Quick answer. Düsseldorf Airport is about 7 kilometres from the city centre. The S-Bahn from the station under the terminal reaches the Hauptbahnhof in around 12 minutes for a few euros, and the SkyTrain links the terminal to a long-distance station with ICE trains to Cologne, Frankfurt and beyond. Ticket machines take cards. Germany still leans on cash, and Düsseldorf's Altstadt brewhouses are a good example, so take out euros at a bank machine, not a blue Euronet unit. Deutsche Bank is Bank of America's Global ATM Alliance partner in Germany, which removes BoA's flat non-network fee, though BoA's 3 percent international transaction fee still applies.
Where to get euro at DUS
At DUS a bank machine and a no-FX-fee card are all you need; the independent machines are where the money goes. Figures below are for the euro equivalent of $100, at roughly €1 = $1.15.
| Option | Where | Markup | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sparkasse or other bank ATM on a no-FX-fee card | Terminal and across the city | Network rate; any fee shown on screen | ~$115-117 |
| BoA debit card at a Deutsche Bank ATM | Terminal and city | BoA 3%; flat non-network fee waived | ~$118-119 |
| Blue Euronet ATM | Terminal | High operator fee plus a DCC pitch | ~$122-128 |
| Airport exchange counter | Arrivals | Wide spread plus commission | ~$123-130 |
Bank machines at Düsseldorf (DUS), and the rail links into the city
Düsseldorf's single terminal, with piers A, B and C, sits between two rail stations: an S-Bahn station directly under the terminal for local trains into the city, and Düsseldorf Flughafen, a long-distance station on the Cologne to Ruhr main line, reached by the free elevated SkyTrain. Bank machines, including Deutsche Bank and the local Stadtsparkasse Düsseldorf, are in the public areas, alongside independent machines that charge more. Deutsche Bank is Bank of America's Global ATM Alliance partner in Germany, so a BoA debit card avoids BoA's flat non-network withdrawal fee at its machines. BoA's 3 percent international transaction fee still applies and is never waived. Once in the city, expect to need cash more often than in London or Amsterdam, as our Germany money guide explains, especially at the Altbier brewhouses of the Altstadt, where many still prefer notes.
Terminal, arrivals level
Lufthansa, Eurowings, Condor and most carriers, across piers A, B and C
Bank machines are in the public arrivals area. Look for a bank's logo, such as Deutsche Bank or Sparkasse, and walk past blue Euronet machines and exchange counters. Decline any offer to charge you in dollars.
S-Bahn station (under the terminal)
S11 to Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof and beyond
Ticket machines take cards and sell single tickets and day tickets for the VRR region. The Deutschlandticket, a monthly subscription for local transport across Germany, is also valid if you have one.
Düsseldorf Flughafen long-distance station
ICE, IC and regional trains to Cologne, Duisburg, Essen, Dortmund and beyond
Reached by the free SkyTrain from the terminal in a few minutes. Deutsche Bahn machines and the DB app take cards. Buy long-distance tickets in advance for lower fares.
Do you actually need cash at Düsseldorf (DUS)?
No. Every route into Düsseldorf takes cards:
S-Bahn to Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof (a few euros): Around 12 minutes from the station under the terminal; cards at the machines, or use the Deutschlandticket.
SkyTrain and regional or ICE trains (SkyTrain free; train fares vary): To the long-distance station, then direct trains to the Hauptbahnhof, Cologne and the Ruhr.
Taxi to the Altstadt (roughly €25-35): About 20 minutes; most taxis take cards, but confirm before setting off.
U-Bahn to Messe Düsseldorf (a few euros): During trade fairs, shuttle buses also run from the airport to the fairground.
⚠ DCC trap. When the ATM or terminal asks if you want to be charged in your home currency instead of the local currency, always decline and choose the local currency. Accepting locks in a 3-13 percent markup that your no-FX-fee card cannot undo. Full DCC explainer →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash to get from Düsseldorf (DUS) to Düsseldorf?
No. The S-Bahn and train ticket machines take cards, and most taxis do too. Düsseldorf itself still uses a lot of cash, particularly in the Altstadt brewhouses, bakeries and market stalls, so take out 50 to 100 euros from a bank machine.
Can I order euro before flying?
Worth considering for Germany, which uses more cash than most of Europe. CEI Currency Exchange ships euros to a US address in 2-5 days. A bank machine in the terminal is the cheaper option if your card has no foreign transaction fee.
Do Dusseldorf's Altstadt brewhouses take cards?
More do than before, but some of the traditional Altbier brewhouses in the Altstadt still prefer or require cash, and waiters keep a running tally on your beer mat. Carry euros for an evening there, and ask before ordering if you plan to pay by card.
What is the SkyTrain at Dusseldorf Airport?
A free, automated elevated train that links the terminal with the car parks and the long-distance railway station, Dusseldorf Flughafen, in a few minutes. From there, ICE and regional trains run to Dusseldorf Hauptbahnhof, Cologne and the Ruhr cities.
Does Bank of America have a partner ATM at Dusseldorf Airport?
Yes. Deutsche Bank is Bank of America's Global ATM Alliance partner in Germany. Using a Deutsche Bank machine avoids BoA's flat non-network withdrawal fee. BoA's 3 percent international transaction fee still applies and is never waived.