Rhine cruises from Düsseldorf: the best trips with Köln-Düsseldorfer
Downstream to Kaiserswerth or upstream to Zons with the KD: the routes, the tickets and a few things worth knowing.
A Rhine cruise from Düsseldorf is one of the finest day trips in North Rhine-Westphalia. Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschifffahrt, the KD, has been the largest German inland shipping company since 1853. The landing stage is right at Burgplatz beside the castle tower, eight minutes on foot from The Fritz Hotel.
The classic routes
Downstream to Kaiserswerth — the most popular
A 90-minute trip downstream to Kaiserswerth, the oldest quarter of Düsseldorf. Tickets: €17 one way, €26 return.
The sundowner cruise — the romantic one
In summer, from May to September, the KD runs a sundowner cruise on Thursdays and Saturdays: departure at 6.30 pm, two hours along the Rhine, with crémant on board. Tickets €29, and we would strongly suggest reserving.
Sunday brunch cruise
Sundays from 11 am: a brunch cruise with a three-course buffet on board and three hours on the water. Tickets €49 including brunch.
A few tips for the trip
- Reserve a place on the upper deck (€5 extra).
- It is windier at the bow, so bring a light jacket.
- For photographs: the bow at departure, and the port side for the Frank Gehry buildings.
- Families: pushchairs are allowed on board.
Frequently asked questions about Rhine cruises
Frequently asked questions
- Where does the Köln-Düsseldorfer depart in Düsseldorf?
- Right at Burgplatz in the Old Town, eight minutes on foot from The Fritz Hotel.
- How long does the cruise to Kaiserswerth take?
- 90 minutes one way, plus one to two hours there.
- What does a Rhine cruise from Düsseldorf cost?
- The classic trip to Kaiserswerth is €17 one way and €26 return. The sundowner cruise is €29.
- When does the last boat leave?
- In summer the last scheduled departure is around 7 pm. There are no sailings from November to March.
Experience Düsseldorf — from the hotel.
31 rooms in Friedrichstadt, within walking distance of Königsallee and the Rhine. Book directly with the hotel for the best rate, with cancellation terms that depend on the rate.