Quick Answer
The best overall way to travel from Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) to the Port of Düsseldorf (Nordhafen) is by public transport: SkyTrain to S-Bahn to Tram. The total cost is only €3.40 - €3.60, and the journey takes approximately 40-55 minutes. For maximum convenience, especially with heavy luggage or a group, a taxi or pre-booked transfer takes about 20-30 minutes but costs €35-€45.
Public Transport: S-Bahn & Tram (The Best Overall Option)
Combining the airport's automated SkyTrain, the regional S-Bahn, and Düsseldorf's efficient tram network is the most balanced option—offering excellent value, good frequency, and a straightforward journey.
| Step | Vehicle | Route | Frequency | Travel Time | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Airport Transfer | SkyTrain | Terminal A/B -> Terminal C (Long-Distance Station) | 3-5 min | 5-7 min | Free, fully automated. Follow signs "SkyTrain" or "Bahn". |
| 2. To City Center | S-Bahn S11 | DUS Airport -> Düsseldorf Hbf (Main Station) | Every 20 min | 12-14 min | Direction: Bergisch Gladbach or Düsseldorf Hbf. Get off at "Düsseldorf Hbf". |
| 3. To Nordhafen Port | Tram 706 / 707 | Düsseldorf Hbf -> Am Hafen / Nordhafen | Every 10 min | 12-15 min | Underground tram station at Hbf. Take 706 (Unterrath) or 707 (Freiligrathplatz). |
Detailed Step-by-Step Guide & Ticket Information
Step 1: Tickets. Purchase a ticket before boarding the SkyTrain/S-Bahn. Use the red VRR ticket machines. For a direct journey, select "Einzelticket Preisstufe A" (Single Ticket, Fare Level A). Price: €3.60 (2024). If you have minimal luggage and the journey is short, a "Kurzstrecke" (Short Trip, €3.40) may suffice but has distance limits. The Deutschland-Ticket (€49/month) is also valid for the entire journey. Validate your paper ticket in the small blue/yellow boxes on platforms.
Step 2: The Tram Transfer at Düsseldorf Hbf. This is the only tricky part. After exiting the S-Bahn at the main station:
- Follow signs for "U-Bahn / Straßenbahn" (Underground / Tram).
- Take the escalators or elevator down to the underground tram station.
- Find the platform for Tram Lines 706 (direction Unterrath) and 707 (direction Freiligrathplatz).
- Board and take it for about 6-7 stops. The closest stops to Nordhafen are "Am Hafen" or "Nordhafen". Check your specific port building location.
Pro Tip: Use the official VRR Journey Planner or apps like DB Navigator or Google Maps for real-time schedules and platform info. Enter destination as "Düsseldorf Nordhafen" or the specific street address.
Taxi & Private Transfer (Door-to-Door Convenience)
For direct, hassle-free service, especially with bulky luggage, families, or late-night arrivals, a taxi or pre-booked private transfer is ideal.
Taxi (Official Airport Taxis)
Official taxi ranks (Taxistand) are located directly outside Arrivals of Terminals A/B and C.
- Average Fare: €35 - €45.
- Journey Time: 20-30 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic (Rush hour on the A44/A52/A57 can cause delays).
- Payment: Cash and major credit/debit cards are widely accepted.
Pre-Booked Private Transfer (Recommended for Groups)
Booking in advance with companies like Welcome Pickups, Suntransfers, or KiwiTaxi offers fixed, upfront pricing and a driver meeting you at arrivals.
- Advantages: No waiting in line, fixed price (no surprise surcharges), child seats available, English-speaking drivers.
- Cost for Standard Car (1-4 Pax): Starts from ~€50-€65, often comparable to or slightly above a metered taxi but with guaranteed service.
- Best For: Large groups (book a van), corporate travel, or travelers wanting absolute peace of mind upon arrival.
Ride-Sharing (Uber/Bolt) & Car Rental
Ride-Sharing (Uber, Bolt): Operates in Düsseldorf. Pick-up is at the designated ride-sharing area, separate from the taxi rank (follow signs). Prices are dynamic but often 10-30% cheaper than taxis during non-peak times. Wait times are typically 5-10 minutes.
Car Rental: Düsseldorf Airport has all major rental companies (Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, Avis) located in the Car Rental Center, reachable via SkyTrain. Only rent a car if you need it for your entire stay. Driving and parking at Nordhafen (especially long-term) can be complex and expensive. The port area is well-connected by public transport, making a rental car largely unnecessary for this specific transfer.
Ticket & Cost Comparison: DUS Airport to Nordhafen Port
This table summarizes all options to help you decide at a glance.
| Transport Method | Approx. Travel Time | Approx. Cost (One Way) | Best For | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Transport (S-Bahn + Tram) | 40 - 55 min | €3.40 - €3.60 (Single Ticket) | Budget travelers, solo travelers, light luggage | One transfer required. Requires ticket purchase. |
| Taxi (Metered) | 20 - 30 min | €35 - €45 | Groups of 3-4, heavy luggage, late-night arrivals | Cost varies with traffic. Most convenient. |
| Pre-Booked Private Transfer | 20 - 30 min | €50 - €70 (car) | Families, corporate travel, fixed budget | Price fixed in advance. Meet & greet service. |
| Ride-Sharing (Uber/Bolt) | 20 - 35 min | €25 - €40 | Tech-savvy travelers, non-peak hours | Dynamic pricing. Uses app. |
| Rental Car | 20+ min | €40 - €80+/day + fuel & parking | Travelers needing a car for their entire trip | Not recommended for transfer only. Parking is costly. |
Winner for Value: Public Transport.
Winner for Convenience: Taxi/Private Transfer.
Traveler Tips & Local Advice for the Journey
Go beyond the basics with these insights from frequent travelers and locals.
Luggage Strategy
The tram (706/707) can get crowded during rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) and has limited space for large suitcases. If you have multiple or very heavy bags, consider:
- Taxi/Transfer: The stress-free choice.
- Travel Off-Peak: Use public transport outside commuting hours.
Navigating Düsseldorf Hbf Efficiently
The main station is large but well-signed. Key landmarks:
- S-Bahn Arrivals: You'll likely arrive on tracks 1-4 (low-numbered platforms).
- Path to Trams: Look for the large central concourse with shops ("Reisezentrum" for tickets). The escalators down to the U-Bahn/Straßenbahn are near the middle of the hall.
- If Lost: Ask for "Straßenbahn 706 nach Nordhafen" at an information desk.
For Late-Night & Early-Morning Arrivals
Public transport runs 24/7 on most nights, but with night buses (NachtExpress) replacing trains/trams between ~11:30 PM and 4:30 AM. Routes and travel times change significantly. Always check the VRR Night Network Map. For flights landing after 11 PM, a taxi is the most reliable option.
Money-Saving Tip: The Deutschland-Ticket
If you're in Germany for a month and plan to use local transport elsewhere, the €49 Deutschland-Ticket is unbeatable. It covers this entire journey and all local transport nationwide. Purchase it online via apps like DB Navigator, HVV, or mopla.
FAQs: Getting from Düsseldorf Airport to the Port
Is there a direct train from Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) to the Port of Düsseldorf (Nordhafen)?
No. There is no single direct train or tram. The journey requires one transfer at Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof (Main Station) from the S-Bahn to the tram (Lines 706 or 707). The connection is well-coordinated and the total journey is straightforward.
What is the cheapest way to get from Düsseldorf Airport to Nordhafen Port?
The cheapest way is undeniably by public transport. A single adult ticket (Preisstufe A) costs €3.60, and a short-trip ticket (if applicable) is €3.40. This is over 90% cheaper than taking a taxi. Using a Deutschland-Ticket reduces the marginal cost of this trip to zero if you already have one.
How long does the train and tram journey from DUS to Nordhafen take?
The total travel time is typically between 40 and 55 minutes. This includes waiting times for connections. The actual moving time on vehicles is about 30-35 minutes. Always add a buffer of 10-15 minutes for ticket purchase and orientation, especially on your first visit.
Is a taxi from Düsseldorf Airport to the port a good idea?
It's an excellent idea if convenience is your top priority and cost is secondary. It's highly recommended for groups (cost can be split), travelers with mobility issues or excessive luggage, and for arrivals after 11 PM when public transport is less frequent. For a solo traveler on a budget, it's hard to justify the 10x higher cost.
Where exactly do I catch the tram to Nordhafen at Düsseldorf Main Station (Hbf)?
You catch it in the underground tram station ("U-Bahn/Straßenbahn") beneath the main train concourse. From the S-Bahn platforms, follow the green and white signs for "U-Bahn". The platforms for Tram 706 (direction Unterrath) and 707 (direction Freiligrathplatz) are usually on the same level, often Platform 1 or 2. Digital displays will confirm.
Can I use a Deutschland-Ticket for this journey?
Yes, absolutely. The Deutschland-Ticket (€49 per month) is valid on all local and regional transport within Germany, which includes the SkyTrain, S-Bahn S11, and Düsseldorf trams (VRR network). Simply show the digital ticket on your phone to the driver if asked (rare on trams, but controllers do checks).
What is the best option for early morning or late-night arrivals?
For arrivals between approximately 11:30 PM and 4:30 AM, the standard S-Bahn and trams do not run. You must use the NachtExpress (Night Express) bus network. The journey becomes longer and less direct. For simplicity and speed during these night hours, a taxi or pre-booked transfer is strongly advised.
Is the journey from DUS Airport to Nordhafen Port wheelchair accessible?
Mostly, but plan ahead. The SkyTrain, modern S-Bahn trains, and newer trams are accessible. Düsseldorf Hbf has elevators connecting the S-Bahn platforms to the tram level. However, always check the VRR barrier-free travel service for potential temporary outages. For guaranteed seamless access, a wheelchair-accessible taxi (bookable in advance) is the most reliable option.