How to get to Ratingen

Located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Ratingen attracts travellers with its historical charm, medieval walls, and abundance of parks. If you are planning to visit Ratingen, you will be pleased to know that this welcoming city in Germany boasts excellent transport accessibility. When deciding how to get to Ratingen, you can choose any method that suits you: from flying and taking a high-speed train to travelling by bus or private car.

Although Ratingen does not have its own airport within the city limits, it boasts one of the most advantageous locations in Germany for air travellers. The nearest international hub, Düsseldorf Airport (DUS), is located literally just a few kilometres from the city border, making flying the fastest and most comfortable way to reach your destination.

Düsseldorf Airport receives flights from all over the world, serving as a major transport hub for the region. Thanks to this proximity, the journey from the terminal to the centre of Ratingen takes minimal time: you can reach it by taxi or public transport in just 10–15 minutes. This saves tourists from long transfers and allows you to start exploring the city almost immediately after landing.

Rail connections make the trip to Ratingen simple and comfortable. The city is perfectly integrated into the Rhine-Ruhr transport network, and the main arrival point for passengers is the Ratingen Ost station. The S-Bahn city trains (line S6) run regularly here, providing a direct and fast connection to neighbouring metropolises.

Thanks to this route, tourists can easily reach the city from Düsseldorf, Essen, and Cologne without unnecessary transfers. If you are travelling through Germany on high-speed long-distance trains (ICE or IC), it is most convenient to travel to Düsseldorf Central Station (Hauptbahnhof). From there, the trip to Ratingen by commuter train or regional transport will take just a few minutes.

Bus services make the trip to Ratingen a convenient and scenic alternative to other modes of transport. The route from neighbouring Düsseldorf is particularly popular and in demand: you can cover the distance of about 12 kilometres in just 25–30 minutes while observing the changing urban landscapes.

Regular bus services also connect the city with other settlements in the region, ensuring a comfortable transfer for travellers. The journey from Meerbusch, located 15 kilometres away, will take approximately 40 minutes, while the trip from the city of Hilden, a distance of about 18 kilometres, will require about half an hour.

Travelling by car to Ratingen is an excellent opportunity to appreciate the quality of local roads, as the city is surrounded by a dense network of autobahns. A drive from neighbouring Düsseldorf will take only 15–20 minutes, as you only need to cover about 12 kilometres; taxi services on this short route will cost travellers approximately 30–40 euros.

The road from Meerbusch, located 16 kilometres away, will require about 25 minutes, allowing you to quickly reach your destination. The route from Hilden is also convenient: the distance of 18 kilometres can be comfortably driven in 20–25 minutes, making a car the ideal choice for independent tourists exploring the region.

To ensure your journey to Ratingen is as comfortable and carefree as possible, it is worth familiarising yourself with local features in advance. We have prepared a list of useful recommendations to help you feel confident in this cosy German city.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The weather in the North Rhine-Westphalia region is quite changeable. The best strategy is to dress in layers: even in summer, a light windbreaker or jumper may be useful. Since rain is not uncommon in Germany, be sure to bring a compact umbrella. For walks around the historic centre and parks, choose comfortable flat shoes.
2. Transport. Ratingen has a developed network of bus routes and is well connected to neighbouring cities. If you plan to move around a lot, it is more profitable to purchase a day pass valid in the VRR zone (Rhine-Ruhr Transport Association). However, the city centre itself is quite compact and is most pleasantly explored on foot.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Euro. Although international cards are accepted in supermarkets and hotels, Germany remains a country that prefers cash. Be sure to carry small banknotes for payments in small cafes, traditional bakeries (Bäckerei), or souvenir shops where terminals may not be available.
4. Health and Safety. The city is considered very calm and safe for tourists. Pharmacies are easily recognised by the sign with a red letter "A"; keep in mind that only duty pharmacies operate on weekends and at night. The single number for calling emergency services (police, ambulance, fire department) is 112.
5. Communication. The main language of communication is German. In tourist spots, hotels, and restaurants, staff often speak English. Nevertheless, locals greatly value politeness: by learning simple words such as "Guten Tag" (Good day) and "Danke" (Thank you), you will receive an even warmer welcome.
6. Local Etiquette. Germans are famous for their punctuality, so it is better to arrive on time for meetings or excursions. Remember the Sunday silence: on this day (Ruhetag), almost all shops, including grocery stores, are closed; only some cafes and bakeries operate on a reduced schedule.
7. What to Avoid. Be attentive on pavements and do not walk on designated bicycle lanes—this can cause sharp displeasure from cyclists and create a hazardous situation. Also, do not cross the road on a red light, even if there are no cars: this is considered bad manners and may result in a fine.
8. Extra Tip. Try to visit the market square on local market days (usually Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings). This is not just a place for shopping, but a centre of social life where you can try the freshest regional products and feel the true atmosphere of the city.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor inconveniences and fully focus on your holiday. Enjoy the atmosphere of ancient streets, green parks, and the hospitality of the local residents!