Dortmund Airport
Airport guide 2026

Dortmund Airport DTM

Germany

Dortmund Airport serves the Ruhr city, historically linked to mining and steel industry, now converted, approximately 24 km from the city center.

Dortmund is also known for its football team, Borussia Dortmund, with one of Europe's most impressive stadiums.

Content verified on 03/09/2026
Official source: www.dortmund-airport.com

How to get to Dortmund Airport

Dortmund city centre is approximately 24 km from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 35-40 minutes by bus + train or taxi.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach the city center of Dortmund in approximately 30 minutes.

By Train

There is no railway station directly at the airport; the shuttle bus connects to the central station, from which you can travel by train to other parts of the Ruhr.

By Bus

The AirportExpress connects the airport to Dortmund's central station every hour (5:00–23:15); ticket €10 (€2 for up to 14 years, free under 6).
💡
Tips The AirportExpress shuttle bus is generally the most direct way to reach the city center. If you are a football fan, verify the calendar for Borussia Dortmund: home games attract a strong influx of visitors to the city.

Average travel time to DTM

TrainNot available (shuttle bus to central station)
Shuttle bus35-40 minutes (shuttle bus)
Taxi / Private hire45-50 minutes

Parking near Dortmund Airport

The authorized parking is located in front of the terminal building.

It is under video surveillance; starting from 3€ for the first 15 minutes, with a daily rate that can reach 35-40€ for short-term parking. External operators offer more economical alternatives starting from 6-7€/day.

How to get to Dortmund from DTM

By Train

There is no direct railway connection; the shuttle bus goes to the main train station.

By Bus

The AirportExpress connects the airport to Dortmund city center in approximately 25 minutes (non-stop route); ticket 10 euros.

By Taxi

Official taxis are available in the arrivals area; approximately 34 euros to the city center (around 20 minutes).

Need an airport transfer?

Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com

Search airport taxis and shuttles

Car rental at Dortmund Airport

The major rental brands have their own desks in the terminal's arrivals area.

A driver's license, passport, and credit card in the driver's name are required for the security deposit.

 

Hotels near Dortmund Airport

Flughafen Dortmund has neither its own station nor hotels nearby: anyone arriving always has to move into the city, where every accommodation option is concentrated. The AirportExpress links the terminal to the central station in about 25 minutes, with a departure every hour from morning until late evening; it's the simplest way to reach the centre without a taxi. Sleeping right at the station suits those flying at dawn or arriving at night, while those staying to visit the city or the German Football Museum can choose a different district, such as Westentor or Borsigplatz, spending less and still getting around on foot or by metro.
Near the airport link

Central station (Hauptbahnhof)

The AirportExpress takes about 25 minutes from the terminal to the central station, with a departure every hour; the hotel is right opposite the exit.

Best for: Those arriving by AirportExpress who want a room just steps from the platforms, without any further moving around.

Pros
  • From the bus shelter to the hotel lobby, it's a walk of under two minutes
  • Hub of trams, U-Bahn and regional trains to get around in every direction
Cons
  • The AirportExpress departs only once an hour: it needs to be planned in advance
  • The station square is busy with traffic and loses its liveliness after dinner
See more hotels in this area
City centre

Innenstadt-West and Westentor

From the central station it's a 7-8 minute walk (0.6 km) along Lange Straße, or you can get off at U-Bahn Westentor, 3 minutes on foot from the hotel.

Best for: Those who want to stay in the centre near the bars of Westenhellweg, just minutes on foot from the station.

Pros
  • Pedestrian street with shops and restaurants open until late
  • Quieter than the station square, while still being central
Cons
  • No direct connection to the airport: a bus plus a stretch on foot is always needed
  • Street-facing rooms are affected by evening traffic
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

Borsigplatz

From the central station, just two U-Bahn stops to Borsigplatz or Enscheder Straße, then 2-4 minutes on foot.

Best for: Those visiting the German Football Museum or the Dortmunder U and who prefer a more residential district.

Pros
  • Quieter district in the evening compared to the centre
  • The hotel's inner garden, rare to find in the city
Cons
  • Further from the bars in the centre: for dinner people often head back towards the station
  • The connection to the airport still requires bus plus metro
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport serves Dortmund and the Ruhr region, a historic German industrial basin largely transformed today.

Shopping & Duty Free

There is a duty-free area with regional specialty products, including local beer.

Lounges & relaxation

The airport's limited size does not justify a dedicated lounge.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available in the terminal's public areas. Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and O2 operate retail corners in the airport.

Families & Children

The waiting areas offer essential services for families traveling with small children.

Terminal guide

The terminal is compact, consistent with its role as a regional hub for the Ruhr region.

The recommended buffer before departure for flights is 1.5–2 hours.

Map of Dortmund Airport

Map of Dortmund Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. How do you get to central Dortmund from the airport?

With the AirportExpress shuttle bus, which connects the airport to the central station in about 35-40 minutes.

Q. Why is Dortmund famous for football?

It's the home of Borussia Dortmund, with Signal Iduna Park, one of the most evocative stadiums in Europe for the atmosphere created by its fans.

Q. Is Dortmund still an industrial city?

Historically yes, tied to coal and steel: today much of the economy has shifted towards technology and services, while still maintaining a strong link to its industrial past.

Q. Is Dortmund airport used mainly by low-cost airlines?

Yes, Wizz Air and Eurowings are among its main carriers: a different profile from the nearby Düsseldorf hub, more geared towards the low-cost market of the Ruhr area.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

Nearby Airports

Things to do in Dortmund

Related articles