Car Hire Dusseldorf

If you’re arriving by plane, Dusseldorf is just 10km drive away from the airport. Once you touchdown, head down the A44 autobahn motorway and then the B8 route into the heart of the city.

Driving in the city is relatively straightforward, though the narrow, cobbled streets of the Old Town area have many vehicle restriction zones and on-way streets, so you can always park up nearby before exploring the more historic quarter.

Parking is plentiful outside the Old Town, with clearly outlined, metred bays at a cost of around €2 per hour.

As for further afield, Dusseldorf’s modern road network and well-connected autobahns make the region easy to navigate. It’s located close to some other incredible German cities if you’re planning to explore more of the area, with Bonn and Cologne only around an hour’s drive away.

Be aware of speed limits when driving in Germany. As a general rule it’s usually a maximum of 130km/h on the autobahns, 100km/h on rural roads and 50km/h in towns and cities, but always ensure you checks the signs as these can vary. Driving is on the right side of the road, with overtaking on the left.

To get out of the city and into the Germany countryside, follow the Rhine river into the Rhine Valley. The Rhine Gorge is a two hour drive away via the A6, with many picturesque locations to stop at along the way as you head into the fairy-tale landscapes of the Middle Rhine Valley.

Famed for its vibrant markets, cutting-edge districts and traditional German culture, Dusseldorf is a city of many faces.

Nestled in the Rhineland, its gleaming architecture contrasts beautifully with the sprawling green hills of the German countryside, with rugged mountains and verdant landscapes beckoning visitors from far and wide.

The resplendent Rhine

The Rhine river is one of the most prominent in Europe, flowing from the Swiss Alps all the way through the German countryside as far as the North Sea. Perched comfortably on its banks, Dusseldorf is in a prime position for enjoying the waterway’s many charms.

From a relaxing boat cruise along the water, to picnics in the sunshine while sitting alongside, it’s an idyllic place to enjoy a moment of reflection, or dine on one of terraces in the many bars and cafes. A real hub of the community, this is an area that needs to be experienced in full swing on a weekend afternoon, when it really comes to life.

The Rheinuferpromenade is the most popular spot for a little rest and relaxation in the midst of the city. Head down early on a summer’s day to get a seat on the terrace and watch the boats glide by.

Cultural delights

Well known for its links to traditional German icons such as Bratwurst, steins of beer and delightful Christmas markets, Dusseldorf’s wider cultural scene isn’t to be overlooked either. Boasting 26 different museums and a world-renowned art academy, it’s home to a thriving scene that’s continuing to grow.  

Discover a plethora of 20^th-century art movements at the K20 and K21 galleries, featuring works from the likes of Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol. Be enchanted by surrealism and entertained by pop art and expressionism.

If you’ve got an eye for fashion, you definitely won’t want to miss out on a trip down the Konigsallee either – a plush shopping district lined with designer boutiques and huge flagship stores. This affluent area itself is well-worth visiting, with many pretty bridges to admire on the edge of the canal too.

Festivities in the Old Town

Packing so much excitement into a relatively intimate space, the Old Town is one of Dusseldorf’s most popular attractions.

The Altstadt area, as it is known, is prime for enjoying once you’ve parked up the car for the night. Here you can sample delicious German beers on a stretch known as the ‘mile long bar’, jam-packed with restaurants and taverns. In fact there’s around 250 in total. This area of the Old Town really comes to life in October, when people flock from far and wide to celebrate Dusseldorf’s own version of the famous Oktoberfest.

Theatre enthusiasts, meanwhile, won’t want to miss out on a trip to the incredible Dusseldorfer Schauspielhaus. Opened to the public in 1970, the distinctive fluid white curves and small rectangular windows were designed by leading architect Bernard Pfau. In addition to its striking aesthetics, it hosts some spectacular productions – everything from Ancient classics to new and alternative plays.

The quaint Old Town area and the rolling hills of the Rhineland are waiting to be explored with car hire in Dusseldorf. Book online now and start planning your trip.