Are you flying to Düsseldorf Airport and planning to visit the Netherlands? Fortunately, you have several options, including a direct regional train to Arnhem, international trains to Amsterdam, long distance buses and rental cars. However, the best route depends on your destination, budget and arrival time.
For many travellers, the train is the most convenient option. In particular, the regional train towards Arnhem can save you a trip to Düsseldorf Central Station. Alternatively, an ICE International service from Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof connects you with Arnhem, Utrecht and Amsterdam. Therefore, it is worth comparing your options before booking.
Last updated: October 4, 2026.
Quick comparison of transport options
| Transport | Best for | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Regional train | Arnhem | Check the current journey time |
| ICE International | Utrecht and Amsterdam | Requires travel to Düsseldorf Central Station |
| Long distance bus | Budget travellers | Check journey time and departure frequency |
| Rental car | Multiple destinations | Consider fuel, parking and cross border fees |
Our recommendation: For Arnhem, check the regional train from Düsseldorf Flughafen first. For Amsterdam, compare bus services with train connections via Düsseldorf Central Station. Before booking, consider the full journey time, any additional transfers and the total fare. Since schedules and prices vary, confirm your connection for your travel date.
Travel directly from Düsseldorf Airport to Arnhem by train
Why the regional train is a convenient option
The regional train operated by VIAS connects Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof with Arnhem Centraal, stopping at Düsseldorf Flughafen along the way. Consequently, you can travel from the airport railway station towards the Netherlands without first travelling to Düsseldorf Central Station.
This is particularly useful if you are staying in Arnhem or exploring Gelderland. Moreover, Arnhem provides onward rail connections to other Dutch cities, making it a practical arrival point for travellers who want to explore beyond Amsterdam.
How long does the journey take?
Journey times depend on the scheduled service and your travel date. Therefore, check the current timetable before departure to confirm the expected journey time from Düsseldorf Flughafen to Arnhem Centraal. Therefore, check the departure and arrival times for your specific travel date rather than relying on a fixed timetable.
Where can you check the train times?
Use the NS International journey planner for Düsseldorf to Arnhem to check current connections and fares. Although some services depart from Düsseldorf Central Station, make sure you select Düsseldorf Flughafen as your departure station when searching for a journey directly from the airport.
Also remember that Düsseldorf Flughafen and Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal are different railway stations. Depending on your arrival point, you may need to use the SkyTrain or another airport connection to reach the correct platform.
Travel to Amsterdam or Utrecht with ICE International
When should you choose the ICE?
If you are heading to Amsterdam, Utrecht or another destination along the Dutch railway network, ICE International is another useful option. Direct trains depart from Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof and travel through Arnhem and Utrecht towards Amsterdam Centraal.
Direct ICE International services can connect Düsseldorf Central Station with Amsterdam in around 2 hours 20 minutes, depending on the scheduled service. Check the timetable for your travel date to confirm journey times and availability. However, this does not include the time needed to travel from the airport to Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof.
How do you reach Düsseldorf Central Station?
First, follow the airport signs to the railway station. Then, take a suitable local train to Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof and check your onward ICE departure. Allow enough time between services, particularly if you have checked luggage or your flight arrives late.
For current departure times, fares and available connections, consult the Deutsche Bahn journey planner for Düsseldorf to Amsterdam.
Finally, if you are still deciding where to stay, read our guide to Amsterdam versus the Netherlands for first time visitors. It can help you decide whether Amsterdam is the right base for your trip or whether another Dutch destination better suits your plans.
Travel from Düsseldorf Airport to the Netherlands by bus
Taking a bus can be a good choice if you want to keep your travel costs low. FlixBus offers connections from Düsseldorf Airport to Amsterdam, so you can begin your journey without first travelling to Düsseldorf Central Station.
How long does the bus journey take?
Bus journey times and departure options vary by travel date and service. Therefore, check the current FlixBus timetable for the expected journey duration and choose a departure that gives you enough time to leave the airport after landing.
Bus tickets may be cheaper when booked in advance, although fares depend on demand and availability. Departure frequency can also vary by travel date. Therefore, check current ticket prices and departure times with FlixBus before booking, and make sure your chosen service fits your flight arrival.
Check bus times and ticket prices with FlixBus.
Where does the bus arrive in Amsterdam?
The exact arrival stop depends on the service you book. Amsterdam has several bus stops, including Sloterdijk. Before buying your ticket, check the arrival location and how you will continue to your hotel or next destination.
The bus is worth considering if you are travelling on a budget and your destination is Amsterdam. However, it is less flexible than a rental car, and a missed connection or flight delay could make a limited departure schedule inconvenient.
Rent a car at Düsseldorf Airport
If you want to explore several places rather than travel directly to one Dutch city, renting a car can offer more flexibility. You can collect your vehicle at Düsseldorf Airport and drive into the Netherlands, stopping along the way whenever it suits your plans.
Can you drive a rental car from Germany into the Netherlands?
Cross border travel is permitted by some rental companies, but conditions vary by provider and booking. Before reserving a vehicle, confirm that your rental agreement allows you to drive into the Netherlands and whether additional fees or restrictions apply. Also check insurance cover, mileage limits and any requirements for notifying the rental branch.
Before booking, confirm that your rental agreement permits driving in the Netherlands. Also check insurance cover, mileage limits, fuel rules and any cross border fees.
Explore rental car options at Düsseldorf Airport.
Is renting a car worth it?
A car is especially useful if you want to visit smaller towns, countryside attractions or several destinations in one trip. For example, you could explore different places in Gelderland rather than relying on train connections.
On the other hand, driving into Amsterdam or another busy city can mean paying for parking and navigating unfamiliar roads. If you are visiting only one major city, public transport may be simpler and less expensive overall.
Which is the best way to travel from Düsseldorf Airport to the Netherlands?
The best transport option depends on where you are going, your budget and how much convenience you need. Although the train is often a practical choice, a bus or rental car may suit your plans better.
Choose the option that suits your trip
The regional train is worth checking first if you are travelling to Arnhem. For Amsterdam or Utrecht, compare train connections via Düsseldorf Central Station with available bus services. Meanwhile, a rental car offers greater flexibility for visiting several destinations.
Before making your decision, consider your arrival time, luggage, onward connections and total travel costs. If you are arriving late or travelling with children, also check whether your chosen service operates at a convenient time.
Practical tips before travelling to the Netherlands
Check your arrival time and onward connection
When booking transport, allow enough time to leave the airport after landing, collect your luggage and find your departure point. If you book a separate train or bus ticket, check the conditions for missed departures and delays.
Compare the total cost, not just the ticket price
A low advertised fare may not represent the cheapest overall journey. Include any extra train connections, local transport, luggage charges, parking or transfer costs. If you are travelling with several people, compare the combined cost of public transport with the price of a rental car.
Plan your Dutch itinerary around your arrival city
Arnhem can be a convenient starting point for exploring the eastern Netherlands, while Utrecht and Amsterdam offer onward connections to other destinations. If you are still planning your trip, our guides can help you decide where to go next.
- Discover the best places in Gelderland for towns, nature and countryside.
- Explore places to visit in the province of Utrecht if you want to discover more than Amsterdam.
- Find the best day trips from Amsterdam to make the most of your stay.
- Plan one week in the Netherlands to combine several destinations.
Final thoughts: getting from Düsseldorf Airport to the Netherlands
Travelling from Düsseldorf Airport to the Netherlands is straightforward once you choose the right connection for your destination. The train is a strong option for Arnhem and other cities served by rail, while the bus can help you save money on a journey to Amsterdam. A rental car offers flexibility for exploring several places.
Before you book, compare the latest departure times, journey duration and total cost for your travel date. That way, you can choose the option that best fits your itinerary. If you are still deciding where to go, explore our guide to the best places to visit in the Netherlands and start planning your route.
