Bus or Car to Dortmund Airport: Which Way of Getting There Suits You?

Unlike Düsseldorf or Cologne/Bonn, no train stops at Dortmund Airport. If you travel without your own car, you take the train to Dortmund main station and change there to the AirportExpress bus, or to Holzwickede station and take the shuttle bus from there. For some travellers this is a convenient solution, for others an awkward detour. This guide helps you decide whether bus or car suits your trip better – depending on where you live, your luggage, fellow travellers and the time of day.

The AirportExpress from Dortmund Hbf

The AirportExpress connects Dortmund main station with the airport. If you arrive in Dortmund by long-distance train or a regional express from the Ruhr, you change at the bus station. With light luggage this is straightforward. The transport company publishes the times and frequency; check them for your time of day, because not every service runs early in the morning or late in the evening.

The shuttle from Holzwickede

Holzwickede station is on the railway line between Dortmund and Unna and towards the Sauerland. A shuttle bus runs from there to the airport. For travellers from Unna, Hamm, Soest or the northern Sauerland, this can be an option if the train connection fits. Here too: check the times beforehand.

When the car is more practical

The Ruhr is large, and not everyone lives on a railway line with a direct connection to Dortmund or Holzwickede. From Herne, Recklinghausen, Witten or Lüdenscheid, travelling by bus and train often means two or three changes. With children, a pushchair and suitcases, that is exhausting. On top of that come early flights, for which the first services of the day do not run early enough, and return flights late in the evening, after which hardly any buses run. In these cases your own car is usually the better choice.

Comparing the total cost

For one person with a backpack, travelling by bus and train is inexpensive. For a family of four, tickets for everyone there and back add up, possibly across several fare zones. On the other side are fuel costs and parking fees. For a weekend trip for two, the bus often wins; for a two-week family holiday from the surrounding area, frequently the car. More about parking costs: Parking costs at Dortmund Airport.

If you decide on the car

Then there are three options: the airport’s parking areas, a driving service that takes over the car at the terminal, or an off-site car park with a bus transfer. Which suits you is explained in Parking options at Dortmund Airport and Valet or shuttle at Dortmund Airport.

Park and ride at the station?

Some people leave their car at a station and continue by train and bus. Check beforehand whether parking for several days is allowed and safe there. For air travel, a parking space at or near the airport is usually simpler.

Getting a lift

If you live in Dortmund or Unna, you might get a lift. A short stop is allowed at the forecourt; people collecting passengers use the parking areas. For return flights late in the evening, however, collecting someone is often a burden for the driver.

Four typical cases

A student from Dortmund’s Nordstadt flies to Gdańsk with a backpack – he takes the AirportExpress. A family from Iserlohn flies to Antalya for two weeks, departure at six – they drive and book valet. A commuter from Unna flies to a meeting in Katowice and takes the train to Holzwickede and the shuttle. A couple from Bochum fly to Mallorca for a week, departure at midday – they park with a bus provider.

Keeping an eye on times

Especially with early flights, the first connection is decisive. If you want to fly at six, depending on the airline you have to be at the airport at four. Check whether buses and trains are already running then. More: Early flight from Dortmund.

With the Deutschlandticket?

Many commuters in the Ruhr have a Deutschlandticket. Whether it is also valid for the AirportExpress or the shuttle from Holzwickede depends on the respective fare and may change. Check this with the transport company before the trip – for travellers with a subscription, the bus can then be particularly inexpensive. For fellow travellers without a ticket, the usual fares apply.

Changing with luggage

At Dortmund main station, the bus station is on the north side, only a few minutes from the platforms. With one wheeled suitcase that is no problem; with three suitcases, a pushchair and children, more so. When changing with luggage, allow a few minutes more than the timetable suggests.

Car-sharing instead of two tickets

If two couples who are friends travel together, one car with one parking space can be cheaper than four bus tickets there and back plus the train journey. Do the maths for your situation.

Back in the evening

After a return flight late in the evening, not all buses and trains are still running. If you came without a car, you may then need a taxi or someone to collect you. With your own car at the airport you are independent. More: Late arrival at Dortmund Airport.

By train from Bochum, Hagen or Hamm

From many cities in the Ruhr you take the regional train to Dortmund main station and change there to the AirportExpress. From Hamm or Unna, Holzwickede station is on the way; a shuttle runs from there. If you live somewhere well connected and have little luggage, this is a good way to get to the airport. For travellers from rural areas with infrequent connections, the car is usually more practical.

Comparing the time needed

By car you drive directly. By bus and train you have to factor in changes and waiting times. For early flights, the first train may run too late. Check the connection for your time of day before you decide.

In the event of strikes

Strikes on local public transport or the railways do happen. If you rely on bus and train, you then have a problem. With the car you are independent but have to expect busier roads.

The environment

Travelling by bus and train saves emissions. If you come by car, you can share the ride.

A decision in three questions

When is the flight? If the departure is in the middle of the day and buses and trains run frequently, getting there without a car is realistic. If the plane leaves before seven, it gets tight.

How much luggage do I have? With a backpack and a cabin trolley, changes are no problem. With four suitcases and a child seat, every change becomes hard work.

Where do I live? If you live near Dortmund main station or on a railway line to Holzwickede, you are well connected. If you live in the rural Soest district or the Sauerland, you are usually faster by car.

A mixed solution

Some people take the bus there and get collected after a late return – or the other way round. This can make sense if only one of the two journeys falls at an inconvenient time.

What counts in the end

Bus and train are a real alternative for travellers with light luggage, good connections and flights at normal times of day. For early flights, families and travellers from rural areas, the car usually remains the more practical choice in Dortmund. Compare time, cost and effort for your specific trip – and then decide. If you come by car, you will find tips in Parking options at Dortmund Airport.

Taxis and driving services

Between the bus and your own car lies the taxi or a pre-booked driving service. For travellers from Holzwickede, Unna or eastern Dortmund the route is short and the ride correspondingly manageable. From Essen, Münster or the Sauerland it quickly becomes expensive. For a group sharing the costs, or for a very early flight without a bus connection, a taxi may still be worth considering.

Conclusion

Bus and train are an alternative for travellers with light luggage on a good railway line. For families, early flyers and travellers from the surrounding area, the car is usually more practical. Whether parking offers for Dortmund can be booked via Friend-Park is shown at Parking at Dortmund Airport.