Frequently Asked Questions About Parking at Dortmund Airport

The same questions keep coming up about Dortmund Airport – no wonder for an airport without a railway station, with many inexpensive connections to eastern and south-eastern Europe and a location in the middle of the Ruhr’s motorway network. We have collected the most common ones and answered them the way you would explain it to a neighbour: briefly, honestly and with a link if there is more to say.

Location and getting there

Is the airport actually in Dortmund?

Mostly, yes – in the Wickede district on the far eastern edge, right on the border with Holzwickede in the Unna district.

Which exit do I take?

On the A44 it is called Holzwickede/Dortmund Flughafen. Everything else is in Driving to Dortmund Airport.

How do I get there from the Sauerland if the A45 is closed?

Via diversions and the A46 or A1 – expect considerably more driving time and check the current status before your trip. Routes: Getting to Dortmund Airport from the region.

Does BVB play a role?

Yes, and not a small one. On home match days, the B1 around the stadium comes to a standstill. If you fly on such days, take the motorways.

Without a car

Which buses are there?

The AirportExpress from Dortmund main station and a shuttle from Holzwickede station. In detail: Bus or car to Dortmund Airport.

Does the bus run at four in the morning too?

Not necessarily. Look at the timetable – for very early flights it is often not enough.

Flying from Dortmund

Why do I have to be at the desk so punctually?

Most airlines here close bag drop at a fixed time. After that, nothing more can be done.

Where can you fly to from Dortmund?

Many connections go to Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, the Balkans and the Mediterranean. The current network is on dortmund-airport.de.

Do I have to check in online?

With some airlines yes, with others it is optional. Read the conditions of your ticket.

Early and late

Does the parking service work before sunrise?

That depends on the company – which is exactly what you should check before booking. Tips: Early flight from Dortmund.

Will I get my car after a late landing?

If the company works that late or has a late service. More: Late arrival at Dortmund Airport.

Parking

Driving service or bus?

Driving service for early, short trips with lots of luggage; bus for long trips with a time buffer. The decision aid: Valet or shuttle at Dortmund Airport.

What do the airport’s parking areas cost?

The airport publishes the rates on its website.

And with a motorhome?

Only with providers that have areas for long vehicles. More: frequently asked questions about large vehicles.

Can the whole family ride in the bus?

Each company handles this differently: frequently asked questions about the number of people in the shuttle.

The car

How do I record the condition?

With a round of photos and a picture of the speedometer. Guide: Handing over your car at Dortmund Airport.

And if it will not start after three weeks?

Many parking services have a jump starter. Otherwise the breakdown service will help.

Booking and cancelling

What do I enter as the start of parking?

The time at which you are at the site or meeting point – not the departure. More: frequently asked questions about booking.

How long can I cancel free of charge?

Up to one day before the booked start of parking. More: Cancelling or rebooking parking at Dortmund Airport.

My flight has been cancelled – is the parking space automatically gone?

No, you have to cancel it yourself. More: frequently asked questions about cancelled flights.

All about the Ruhr

Is it busier on public holidays?

Yes. Besides the school holidays, the periods around religious festivals such as Christmas, Easter or Eid al-Fitr are travel times when many families visit relatives. Some families from the Balkans only celebrate Christmas in January – it is busier then too.

Is my Deutschlandticket valid for the airport bus?

That depends on the bus fare and may change. Ask the transport company.

Is there anything to bear in mind when returning from Kosovo or North Macedonia?

These countries are not part of the Schengen area, so there is a passport check on your return. Allow time for this before you contact the parking service.

Can I continue from the airport by taxi?

Yes, taxis wait at the terminal. For long journeys into the surrounding area, however, the costs add up.

Is the airport well signposted?

Yes, the airport is signposted on the motorways around Dortmund. For private car parks, the address from the booking applies.

Can I take my dog in the bus?

The provider decides. A pet carrier is usually required – ask beforehand.

Where do people collecting passengers wait?

In the arrivals hall. They park the car on one of the airport’s parking areas, not at the forecourt.

Have I left something in the car?

See frequently asked questions about forgotten items.

More questions from practice

Do I have to give my flight number?

Many providers ask for it in order to track delays. Give it if the form asks for it.

What happens if my return flight is diverted?

If the plane lands at another airport, inform the parking provider immediately. The airline usually organises the onward transport to Dortmund.

Can I extend my parking?

Usually yes, by arrangement with the provider. The extra days are charged according to its conditions.

Are there charging points?

At the airport and with some providers. Ask whether your car will be charged during the trip.

May someone else collect my car?

Clarify this with the provider beforehand. Usually the person collecting must show ID and know the booking number.

How early do I need to be at the airport?

Your airline specifies this. With many holiday and low-cost airlines, it is around two hours before departure.

Can I park my bike?

There are places to leave it at the airport. For long trips, however, the bike is rarely the most practical way to get there.

Even more short answers

Do I have to fill up the tank?

No. It is enough if there is sufficient fuel to get home or to the next petrol station after your return.

Can I come with a trailer or roof box?

With a roof box usually yes, provided there is no height restriction. With a trailer only at providers that expressly allow it.

How long does the bus transfer take?

That depends on the location of the site. Most providers state the duration in the offer.

What if I cannot find the meeting point?

Call the provider. They will guide you.

Do I have to pay cash?

With Friend-Park you pay online when booking. Extra services on site are handled by the provider.

Are there discounts for long trips?

Many providers grade their prices by duration. Compare the total price for your period.

Can I park two cars on one booking?

Usually not. Create a separate booking for each car.

Final questions

Can I change the licence plate after booking?

Yes, give the provider the new licence plate before the trip.

What if I arrive at the site too early?

Usually no problem, provided the provider is already working. If you are very early, call beforehand.

And if I am late?

Call and say when you will arrive. See frequently asked questions about delays on the way there.

Where can I find my booking?

In the confirmation email and in your customer account.

Finally

Where do I get help if something goes wrong?

First from the provider, using the number in the confirmation. For Friend-Park bookings, also via the contact form – with the booking number and a short description.

Where are all the conditions?

In Friend-Park’s terms and conditions and in the details of the respective provider.

Friend-Park

Where can I see offers for Dortmund?

On Parking at Dortmund Airport, as soon as partners have been activated.

I have parking areas in Holzwickede – can I take part?

Gladly, via Become a partner.