Sleeping in Airports

Düsseldorf Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Düsseldorf Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

Security didn’t seem to care we were there, but we kinda tried to hide also cuz we thought they might. – drvanostren

DUS Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Düsseldorf International Airport.

What to Expect

Düsseldorf Airport (Code: DUS) comprises three piers (A, B and C) connected by a central spine. The airport is walkable, and all three piers can be accessed once through security. There are plenty of shops, eateries and services throughout the airport. The piers get very quiet at night, but there are a few 24-hour eateries. Things to do are limited, but there is free WiFi, and economy-class passengers can pay to access one of two airport lounges.

Sleeping in Düsseldorf Airport

dusseldorf airport guideWhile Düsseldorf Airport is open 24 hours, airside portions of the piers are closed to passengers when security checkpoints shut down for the night (approx. 10:00 PM), and airside passengers are moved to landslide until they are allowed to re-clear security the following day (approx. 4:00 AM). Besides this restriction, airport security and staff generally tolerate overnight sleepers. Reviewers suggest that the check-in area is more comfortable than the arrivals area and note that a few cafes have sofas/benches. It seems you can move some chairs around for makeshift beds. Once you are airside, you can find seats without armrests.

One good sleep spot that travellers have reported on the landside is the benches that line the retail concourse, which runs behind and parallel to the main concourse.

For more privacy and comfort, albeit for a price, there are several nearby airport hotels, including one hotel within a 3-minute walk from the Arrivals area. See the Airport Hotels section below for more info.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Düsseldorf Airport Guide.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.  For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.

airport hoursAirport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours, but security checkpoints open at 3:30 AM (Pier A and B) and 4:00 AM (Pier C).

rest zonesRest & Relaxation Zones

No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones exist. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

airport hotelsAirport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Düsseldorf Airport:

  • Sheraton Düsseldorf Airport Hotel – 3-minute walk to the hotel from Arrivals. Located on the roof of P3 Car Park. Day rooms are available from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. » Check Rates
  • Maritim Hotel – Connected to Pier C by a pedestrian bridge. Day rooms are available. » Check Rates
  • Air Hotel Wartburg » Check Rates
  • Avidon Art & Design Hotel » Check Rates
  • Holiday Inn Express Düsseldorf Airport, An IHG Hotel » Check Rates
  • Lindner Airport Hotel  » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Düsseldorf Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

airport loungeAirport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!

  • Hugo Junkers Lounge – Location: Pier B, Airside, Level 2, Gate B. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
  • Open Sky Lounge – Location: Pier C, Airside, Upper level, near Gates C36 and C45. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.

Airline Lounges

You may have access to the lounge listed below if you are a First or Business Class traveller. For more information, check the airline’s website.

  • Emirates Lounge (Pier C, Non-Schengen). Showers are available. Hours 12:25 AM – 3:25 PM and 6:15 PM – 9:15 PM.
  • Lufthansa Business Lounge & Lufthansa Senator Lounge (Pier A, Gallery Level). Showers are available.

Related Pages: Düsseldorf Airport Lounges

water bottle refillsDrinking Water

Information is unavailable.  Does Dusseldorf Airport have drinking water fountains or water bottle refill stations?  Click here to update this guide.

foodFood & Drinks

Many food options are available before (landside) and after (airside) security. Here are the 24-hour food and beverage concessions:

  • Landside: McCafe (Arrival Level) • McDonald’s (Arrival Level)
  • Airside: Segafredo (Departure Level)

More options begin to open around 4:00 AM.

Luggage StorageLuggage Storage & Lockers

If you want a hands-free layover or have items you don’t want to travel with, you can store your documents, items or luggage at the left luggage facility in the airport. Rates are from €5.00 to € 13.00 per item/bag per calendar day. Location: Car Park P3, Ground Floor Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:45 PM.

mobile chargingMobile Charging

A reader tells us, “Charging: there are plug sockets all over the airport, but they’re well hidden – one was in the gap between the floor and the balcony, others are on the sides of pillars near the floor. There are some USB sockets on the free internet posts, but these are few and far between, and of the four I found, only one worked. They are both airside and landside. “(October 2019)

showersShowers

Showers are available in the Hugo Junkers Lounge (Pier B, Airside, Level 2, Gate B) • Emirates Lounge (Pier C, Airside, Non-Schengen) • Lufthansa Business Lounge (Pier A, Airside, Gallery Level) • Lufthansa Senator Lounge (Pier A, Airside, Gallery Level).

wifiWiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available at Düsseldorf Airport. You also have the option to upgrade to premium service for the following rates: €4 (for 30 minutes, valid 24 hours) • €6 (for 60 minutes, valid for seven days) • €12 (for 240 minutes, valid for one year).

alertSecurity & Safety

Airport staff are generally quite tolerant of airport sleepers, especially overnight, as long as you’re in the public landside areas.

Many travellers reported feeling safe at Düsseldorf Airport. One reviewer noted some shady characters and homeless folks milling about in the Baggage Claim area and saw travellers one floor up at the check-in areas.

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.

more airport infoMore Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: All areas at the airport plus the Düsseldorf Flughafen train station.

Banking Services – Stadt-Sparkasse Düsseldorf has a branch on the Arrivals level. Hours: 24/7.

Currency Exchange – Change Group operates two foreign currency exchange kiosks on the Departures level, Arrivals level, and Pier C.

Drinking Water – see “Drinking Water” above.

Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping and over 60 retail shops are available. The REWE Supermarket may come in handy for any last-minute needs. Location: Landside, Arrivals. Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:59 PM.

Family Services

  • Baby Care Facilities – Baby change facilities are available in all departure areas, at main arrivals, and at the railway station. Changing tables can also be found in almost all disabled-designated toilets. If you need to purchase diapers or other supplies, there is a REWE Supermarket in Arrivals. Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:59 PM.
  • Children’s Play Area – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to one of the children’s play areas. Locations: Central building, both Arrivals and Departure levels.

Food & Drinks – see “Food & Drinks” above.

Hotels – see “Airport Hotels” above.

Information Desks – If you have any questions, visit one of the airport information desks for assistance! The main Information Counter is located in the central Arrivals area, near exit D. Other Information Counters can be found in these locations: Departures level, near the airline check-in counters • in Arrivals. Hours: 5:00AM – 12:15AM.

Late-Night Check-In – These airlines offer late-night check-in service: Austrian Airlines • Condor • Corendon Airlines • Eurowings • Lufthansa • Swiss • TuiFly. Check with your airlines for the current check-in times.

Lounges – see “Airport Lounges” above.

Luggage

  • Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
  • Luggage Wrapping – Protect your bags from theft and damage by having them wrapped in plastic. Safer Bag offers luggage wrapping for €8.00 / bag. Location: Departures Level, landside Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
  • Porters – Need a hand with your luggage? Porters can assist you with your luggage at check-in and upon arrival. Rates: €20 (three pieces of luggage, €40 (six pieces of luggage), €60 (nine pieces of luggage).

Mobile Charging – see “Mobile Charging” above.

Pharmacy – Metropolitan Pharmacy – Two locations: Departures Level shopping area (Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM) • Pier C (Hours: 9:00 – 6:00 PM).

Postal Services – Stamps are available at all WHSmith shops throughout the terminal. On the arrivals level, you can also send and receive small and large packages at the DHL-Paketshop at WHSmith (Hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM). Note: you need to know the postage calculation as no machines/scales are available.

Prayer & Meditation

  • Chapel – Regardless of religion, the chapel is open to everyone. Location: Pier A, Departures Level. Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Mon – Fri) • 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Sat – Sun).
  • Meditation Room – A non-denominational quiet room is on Level 3, Landside. Hours: open 24 hours. The airport states the room is open “almost around the clock,” so it probably closes at some point for cleaning.
  • Prayer Room – The Prayer Room for Muslim Passengers has separate prayer and washing areas for men and women. Location: Pier C, Airside Hours: Open continuously during airport hours.

Rest Zones – see “Rest & Relaxation Zones” above.

Showers – see “Showers” above.

SIM Cards – You can purchase a prepaid SIM card from several providers at the Akia store. Location: Landside, Arrival level. Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM.

Smoking Lounges – Smoking is prohibited throughout the airport, except in the designated spots outside the terminal or inside the airside smoking lounges in Piers A, B and C.

Things to do & see

  • Airport Tours – At one point, Düsseldort Airport organized behind-the-scenes airport tours. Unfortunately, the service was cancelled during Covid-19 until further notice. If you know whether this service is available again, click here to update our guide.
  • Observation Decks – Similar to the airport tours, the COVID-19 pandemic forced authorities to close the airport terrace. If you know whether this service is available, click here to update our guide.

Travel Agencies – If you are arriving in Düsseldorf and need local arrangements or help planning a last-minute trip abroad, several travel agencies with offices at the airport can probably be of assistance. Visit the airport Travel Market, where over 20 travel agencies are available 365 days a year. Hours: 10:00 AM until approx. 7:00 PM.

WiFi – see “Airport WiFi/Internet” above.

Airlines
Düsseldorf Airport is served by the following airlines: Aegean Airlines • Aer Lingus • Air Albania • Air Baltic • Air Cairo • Air Caraibes Atlantique • Air France • Air Malta • Air Mediterranean • Air Serbia • Alba Star • Amelia • Austrian Airlines • Avanti Air • British Airways • Chair Airlines • Condor • Corendon Airlines • Corendon Airlines Europe • Croatia Airlines • Delta Air Lines • EgyptAir • Emirates • Etihad Airways • European Air Charter • Eurowings • Finnair • Fly Egypt • FlyOne • Freebird Airlines • Freebird Airlines Europe • GP Aviation • Hahn Airlines • Hi Sky Europe • Iberia • Iraqi Airways • Ita Airways • Jet2 • Klasjet • KLM • LOT Polish Airlines • Lufthansa • Malaysia Airlines • Marabu • Mavi Gök Aviation • Middle East Airlines • Nesma Airlines • Norwegian • Nouvelair • Nyxair • Pegasus Airlines • Play • Qantas Airways • Qatar Airways • Red Sea Airlines • Royal Air Maroc • Royal Jordanian • Scandinavian Airlines • Sky Alps • Sky Express • Smartlynx Airlines • Smartwings • Southwind Airlines • Star East Airlines • Sun Express • Sundair • Swiss • Tailwind Airlines • TAP Portugal • Trade Air • Transavia Airlines • TUIFly • Tunisair • Turkish Airlines • TUS Airways • UR Airlines • Volotea • Vueling.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

Dusseldorf Airport has two bus stations: one in front of the main Arrivals Halls and another at the Dusseldorf Airport railway station. Four scheduled bus lines run from each of the piers. For more information, visit the Rheinbahn website.

Car Rentals

The following on-site car rental agencies can be found in the Arrivals area: Avis • Buchbinder • Budget • Enterprise • Europcar • Hertz/Dollar/Thrifty • Sixt.

Car Sharing

Car sharing is an economical and eco-friendly way to rent a car for a brief period. In the DUSharing hub, located a few minutes from the piers, several companies rent e-scooters, bikes, and cars. Some companies here include Share Now, Miles, Bolt, and Wheego. Please visit their respective websites for details and rates.

Hotel Shuttles

We could not find any hotels offering an airport shuttle at the time of this update. See also Airport Hotels above.

Inter-Terminal Transportation

The SkyTrain runs between Piers A, B, and C, Dusseldorf Airport railway station and Car Park 4. Trains depart every five to seven minutes during the day and every 20 minutes between 2:20 AM and 3:45 AM. The Skytrain doesn’t operate between 12:45 AM and 2:20 AM. The journey from the railway station to Pier C takes about seven minutes. For fares (you may not have to purchase a ticket) and schedules, visit the Düsseldorf Airport website.

Ride Sharing

Uber operates throughout Germany. A ride to the city centre will cost you about €22.

Taxi

Certified taxis, authorized by the airport, can be found at the designated taxi ranks at both Departures and Arrivals Levels. At the time of this update, the average fare to Düsseldoff city centre is €28.00.

Train

dusseldorf airport transportation
(Photo courtesy of a Guest Traveller / November 2019)

There are two train stations at the airport: Dusseldorf Airport railway station and Dusseldorf Airport terminal train station. Dusseldorf Airport train station, located on the east side of the airport, is connected by SkyTrain and receives S-Bahn (urban trains) and ICE (long-distance inter-city) trains. Dusseldorf Airport terminal train station can be reached by moving walkway from the baggage claim area of Pier C. From the terminal train station, passengers can take the S11 to destinations in Dusseldorf, and Bergisch Gladbach.

Pro-Tip: from a reader: “Arrived at long-distance train station at 2:45 AM. SkyTrain to terminal not operational for several hours overnight. Transfer to terminal requires the use of a shuttle bus from ground level underneath SkyTrain station. This is unsigned until you reach the actual bus stop. I followed some locals. To be fair, there is an automated announcement every 10 minutes, but no actual signage.

Last updated: 2024-08-26

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.