Stuck with time to spare at Düsseldorf Airport? While it’s not an airport designed for sightseeing, it does offer enough places to eat, shop, rest, and pass the time — and if your layover is long enough, even head into the city. Whether you’re dealing with a short connection or settling in for several hours, these practical things to do at Düsseldorf Airport can help make the wait a little more comfortable and manageable.
1. Enjoy a meal
Düsseldorf Airport has a wide spread of cafés, casual restaurants, and bars across its terminals, making it relatively easy to find something to eat during a layover. Travellers looking to sample local flavours may spot German classics such as sausages, schnitzel, potato dishes, and pretzels, often paired with regional beers or Kölsch-style options. International choices are well represented too, with Italian pasta and pizza, sushi, bakeries, sandwich counters, and familiar fast-food brands. For something simple or budget-friendly, the REWE City supermarket in the Arrivals area is a practical stop for groceries, snacks, and drinks. Late at night, food options become limited, so overnight travellers should plan ahead.
2. Hang out in a lounge
Plan on eating, drinking, relaxing, and getting online during your layover? Make it easy and do it all in one place! Three airport lounges here are available to any traveller, no matter your airline or class flown. For a single fee, you can access food, drinks, WiFi, news and TVs, and maybe even shower facilities – all in a peaceful environment. Pre-book your visit online or use your lounge membership program to gain entry. [ read more ]
3. Shop
Shopping at Düsseldorf Airport ranges from basic travel needs to a handful of higher-end boutiques. Alongside duty-free shops selling alcohol, cosmetics, perfumes, and confectionery, you’ll find German and European fashion brands, including van Laack, as well as accessories, books, electronics, and convenience items. For souvenirs, travellers often gravitate toward chocolates, spirits, cosmetics, and branded German goods, which are easy to pack and widely available. While it’s not a destination shopping airport, it’s well stocked for last-minute gifts and practical purchases.
4. Interactive Games
Düsseldorf Airport has introduced an interactive “Explore & Enjoy” experience designed for travellers who want a low-pressure way to pass the time before a flight. This activity consists of airport games and creative stations scattered across the landside shopping area (between Gates A and C) where you can test your airport knowledge and skills, find photo spots, and collect stamps or small rewards along the way. It’s free and open to all passengers in the public shopping mall area (no boarding pass required), making it an easy, distraction-free way to move around the terminal during a long wait.
5. Go sightseeing
If your layover is long enough, leaving the airport can be a worthwhile way to pass the time. With 7+ hours, many travellers head into Düsseldorf’s city centre. From the terminal, passengers typically take the SkyTrain to Düsseldorf Flughafen station, then transfer to an S-Bahn or regional train to reach Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof in about 15 minutes, depending on the connection. Taxis are faster door-to-door but cost more, while buses and regional trains also serve nearby destinations.
Once in the city center. Head to the Rheinufer, the historic city centre that contrasts against the city’s modern, innovative architecture. Stroll along the Rhine River or take a short ferry ride for pleasant views. Do some high-end window browsing along the tree-lined Koningsallee. Take in both classic and local artwork at the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen. Auto enthusiasts will love visiting Classic Remise Dusseldorf, a small, free museum with a range of historic cars. Farther afield, tour the Schloss Benrath, a Baroque castle built in the 1760s and capped with lovely gardens.
Don’t forget to leave plenty of time to return to the airport, pass through Security, and reach your next flight. Visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Düsseldorf.
6. WiFi
Free WiFi is available throughout the airport. Paid upgrades may be offered for faster speeds or extended access.
7. Sleep
If you’d rather rest during your layover, airport staff are generally tolerant of travellers resting in public areas, day or night. Inside Security, travellers report finding some seating without armrests, while landside check-in areas are often considered more comfortable than Arrivals for longer waits.
Several airport hotels are located nearby, including options within walking distance, and some offer day rooms. See our Düsseldorf Airport Guide for details and locations. [ read more ]
Updated 16 December 2025
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Düsseldorf Airport. Visit our Düsseldorf International Airport Guide for more information about more services and facilities available, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.