals level. Vehicles are collected and returned at the adjacent rental car park; follow motorway exit “Flughafen-Düsseldorf” then “Mietwagen.” Online booking is strongly recommended. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Eight garages (P1–P8) plus open lots (P11, P12, P23, P24) serve short- and long-term needs. P1 (underground) offers lounge access, P3 is closest to the terminal with online discounts. P4/P5 link via SkyTrain. Automated license-plate recognition replaces tickets; online booking secures better rates. Height limits vary by lot.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

The baggage storage office opposite the terminal on Car Park 3’s first floor accepts items up to 30 kg for €5/day. Sports equipment and bikes are €10, surfboards and bulky items €15. A wardrobe service is €2/day; a €10 security deposit applies for tools and sharp items. Storage slots fill quickly. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Dusseldorf Airport (DUS) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks