- Must visit
Gutenberg Museum
One of the world’s leading museums of printing and book culture, dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg and the history of movable type.
Cheapest price
$88
Average price
$88
Fastest journey
22 h 50 m
Average duration
22 h 50 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
180 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Dortmund to Mainz is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Dortmund to Mainz will cost around $88 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $88.
Of the 1 buses that leave Dortmund for Mainz on Sat, Jun 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 180 km distance in an average of 22 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 22 h 50 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 22 h 50 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Dortmund to Mainz among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $21. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 50m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $21, and a bus costs an average of $80.
Distance: 111 miles (180 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$90 Average price | $74 Average price Cheapest | $41 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 20m Average total duration Fastest 2h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 40m Average total duration 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Dortmund to Mainz:
A train is $15 (€13) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Dortmund to Mainz costing on average $90 (€74).
Other travel options to Mainz take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 10m.
You'll arrive about 8m sooner (2h 50m by bus vs 2h 58m by car). Tickets start at around $90 (€74) compared to roughly $41 (€34) in fuel and tolls — a bit more, but you're getting time back, skipping traffic and parking, and you can work or rest on board.
Direct coaches are operated by BlaBlaCar.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel splits across several people), want flexibility on timing, or plan to stop en route.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:55AM | Arrival Time 09:54AM | Duration 4h59 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 03:50AM | Duration 22h50 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 12:11AM | Duration 6h31 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 05:54AM | Duration 9h39 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $0.00 |
The table below shows live departures for Dortmund to Mainz buses for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:00 AM Dortmund | 22h50 | 3:50 AM Mainz | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Dortmund to Mainz run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $80 (€65) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by train.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:35, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 111 miles (180 km) distance in 22h 50m.
Distance 111 miles (180 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $80 (€65) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 22h 50m |
First bus 4:35 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Mainz — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Mainz trip today.
One of the world’s leading museums of printing and book culture, dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg and the history of movable type.
Major regional museum with archaeology, medieval art, paintings, and Roman-era finds, offering one of the best overviews of Rhineland-Palatinate history.
Natural history museum known for regional geology, fossils, biodiversity, and family-friendly exhibitions.
The most atmospheric area for walking, with narrow lanes, historic facades, shops, and many of the city’s best-known sights.
Central square by the cathedral, lively with markets, events, and classic city views that define the heart of Mainz.
Popular old-town street lined with historic buildings, boutiques, and photo-friendly urban scenery.
A Rheinhessen cheese spread made with fresh cheese, quark, paprika, and spices, traditionally served with pretzels in wine taverns.
A classic Mainz snack of bread roll, sausage, and local wine, strongly associated with everyday life and regional wine culture.
A pungent sour milk cheese marinated with onions and vinegar, popular across the Rhine-Main region and commonly enjoyed with bread.
Established fine dining restaurant with a strong reputation for refined seasonal cuisine and polished service.
Traditional Mainz wine tavern known for local specialties, regional wines, and a classic cozy atmosphere.
A well-known restaurant in a historic former church hall, serving German and regional dishes in a striking atmospheric setting.
Prices are moderate by German standards. Casual dining is reasonable, while hotels and central restaurants cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up in cafés and taxis; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service, often by stating the total when paying.
Official public transport app
Mainz, Binger Schlag (Kurzzeitparkplatz) -> Mainz Hauptbahnhof
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dortmund to Mainz by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Mainz, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Dortmund to Mainz buses use the Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf to Wiesbaden, Busbahnhof station pair. Use this guide to compare Dortmund and Mainz bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Express (in the station), Bistro Central (0.2 km), Restaurant Heimatliebe (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance of the station.
Ticket office support is available at Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf.
Available at Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need