Parking Options at Dortmund Airport: Which Solution Suits Your Trip?

In the Ruhr area people drive – and all the more so when the airport has no railway station. At Dortmund Airport, on the border between Dortmund-Wickede and Holzwickede, the question for most passengers is therefore not whether, but where to park. Instead of simply listing the options, we start here from typical travel situations: the short trip, the long family visit, collecting guests and travelling without a car. For each situation you will find the right solution and the link to the detailed guide.

Situation 1: Two days in Kraków, departure at half past six

On a short trip every minute counts, and the price difference between the options is small for two or three days. The most convenient solution is a driving service that takes over your car in front of the terminal. The airport’s parking areas right next to the building are also quick; rates and site plans are on dortmund-airport.de. An off-site car park with a bus costs you transfer time in the morning and evening – on such short trips this is rarely worth it.

Situation 2: Three weeks visiting family

In summer, many people from Dortmund and the Ruhr area fly for several weeks to relatives in Poland, Romania, Bulgaria or the Balkans – often with large suitcases full of presents. On such long trips the daily rates add up. Here an off-site car park with a bus transfer is often the cheapest choice. Make sure the bus has enough room for the luggage, and state all fellow travellers when booking. More: Long-term parking at Dortmund Airport.

Situation 3: The in-laws are arriving

If you are collecting guests, park on one of the airport’s parking areas and wait in the arrivals hall. The drop-off lane is only meant for a short stop to get in and out. Because passport control is added for flights from non-Schengen countries, it sometimes takes longer for the guests to come out. A look at a flight app tells you when the plane has actually landed.

Situation 4: Without your own car

If you live near Dortmund city centre or arrive by train, you can use the AirportExpress from the main station. From Unna, Hamm or the Sauerland, the train to Holzwickede is an option, from where a shuttle bus runs. With a backpack and during the day this is practical. For early flights, families and travellers from places without a good rail connection, the car is usually more convenient. In detail: Bus or car to Dortmund Airport.

Situation 5: Family with toddlers

With a buggy, an infant car seat and two toddlers, every reloading is a challenge. The driving service saves you the change into the bus. On long holidays, the bus model can still make sense if enough time is planned. Tips: With the family to Dortmund Airport.

Situation 6: With a motorhome

Multi-storey car parks and many areas are not suitable for large vehicles. If you arrive with a motorhome or van, you need a provider with designated spaces for long vehicles. Ask before booking – see also frequently asked questions about large vehicles.

Situation 7: Getting a lift

If you live in Dortmund, Unna or Schwerte, you may get a lift from family or neighbours. That works well as long as the times fit. With a return late in the evening, however, collecting you becomes a test of patience for the driver – especially if the flight is delayed.

The influence of football and trade fairs

Dortmund is a city of big events: BVB home matches, concerts and trade fairs at the Westfalenhallen. On such days the B1 and the roads in the south of the city are busy. The parking areas at the airport are hardly affected, but the drive through the city is. If you travel via the motorways, you usually avoid this.

Airport rates as a benchmark

The prices of the airport’s own areas are public and help you assess private offers. If an offer is significantly lower, check carefully what is included. More on comparing: Parking costs at Dortmund Airport and Valet or shuttle at Dortmund Airport.

Situation 8: Visiting a trade fair abroad

If you fly to a trade fair in Barcelona, Milan or Bucharest, you usually stay three to five days. For this duration, driving service and bus are often close in price. If you carry a lot of material, take the driving service; if you travel light, the bus.

Situation 9: A spontaneous short trip

A cheap weekend flight booked at short notice? Then you may no longer find a space everywhere. The airport’s areas are a reliable option, even without much lead time.

Barrier-free arrival

Marked spaces for people with disabilities are close to the terminal. You request assistance in the terminal through the airline.

Arriving electric

If you drive electric, ask about charging options or arrive with enough range for the drive home.

Situation 10: Departure after a night shift

In the Ruhr area many people work shifts – in hospitals, in logistics, in the fire brigade, in the distribution centres along the A1 and A2. If you start your holiday straight after a night shift, you are tired and want no detours. A driving service or an area right at the terminal saves searching and changing. If you are too tired to drive safely, it is better to get a lift.

Situation 11: To the airport with a dog

A pet that flies with you needs time at check-in. If you travel with a dog in a transport box, it is best to use a driving service or park close to the terminal so that the way stays short. If the dog stays at home, someone looks after it; the parking space then plays no role.

Situation 12: Collecting people after a trade fair

Colleagues or customers landing for an event at the Westfalenhallen? If you collect them, park briefly on one of the airport’s areas and then drive into the city via the B1 or the A40. On trade fair days there is more going on around the Westfalenhallen – plan the return journey with a buffer.

If you have the choice

The differences can be broken down into three questions: How long am I staying? How early or late am I flying? How much am I carrying? The shorter, earlier and heavier, the more a driving service or an area near the terminal fits. The longer, more relaxed and lighter, the more an off-site car park with a bus.

Parking for people collecting others

If you collect friends or family, use one of the airport’s areas for a short time. The drop-off lane is only for getting in and out quickly; waiting longer there is not intended. In the arrivals hall, monitors show when a plane has landed.

Parking on your own initiative

Parking in the residential areas around the airport is not a good idea. No-stopping zones, resident parking zones and annoyed neighbours are the result – and towed cars after the holiday. Stick to legal, booked areas.

A look at the map

The airport lies between the A44 to the south and the B1 to the north, surrounded by fields and business parks. To the west begins the Dortmund district of Wickede, to the east Holzwickede. Most private parking areas lie within this radius of a few kilometres. If you know the rough location, you understand why transfers here are usually short – and why a sat nav with the exact address still helps.

Parking a motorhome before a round trip

Some travellers fly from Dortmund and leave their motorhome at the airport. This requires a provider with large spaces. Ask beforehand about length, height and weight.

Finally

The right parking option follows from your trip, not from a ranking.

What you should never do

Leaving the car in the drop-off lane “just for a moment” during check-in – this quickly ends with a fine or the tow truck.

And now?

Match your trip to one of the situations and read the relevant guide. Whether offers for Dortmund can already be booked via Friend-Park is shown at Parking at Dortmund Airport.