I am arriving at the Dusseldorf airport on an Airberlin flight scheduled to arrive on June 20 at 1340 from the USA. I want to take the DB Bahn train leaving at 1513 from the Airport train station and travel to Amsterdam. Would it be possible to go through immigration/passport and luggage claim and then take the SkyTrain to the train station and arrive in time to get the 1513 train. I know it is impossible to predict these times with certainty. For example if this were London Heathrow I would say no because immigration could take 45 min.
The 1513 train is very convenient (only 1 train change to Ams) and is low cost. A later train costs almost double and has 3 train changes. I could buy the 1st low cost train and if I am late then pay the price difference and the 15 Eur change fee.
Thank you for any advice on this, Rick from the USA
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I would not purchase the advance-discount ticket when you're needing your flight to be on time and all else to go quickly. DB's exchange option only works before the planned date of travel; it says "Excluded from the 1st day of validity."
Posted by
Long Beach, CA, United States
8 posts
There should be no problem. We just did what you are planning. Getting out of the airport was fast. The SkyTrain took us to
the Airport station in no time. I assume you will go on to Duisburg to catch the train to Amsterdam. Be sure to watch the
overhead electronic info signs for arrangement of the cars on the train. It can differ from the signs on the platform. I missed
my first class seat reservation by trusting the platform sign. Have fun in Amsterdam.
John