Dusseldorf to Duisburg: By Train, Tram or Bus?

As I live near Cologne, the same state as Dusseldorf, friends visiting here often ask me about the most efficient and cost-effective way to travel to neighboring cities. One of the most common questions is "What's the best way to get from Düsseldorf to Duisburg?"

Fortunately, there are plenty of options available from Düsseldorf, whether it is by train, bus, car rental and even flight! Each one has its pros and cons, which I'll outline below.

So keep reading to find out the best ways to get from Düsseldorf to Duisburg!

Where is Duisburg?

Duisburg is located in the western part of Germany. It is situated in the North Rhine-Westphalia region, which is one of the 16 federal states of Germany.

It lies in the Ruhr area, which is a highly industrialized and densely populated region in western Germany.

As a modern city, Duisburg is supported by an extensive transportation network.

How far is Duisburg from Düsseldorf?

The two cities are approximately 28 kilometers (17 miles) apart, and well-connected to each other.

The time taken varies depending on which mode of transport and which route you take.

Hopping on a train will whisk you from Düsseldorf to Duisburg in as fast as 10 min!

Düsseldorf to Duisburg by Train

 Time: 5/5
Price: 5/5
Comfort: 4/5

 Convenience: 4/5

Ask anyone from here and they'll say getting from Düsseldorf to Duisburg by train is the most convenient and efficient way to travel between these two cities. 

I don't wish to sound biased, but Germany has one of the most developed and reliable train transportation systems in the world. It's fast, punctual, and affordable - often nearly as affordable as taking the bus.

1. Departure from Düsseldorf: Your journey typically begins at Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof or Düsseldorf Central Station.

In the city center, this station is easily accessible from other parts of Düsseldorf, wherever you're coming from. It has domestic, international, as well as regional train services.

2. Ticket Purchase: You'll need to buy tickets if you want to take the train.

Your options are purchasing a ticket through one of the authorized online platforms, or from the ticket machines at the station or the manual ticket counters.

I always advise booking your tickets in advance. Especially during peak travel times, you may waste time queueing up to buy tickets at the station!

Whenever I have purchase train tickets, I like to use Omio. It's my favorite platform to check for the best train tickets in Europe:

3. Train Options: Most will suggest taking a high-speed train like ICE, when traveling between Düsseldorf and Duisburg. [1] This is the fastest train, and you can get a ticket under a few euros if you book early. 

Thereafter, you can connect to a regional train within Duisburg to get to your final destination.

4. Urban Journey: The journey between Düsseldorf and Duisburg is not the most scenic. You'll see a mix of urban areas, suburban developments, and industrial zones.

However, there are parts of the journey where you can see some countryside and agricultural fields, which can be pleasant. Additionally, if you appreciate urban architecture, you might find the views of cities and towns along the way interesting.

So no matter what, I strongly suggest snagging a window seat if you have the chance!

5. Arrival in Dusseldorf: Your train will arrive at Duisburg Hauptbahnhof, the central train station in Duisburg.

Clear signs will guide you to the tram station or taxi stand, so don't worry about losing your way. The station also has a convenience store, which comes in handy for grabbing a snack for the road.

Düsseldorf to Duisburg by Bus

There are no buses from Düsseldorf to Duisburg.

Düsseldorf to Duisburg by Private Transfer

Time: 4/5
Price: 3/5
 Comfort: 5/5

Convenience: 5/5

While private transfers may cost a bit more than other options, I find them well worth it, especially when more flexibility and comfort is needed.

When we traveled with my elderly in-laws, with a fair amount of luggage, we always opted for private transfer. Our driver not only picked us up from home but also helped with our bags. We didn't have to worry about navigating our group to or from a train station or airport!

You can also choose a smaller or bigger vehicle depending on how many seats and luggage you have. There's a variety of choices, from SUVs and sedans to bigger minibuses and vans.

However, take note that a private transfer won't be as fast as a high-speed train. Depending on traffic, it can take around 30 mins or more.

Düsseldorf to Duisburg by Taxi

Time: 3.5/5
Price: 2/5
 Comfort: 5/5

 Convenience: 3/5

The benefits of taking a taxi are similar to those of a private transfer. However, there are some potential downsides.

One major concern is price. Taxi meter fares can rack up depending on the route and traffic, and I don't like worrying about what I'll end up paying.

A couple of times, I've even found myself struggling to even get a cab, which is frustrating when we're traveling on a schedule.

So if I had to choose, I'd still choose private transfer. Every thing is pre-arranged. There's usually better rates, and you don't have to worry about flagging down a taxi or deal with climbing fares.

Rent A Car: Driving from Düsseldorf to Duisburg

Time: 3/5
Price: 3/5
 Comfort: 5/5

 Convenience: 5/5

If your goal is simply to get from Düsseldorf to Duisburg, you might want to skip the car rental. However, the most enjoyable part of renting a car is the freedom to make spontaneous stops!

Pop by traditional German towns like Zons, or make a detour to visit Monschau, Aachen, the Eifel National Park, or visit the beautiful Burg Eltz... there are countless worthy spots to stop by before landing in Duisburg.

When choosing a car rental company, I suggest finding a trusted website that helps you compare rental options from various companies.

I remember a road trip that quickly turned into a nightmare due to a really bad car rental experience. Basically, the agent informed me that they had overbooked their cars and didn't have the one I had reserved. I was offered a much smaller car, which wasn't big enough for my luggage...

So these days, I only use Discover Cars. They source from highly-rated car rental companies (so you avoid those with a bad reputation) and give you a breakdown of their rental rates and vehicle types. 

And applying for German car insurance through Discover Cars during your booking can save you half of what typical rental companies charge.

How much are Düsseldorf car rentals?

Renting a car in Düsseldorf comes with varying costs, depending on factors like the rental company, car type, and the time of year.

For an economy car with full coverage insurance, budget around €28 per day.

While online prices may seem as low as €4, it's essential to note that these rates only account for the car rental itself.

Additional expenses such as insurance, taxes, and fees are not included, and they can accumulate. To be on the safe side, anticipate the total daily cost to be at least €28 or potentially higher.

Do I need a Germany car insurance?

Yes, third-party liability insurance is a legal requirement for car rentals. This insurance protects you from any liability resulting from property damage, death, or injury caused to anyone or anything outside your car rental in Germany.

Additionally, certain rental car companies include fire insurance in the rental rate when you make a booking.

This is also why I always choose Discover Cars for my car rentals because they provide full coverage for around €6.50 per day. For me, it's an easy decision because it gives me peace of mind.

Is it safe to drive from Düsseldorf to Duisburg?

Driving from Düsseldorf to Duisburg is a safe and convenient option for travel.

The drive from Düsseldorf to Duisburg offers travelers a pleasant journey through the picturesque landscape of North Rhine-Westphalia, with rolling hills, fields, and charming villages dotting the landscape.

There are a few local cafes and restaurants along the way where you can stop for lunch or enjoy a cup of coffee.

By the way, both cities have low emission zones, so it's important to have an environmental badge if you plan on driving in the inner parts of Düsseldorf or Duisburg. [2]

Lastly, make sure to obey traffic rules and drive responsibly!

Tips for Traveling from Düsseldorf to Duisburg

Plan ahead and book tickets in advance

Whether you're buying a train ticket or reserving a rental car in Germany, take advantage of the "early bird" deals and discounts that are frequently available. If you want to cut costs, don't delay; make your travel arrangements in advance!

Pre-booking not only saves you money but also spares you from the hassle of dealing with crowded ticket vending machines at the station.

The idea of standing in line behind fellow travelers, some struggling with the machines, sends shivers down my spine.

Purchase a transportation pass for convenience

With a zone ticket or tourist pass, you can jump on and off trains whenever you want, no need to deal with separate tickets each time. The best part is it lets you be spontaneous and explore different places along the way.

If you're planning to travel from Düsseldorf to Duisburg, as well as other countries in Europe, consider getting a transportation pass like the Eurail Pass. This can save you both time and money by providing unlimited access to trains rides.

Allow extra time for unexpected delays

While German punctuality is impressive... it's always a smart move to build some wiggle room into your schedule, just in case life decides to throw you a curveball.

I used to plan my trips down to the minute, but unexpected train track maintenance or flight delays still managed to throw a wrench into my plans.

As an "experienced" traveler, these days I've learned to allow for some extra time in my itinerary.

Conclusion: Düsseldorf to Duisburg

In conclusion, getting from Duisburg to Düsseldorf is quick and convenient with multiple ways to do it!

If you want the fastest route - book tickets to take an InterCity Express train.

If you want a more comfortable ride and are carrying lots of luggage - maybe a private transfer suits you more.

If you're planning to make a day trips or a few pitstops along the way - renting a car is your best bet.

No matter what you pick – train, taxi, or renting a car – the trip won't eat up more than an hour. So, there's really no excuse not to go for it. I'd say go ahead and start prepping now!

Related:

• Dusseldorf to Bochum: By Train, Tram or Bus?
• Dusseldorf to Gelsenkirchen: By Train, Taxi or Bus?
• Dusseldorf to Cologne: By Train, Boat or Bus?

FAQs

1. What are the transportation options for getting from Düsseldorf to Duisburg?

You can travel by train, bus or car to get from Düsseldorf to Duisburg.

2. How long does it take to travel from Düsseldorf to Duisburg by train?

The travel time from Düsseldorf to Duisburg is approximately 10-30 minutes.

3. Are there direct trains available between Düsseldorf and Duisburg?

Yes, there are direct trains available that connect Düsseldorf and Duisburg.

4. How much does it cost to travel from Düsseldorf to Duisburg by train?

The ticket prices for a one-way journey from Düsseldorf to Duisburg vary depending on the type of train and class you choose. It typically ranges between $10-15.

5. Can I use public transportation like buses within Duisburg after arriving?

Yes, there is an extensive network of buses and trams in Duisburg that you can use for local transportation once you arrive in the city.