Navigating Düsseldorf is efficient and straightforward thanks to the Rheinbahn network, which integrates the metro (U-Bahn), trams, and buses into a single cohesive system. The city is also well-connected regionally by the S-Bahn (suburban trains) and Deutsche Bahn network.
1. Transportation Modes
- U-Bahn (Metro/Light Rail):
- Best For: Fast travel across the city and to major hubs like the Trade Fair (Messe) and Main Station (Hauptbahnhof).
- Key Lines:
- U78 & U79: Connect the Main Station to the Messe/Arena (Trade Fair).
- U70-U77: Serve various city districts and neighboring cities like Krefeld and Neuss.
- Note: In the city center, U-Bahn lines run underground (subway), but often surface to become street-level trams in the suburbs.
- Trams (Straßenbahn):
- Best For: Short hops within the city center and scenic rides.
- Coverage: Extensive network supplementing the U-Bahn. Stops are frequent (approx. every 300-500m).
- Look For: Signs with a green “H” in a yellow circle (Haltestelle).
- Buses:
- Best For: Reaching neighborhoods not served by rail and late-night travel.
- Night Service: The NachtExpress (NE) lines operate extensively on Friday and Saturday nights (approx. 1:00 AM – 4:00 AM) when regular trains stop.
- S-Bahn (Suburban Train):
- Best For: Travel to the airport, suburbs, and nearby cities (Cologne, Essen).
- Key Line: S11 connects Düsseldorf Hbf (Main Station) to Düsseldorf Airport Terminal.
- Ride-Sharing & Taxis:
- Apps: Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow are active in Düsseldorf.
- Taxis: Cream-colored Mercedes taxis are available at stands or can be hailed.
- Tip: There is a fixed flat rate of €20 for trips between the Airport and the Trade Fair (Messe).
- Estimate: Airport to City Center (Altstadt/Königsallee) is approx. €30.
2. Route Planning
- Apps to Download:
- Rheinbahn App or VRR App: The official local apps for real-time schedules and ticket purchases.
- DB Navigator: Essential if you plan to take regional trains (S-Bahn/RE) or travel outside the city.
- Google Maps: Generally reliable for transit directions in Düsseldorf.
3. Ticketing Information
Düsseldorf is part of the VRR (Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr) transport association. A single ticket is valid on all modes (Bus, Tram, U-Bahn, S-Bahn) within the zone you purchase.
- Zone System:
- Price Level A3: Covers the entire city of Düsseldorf. This is what you need for 95% of tourist activities.
- Price Level B/C/D: Needed only for travel to neighboring cities (e.g., Duisburg, Essen, Wuppertal).
- Ticket Types & Prices (Estimates):Powered by GetYourGuide
- Single Ticket (EinzelTicket A3): ~€3.30. Valid for 90 minutes. You can switch vehicles but cannot make return trips.
- Short Trip (Kurzstrecke): ~€1.90. Valid for maximum 3 stops (approx. 1.5 km). Strictly enforced.
- 24-Hour Ticket: Best value for tourists. ~€8.00 for one person, or ~€12-15 for small groups (up to 5 people). Valid for 24 hours from validation.
DüsseldorfCard:
Offers unlimited travel + free/discounted entry to museums (prices start ~€12). Good if you plan to visit multiple museums.
Save time and money on individual entrance fees with a DüsseldorfCard and enjoy great discounts at up to 70 sights and activities, including museums, exhibitions and guided city tours.
- Where to Buy:
- Ticket Machines: Available at all U-Bahn/S-Bahn stations and inside trams. Most have English language options.
- Mobile Apps: Buy directly in the Rheinbahn/VRR apps (often slightly cheaper and no need to stamp).
- Bus Drivers: You can buy tickets from the driver (cash usually required).
4. Navigation & Validation (Crucial!)
- The “Stamp” Rule (Entwerten):
- Paper tickets must be validated before your journey begins.
- Where: Look for the small orange/red/yellow box (validator).
- U-Bahn/S-Bahn: Boxes are usually on the platform or at the station entrance.
- Trams/Buses: Boxes are inside the vehicle.
- Warning: An unvalidated ticket is considered “fare evasion” (Schwarzfahren) and carries an immediate €60 fine.
- Airport Stations (Don’t confuse them!):
- “Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal” (S11): This S-Bahn station is in the basement of the airport terminal. It is the most convenient for getting to the city center.
- “Düsseldorf Flughafen” (Fernbahnhof): This is the major regional station on the edge of the airport grounds. It is connected to the terminal by the SkyTrain (monorail).
5. Safety and Etiquette
- Doors: Doors on trams and trains do not open automatically. Press the green button on the door once the vehicle stops.
- Escalators: Stand on the right, walk on the left.
- Quiet Zones: Germans are generally quiet on public transport. Avoid loud phone conversations.
- Safety: Düsseldorf is very safe. However, pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas like the Old Town (Altstadt) or Main Station.
- Ticket Inspections: Inspectors operate in plain clothes. If asked (“Fahrschein, bitte”), show your stamped ticket or app QR code.
