- Must visit
Dortmunder U
A Former Brewery Tower Turned Center For Contemporary Art And Culture, Known For Exhibitions, Events, And Its Rooftop City Views.
Cheapest price
$10
Average price
$12
Fastest journey
1 h 45 m
Average duration
2 h 15 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
74 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Dortmund is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Dortmund will cost around $12 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $10.
Of the 8 buses that leave Cologne for Dortmund on Sat, Jun 20, 8 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 74 km distance in an average of 2 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 45 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 2 h 45 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Dortmund among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 26m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, and a train costs an average of $9.
Distance: 45 miles (74 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$10 Average price Cheapest | $21 Average price | $17 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 1m Average total duration 1h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 56m Average total duration Fastest 1h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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 Cologne to Dortmund:
A bus is $11 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Dortmund costing on average $21 (€17).
Other travel options to Dortmund take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 31m.
Tickets start at around $10 (€8) compared to roughly $17 (€14) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $7 (€5). The journey takes 1h 31m versus 1h 17m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, BlaBlaCar.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00AM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:40AM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $6 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 08:50AM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 08:50AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 11:05AM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:45PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:20PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $9 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Dortmund buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 7:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2h00 | 9:50 AM Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:00 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2h40 | 11:40 AM Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:20 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1h45 | 11:05 AM Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 3:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2h45 | 6:30 PM Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 4:05 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2h30 | 6:35 PM Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 3h25 | 9:10 PM Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:10 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2h55 | 1:05 AM Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2h15 | 1:50 AM Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
FlixBus | 5:10 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 3h10 | 8:20 AM Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf | 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 Cologne to Dortmund run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $7 (€6) if you book in advance.
There are 9 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:40, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 45 miles (74 km) distance in 1h 45m.
Distance 45 miles (74 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 (€6) |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 9 |
Fastest bus 1h 45m |
First bus 3:40 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 70 days |
Discover the best of Dortmund — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dortmund trip today.
A Former Brewery Tower Turned Center For Contemporary Art And Culture, Known For Exhibitions, Events, And Its Rooftop City Views.
An Interactive National Museum Dedicated To German Football History, Trophies, Media Installations, And Family-Friendly Exhibits Near The Main Station.
The City’S Major Modern And Contemporary Art Museum, Featuring Expressionism, Fluxus, And Rotating Exhibitions Inside Dortmunder U.
A Large Urban Park Famous For Gardens, Seasonal Events, Open Space, And Social-Media-Friendly Views Around Florian Tower.
A Popular Lakeside Redevelopment Area With Walking Paths, Modern Architecture, And Sunset Views, Especially Trendy With Locals And Visitors.
The Historic Old Market Square In Central Dortmund, A Classic Meeting Point Surrounded By Important City-Center Buildings.
A traditional Westphalian beef stew seasoned generously with pepper, slowly cooked until tender. It is one of Dortmund’s best-known regional specialties.
Air-dried and lightly smoked Westphalian ham, prized across the region for its deep flavor. It is often served with dark bread and pickles.
A Dortmund bakery classic: a small savory roll topped with salt and caraway, traditionally eaten with Mett, butter, or cheese.
An established seafood-focused restaurant with a polished setting and strong reputation for quality ingredients and refined preparation.
A well-known central steakhouse with a classic atmosphere, strong service, and substantial meat-focused dishes. Good for a more upscale meal.
A long-established brewery restaurant near the market square, known for hearty regional food and Dortmund beer in a lively traditional setting.
Moderate by German standards: public transport and casual food are reasonable, while hotels and fine dining cost more during trade fairs and football weekends.
Service is usually included. In restaurants, round up or leave about 5-10% for good service. Round up in taxis. Small tips are appreciated in bars; no tip is expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Dortmund ZOB am Hbf, Dortmund -> Dortmund Hauptbahnhof, Dortmund
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Dortmund 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 Dortmund, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Dortmund buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Dortmund bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, and WC.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Elevators, ramps.
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance and baggage claim area.
Ticket office support is available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2).
Available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Elevators, ramps.
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