Early flight from Düsseldorf Airport: getting there, timing & parking

Many holiday flights from Düsseldorf depart early in the morning – at six, half past six or even earlier. That is ideal for holiday airlines; for travellers it means an alarm at three or four o’clock, a journey in the dark and an airport that is already busy shortly after opening. With the right planning, an early flight can still be relaxed. In this guide you will learn how to get to the airport at night, when you should leave, whether a hotel is worth it and how your parking fits an early start.

Why early flights are special

Early departures have advantages: aircraft are often more punctual because delays have not yet built up over the day. At your destination you gain almost a whole day. But they also have their pitfalls:

• Little public transport: few trains run at night, and according to the airport the SkyTrain between the long-distance station and the terminal pauses from about 0:45 to 3:45.
• Morning peak: many holiday flights depart within a narrow time window. Check-in and security then reach capacity quickly.
• Tiredness: if you haven’t slept enough, you make mistakes more easily – forgetting documents, taking the wrong exit or leaving something in the car.

Getting there: car beats train

For early flights, your own car is in most cases the most reliable choice. You don’t depend on night buses or the first train and can easily take luggage and children with you. At night the motorways are usually clear, but roadworks and overnight closures do happen – check your route the evening before. Everything about routes and sat-nav tips is in the guide Getting to Düsseldorf Airport by car.

If you still want to take the train, check the connections carefully and take the SkyTrain pause into account. The S11 stops directly below the terminal, but only runs a limited service at night. More in the guide By train to Düsseldorf Airport.

The right parking for an early flight

With an early flight in particular, a well-chosen parking space really matters:

Valet parking

With valet parking at Düsseldorf Airport you drive straight to the meeting point near the terminal and hand over your car. You save the shuttle transfer, which early in the morning can mean 20 to 30 minutes more sleep. Before booking, check that the provider operates at your arrival time, and call about 30 minutes beforehand.

Shuttle parking

With shuttle parking you save money but need more time. It is important that the shuttle runs at your time. The service hours are on the provider page; there is also information in our FAQ on opening hours. When booking, state your actual arrival time at the provider, not your departure time.

Terminal car park

The terminal car park has short walking distances but is usually the most expensive for trips of several days. For a weekend trip it can still be suitable – compare the prices.

At Friend-Park you see the final price including service fee and the facilities for every provider. Start your search here: Find parking for your early flight from Düsseldorf.

Your schedule for an early flight

Calculate backwards from the departure time. An example for a 6:10 departure within Europe:

1. The airline recommends two hours: 4:10 at the terminal. Because many holiday flights depart at the same time early in the morning, you plan 15 minutes more: 3:55.
2. Valet handover and walk: 10 minutes – 3:45 at the meeting point.
3. Night-time driving 35 minutes plus 15 minutes’ buffer for roadworks: leave at 2:55.
4. Getting up, dressed, coffee: alarm at 2:20.

That sounds early – and it is. But with this plan you arrive relaxed. More on the calculation in the guide When should I be at Düsseldorf Airport?

The evening before: prepare everything

• Check in online: as soon as the airline allows. Save your boarding pass on your phone and also take a screenshot.
• Finish packing: suitcase weighed, liquids in the bag, charging cables packed.
• Documents in one place: ID, boarding pass, parking confirmation, means of payment.
• Prepare the car: fill up or charge the day before, enter the destination in the sat-nav, fit child seats. Tips in the guide Preparing your car before your holiday.
• Lay out your clothes: comfortable travel clothes you can put on without thinking.
• Set two alarms: for example your phone and a traditional alarm clock.
• Go to bed early: even if it is hard – every hour of sleep helps.

Evening-before check-in

Some airlines and tour operators offer evening-before check-in, where you drop off your luggage the evening before departure. Whether this is possible for your flight from Düsseldorf can be found out from your airline or tour operator. If so, you save yourself the queue at the counter in the morning. More in the guide Check-in and baggage drop at Düsseldorf Airport.

Airport hotel: is it worth it?

For travellers with a very long journey, an overnight stay near the airport can make sense. For most travellers from North Rhine-Westphalia, however, it is cheaper and just as convenient to drive straight to the booked car park at night. Do an honest calculation: hotel costs plus parking at the hotel versus a short night at home and an inexpensive parking space near the airport.

Flying early with children

With children, an early flight is a particular challenge. Many parents dress their children in comfortable, pyjama-like outfits and carry them to the car asleep. Snacks, a cuddly toy and a blanket help bridge the waiting time. Valet parking saves you transferring tired children onto a bus. More tips in the guide Travelling with children at Düsseldorf Airport.

Beating tiredness

• Only drive if you feel fit. If you are very tired, let someone else drive.
• Drink enough water and eat something small before leaving.
• Before getting out of the car, check: phone, ID, boarding pass, wallet – and don’t leave anything important in the car.
• Catch up on sleep on the plane if possible. Earplugs and an eye mask belong in your hand luggage.

At the airport: through security early

After check-in, go straight to security instead of waiting in the public hall. Queues form quickly there in the morning. Beyond security, cafés are often already open. Tips for security: Security check at Düsseldorf Airport.

Returning after an early-flight holiday

If you fly out early, you often come back late – many holiday flights land in the evening or at night. So plan your return too: check whether your parking provider offers shuttle or valet service at your landing time, and give your return flight number when booking. That way the provider can spot a delay. After a late landing you will be tired – a car ready and waiting at the meeting point is worth its weight in gold. More in the guide Returning: collecting your car at Düsseldorf Airport.

Early flights and business trips

Business travellers also often take the first flight of the day to be at a meeting in the morning and return in the evening. For day trips, parking with a short handover is ideal, because every minute counts. Valet parking or the terminal car park can be worthwhile here. Compare the final prices for your exact period – for very short stays the differences turn out differently than for a holiday week. Tips are in the guide Parking for business travellers at Düsseldorf Airport.

If something goes wrong

You overslept or are unexpectedly stuck in traffic? Call your parking provider immediately and check in the airline app whether you can still check in. If you have missed your flight, your options depend on your ticket. If your flight is cancelled, your rights are explained in the guide Flight delayed or cancelled.

Conclusion: good preparation makes an early flight easy

An early flight from Düsseldorf gives you an extra day of holiday – if the night before is well planned. Pack the evening before, check in online, drive there and hand over your car to a provider booked in advance. All parking options are on the page Parking at Düsseldorf Airport.