One map, pinned from each airport’s published coordinates.
Category scores
Overall is the published weighted sum. A highlighted score is ahead; a tie stays plain.
Ease of use
25% · Wayfinding, security wait, and layout.
CGN7.8
DTM8.0+0.2
Comfort & amenities
20% · Seating, Wi-Fi, cleanliness, and quiet.
CGN7.0+0.4
DTM6.6
Food & retail
15% · Food and retail quality and variety.
CGN7.2+1.4
DTM5.8
Ground access
15% · Transit, taxi, and parking to the city.
CGN8.5+1.5
DTM7.0
Reliability
15% · Delays, cancellations, and weather resilience.
CGN7.0+0.8
DTM6.2
Lounges
10% · Worth-it density and access quality.
CGN7.1+0.9
DTM6.2
Best for
CGN
Fast securityRail connectionsLow-cost holiday flights
DTM
Wizz-heavy Eastern Europe and Balkans nonstopsShort single-terminal walks from curb to gateCheap VRR bus 490 + U47 into Dortmund (€3.80)Direct AirportExpress to Dortmund Hbf in ~22 minutes
Watch out for
CGN
Lounges close at 20:00-22:00 (T2 earliest)Limited non-Schengen optionsAutumn half-term peak to 1 Nov 2026 (680,000+ passengers expected)
DTM
No Priority Pass / commercial passenger loungeNo free drinking fountains — buy Heinemann tetra waterClassic EU 100 ml liquids (no CT waiver)AirportExpress/Shuttle exclude VRR and Deutschlandticket
Amenities and tips
CGN
The LoungeDirect rail51° BarFree Wi-FiBistrot Grab & GoUber zone
Arrive 90 min early
Security rarely exceeds 10 min even at peaks.
Check T2 for non-Schengen
T1 handles most Schengen; T2 for long-haul/Eurowings non-Schengen.
Grab at Bistrot or 51° Bar
Solid grab-and-go and beer options airside in both terminals.
DTM
AirportExpress to Dortmund HbfVRR bus 490 + U47Südbar + WESTBarHeinemann Duty FreeDOKOM21 free Wi-FiFast Lane at checkpoint B
Express €10 or bus 490 + U47 for €3.80
AirportExpress €10/~25 min to Hbf; or VRR 490+U47 ~€3.80/~40 min.
Pack 100 ml — Fast Lane is checkpoint B only
Classic 100 ml; Fast Lane online-only at checkpoint B.
No passenger lounge — GAT only
No PP/walk-in lounge for airline passengers; GAT is separate.
CGN · CGN delivers quick security and rail convenience but trades off with limited long-haul lounges and early lounge closures.
DTM · A compact Ruhr LCC gateway with short walks and a clear €10 Express vs cheap VRR bus choice, tempered by no passenger lounge, thin airside food, classic 100 ml security, and no free water.
