The city center is not that large and most attractions are in a walkable distance from one another.

Those who want to drive in the city center should be aware that it is an `environment zone` similar to that found in many other large German cities. Cars are required to have a sticker declaring the car`s pollution category.

Central Düsseldorf is compact, so you typically won`t need to drive unless you plan to visit outlying areas. There is plenty of parking available across the city, including parking garages. Always park in a secure place if possible.

The Rhein-Ruhr region is well serviced by public transport, so unless your plans include a lot of touring, having a car is not necessary. If you do want to rent a car, all the major national and international companies operate out of Düsseldorf airport.

Cycling is a popular way of getting around Düsseldorf and is a great way to see the city if you have experience of urban cycling. Biking around the narrow lanes of the old town and along the Rhine promenade is particularly enjoyable. Make sure to use caution to trams and never leave an unattended bike unlocked.

There are several bike rental companies in Düsseldorf, which offer daily or longer term rentals starting around €9 per day. You can rent bikes from the `Hauptbahnhof` (main station) at the RadStation, which is owned by the city of Düsseldorf.

Alternatively, nextbike (www.nextbike.de/en/duesseldorf) runs a bikeshare scheme, with docking stations located throughout the city. You will need to register online to receive a combination lock code to access the bikes. A working mobile phone is required; you can pick up a SIM card fairly cheaply from a local mobile phone store.

Companies include Taxi- Düsseldorf (tel: +49 211 33333) and Rhein-Taxi (tel: +49 211 212 121). You must hail taxis from designated ranks, or book them by phone. You can`t flag them down on the street.

Officially licensed taxis are always in ivory color and on the back window you always find a black number on a yellow patch. Taxi rates start around €4.50 plus the rate per kilometer, generally around €2.20 per kilometer. There is a credit card service fee of around €2.

Cologne`s comprehensive mix of buses, trams, and U-Bahn (subway) and S-Bahn (light rail) trains is operated by VRS (www.kvb-koeln.de) in cooperation with Bonn`s system. The cost depends on the distance from the city or the place where you start your journey. Short trips (up to four stops) cost about €1.90 (around €0.95 for children), longer ones run about €2.40. Day passes are €6.80 for one person. Purchase tickets from the automated machines (labeled Fahrscheine), from bus drivers, or at the stations. Be sure to validate your ticket before entering; validation machines are in stations and on buses.

The money-saving KölnCard costs about €9 for 24 hours (about €18 for 48 hr.) and enables you to travel throughout the city`s transportation network and get reduced-price entry to museums and other attractions. You can buy it at the tourist information center.

Note: This information and prices are accurate when this was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.