Arriving at Dusseldorf Airport with children is manageable, but the journey to the city involves a few decisions that are easier to make before you land.
The challenge with public transport
The SkyTrain + S-Bahn route is the cheapest way into the city — EUR 3.80 an adult, EUR 2.10 a child, under-6s free, on one VRR ticket that covers both legs — but with a stroller, suitcases, and tired children, it involves more effort than you might want. You need to ride the SkyTrain monorail to the train station, change levels, board a train, then navigate Hauptbahnhof at the other end. Elevators exist at both stations, but they are not always working. On a good day with cooperative kids, it is fine. On a bad day, it is exhausting.
Taxi considerations for families
Dusseldorf taxis are clean and spacious — many are Mercedes E-Class or similar sedans. However, child car seats are not provided. German law requires appropriate child restraints for children under 12 or shorter than 150 cm. In practice, taxi drivers are exempt from this requirement, but that does not mean it is safe. If your child is young enough to need a car seat, a taxi without one is not ideal.
Why families often choose a private transfer
A pre-booked transfer lets you request a child car seat (infant, toddler, or booster) at the time of booking. The driver meets you in the arrivals hall, helps with luggage, and has the car ready with seats already installed. No queuing, no navigating train stations, no improvising.
| Family size | Recommended vehicle | What it costs |
|---|---|---|
| 2 adults + 1 child | Sedan | Fixed when you book |
| 2 adults + 2–3 children | Minivan | Fixed when you book |
| 2 adults + 3+ children + luggage | Large minivan | Fixed when you book |
Fixed-price private transfer
DUS Düsseldorf
From€65for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €78 per vehicle, about €20 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Transfers are priced per vehicle rather than per person, and the figure is shown before you pay. For comparison, the train charges per head: EUR 3.80 an adult and EUR 2.10 a child on VRR Preisstufe A, with under-6s free (valid from 1 June 2026). A metered taxi is a third model again — EUR 5.00 to start, EUR 2.70/km, plus the EUR 2.00 airport surcharge, and EUR 9.00 more if you need a large taxi for more than four passengers.
Tips for families at DUS
- Baby changing facilities are available in all terminals, clearly signed
- Stroller collection is at the oversized baggage area in arrivals
- Free luggage trolleys are available throughout the airport
- If you are connecting to a hotel in the Altstadt or Medienhafen, the drive is only 15–20 minutes
- Book your transfer with at least 24 hours notice to guarantee the right car seat type
The practical recommendation
For families with children under 5, a private transfer with a pre-installed car seat is the most sensible option — it is the only one here that can supply a restraint at all. For families with older children who can manage their own bags, a taxi works perfectly well, and the train at EUR 3.80 an adult is hard to beat on price.
When a private transfer from DUS is the right choice
- Travelling with small children: child seats are requested at booking for the exact ages, so you are not relying on a taxi that may have none.
- Strollers, cots and luggage: a minivan takes everything in one go, door to door, with no stairs or platform changes.
- Three or more people: a 4-seat car to Düsseldorf is from €78, about €20 per person, usually level with or below separate public-transport tickets once you count the walk, the wait and the last mile with bags.
DUS → Düsseldorf from €65Fixed price, flight tracked, free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup.
Fixed-price private transfer
DUS Düsseldorf
From€65for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €78 per vehicle, about €20 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup