TRAINS IN DÜSSELDORF

The massive major rail operator Deutsche Bahn remains strong in Germany. Tracks and their rolling stock are state owned, in spite of deregulation. Over the years, the company has created their high speed rail network known as the ICE. They are comfortable, fast and normally more punctual than other trains in Germany. Eurocity and Intercity trains plus a few international railways complement the national service.

Some north-south trains run through Düsseldorf on their way past Dortmund and onward to Cologne, Bonn and beyond. Many others avoid Düsseldorf altogether travelling instead via nearby Wuppertal.

Local trains, Regionalbahn, pack passengers like sardines morning and evening in all directions to outlying destinations. Most tickets in the regional travel association, Verkehrsverband Rhein Ruhr, VRR, regions are valid on these trains. Heading south brings passengers into the neighbouring association, Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Sieg, with unfortunate consequences concerning tickets. 

Passengers and local media frequently complain about quality and punctuality standards of local trains. The assumption is the company focusses on their more lucrative routes. Smaller private competitors on a few routes tend to be more popular and reliable.

Düsseldorf International airport is a twenty minute journey away from the central railway station on the regional train S11. Unlike all other routes, the S11 stops directly underneath the terminal, thus avoiding the suspended rail transfer from the high speed station.

Regular travellers can benefit from reduced fares when they hold a loyalty card. Otherwise prices vary according to advanced booking and level of demand.