- Must visit
Dortmunder U
A Major Art And Culture Center In A Former Brewery Tower With Exhibitions, Media Art, And Panoramic City Views.
Cheapest price
$9
Average price
$41
Fastest journey
1 h 10 m
Average duration
1 h 10 m
Trains per day
66
Distance
74 km
The best way to find a cheap train 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 $41 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $9.
Of the 66 trains that leave Cologne for Dortmund on Sat, Aug 29, 51 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 29 the direct trains cover the 74 km distance in an average of 1 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 10 m .
On Sat, Aug 29 the slowest trains will take 1 h 10 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.
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 926
ICE 228
ICE 208
ICE 616
ICE 614
ICE 202
ICE 612
ICE 200Omio 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 $6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 17m. 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 $6, and a train costs an average of $7.
Distance: 45 miles (74 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$33 Average price | $10 Average price Cheapest | $17 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 47m Average total duration Fastest 1h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 9m Average total duration 2h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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 $23 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Dortmund costing on average $33.
Other travel options to Dortmund take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 39m.
Tickets start at around $33 compared to roughly $17 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-15.95. The journey takes 1h 17m versus 1h 17m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Dortmund trains for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 202 | Delayed 9:18 AM 11:11 AMCologne Hbf | 1h15 | 10:31 AM 10:31 AMDortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
17414 · 26415 | 11:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h29 | 12:50 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
17414 · 26415 | 11:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h29 | 12:50 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 11:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h28 | 1:03 PM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 559 · S5 | On time 11:42 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h40 | 1:22 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 612 | Delayed 12:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h10 | 11:29 AM 11:29 AMDortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
17416 · 26417 | 12:21 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h29 | 1:50 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
17416 · 26417 | 12:21 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h29 | 1:50 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 200 | On time 1:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h15 | 2:26 PM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
17418 · 26419 | 1:21 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h29 | 2:50 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RE 90001 · 26419 | Delayed 11:53 AM 1:21 PMCologne Hbf | 1h29 | 2:50 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 651 · S5 | On time 1:36 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h46 | 3:22 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 610 | Delayed 2:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h10 | 1:29 PM 1:29 PMDortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
17420 · 26421 | 2:21 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h29 | 3:50 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 108 | On time 3:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h15 | 4:26 PM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
17422 · 26423 | 3:21 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h29 | 4:50 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 3:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h54 | 5:29 PM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 518 | On time 4:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h10 | 5:21 PM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
17424 · 26425 | 4:21 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h29 | 5:50 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 106 | On time 5:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h15 | 6:26 PM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
17426 · 26427 | 5:21 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h29 | 6:50 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 516 | On time 6:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h10 | 7:21 PM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 28 | On time 6:13 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h12 | 7:25 PM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
17428 · 26429 | 6:21 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h29 | 7:50 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 104 | On time 7:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h14 | 8:25 PM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 657 · 26431 | On time 7:27 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h23 | 8:50 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 622 | On time 7:32 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h25 | 8:57 PM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 514 | On time 8:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h10 | 9:21 PM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
17432 · 26433 | 8:21 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h29 | 9:50 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 912 | On time 8:32 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h43 | 10:15 PM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
89739 | 9:07 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h46 | 10:53 PM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 528 | On time 9:17 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h15 | 10:32 PM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, August 29 | |||||
89745 | 12:07 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h46 | 1:53 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26843 | 12:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h25 | 2:14 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26845 | 1:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h25 | 3:14 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 920 | 2:34 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h14 | 3:48 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26847 | 2:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h25 | 4:14 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
17392 · S1 · ICE 541 | 2:52 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h49 | 5:41 AM Dortmund Hbf | 2 transfers | |
26803 | 4:47 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h31 | 6:18 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 208 | Delayed 5:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h10 | 4:26 AM 4:26 AMDortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26805 | 5:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h25 | 7:14 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 618 | 6:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h10 | 7:21 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
17404 · 26405 | 6:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h29 | 7:50 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 206 | On time 7:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h15 | 8:26 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
17406 · 26407 | 7:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h29 | 8:50 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 7:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h42 | 9:30 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 616 | 8:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h10 | 9:21 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
17408 · 26409 | 8:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h29 | 9:50 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 204 | On time 9:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h15 | 10:26 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
17410 · 26411 | 9:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h29 | 10:50 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 614 | 10:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h10 | 11:21 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1012 | 10:32 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h15 | 11:47 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26815 | 10:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h25 | 12:14 PM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train 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.

Trains from Cologne to Dortmund run on average 12 times per day, taking around 1h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $7 but you can travel from only $6 by bus.
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 45 miles (74 km) distance in 57m.
Distance 45 miles (74 km) |
Average train duration 1h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 57m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Dortmund — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dortmund trip today.
A Major Art And Culture Center In A Former Brewery Tower With Exhibitions, Media Art, And Panoramic City Views.
One Of Europe'S Leading Football Museums, Presenting German Football History Through Trophies, Media, And Interactive Displays.
Dortmund'S Main Art Museum Shows Modern And Contemporary Works, Including Important Graphics And Painting Collections.
Dortmund'S Central Square Hosts The Old Town'S Main Events And Christmas Market Around Historic Civic Buildings.
A Large Urban Lake Area With Promenades, Cafes Nearby, And Great Walks Popular With Locals And Visitors.
One Of Germany'S Largest Botanical Parks, Featuring Themed Gardens, Woodland Paths, And A Relaxed Green Escape.
A top-fermented pale lager long brewed in Dortmund. It is a defining local beer style tied to the city’s industrial and brewing heritage.
A hearty potato soup common in Westphalia, often enriched with vegetables and sausage. It is classic comfort food in the Ruhr area.
A traditional rye bread from Westphalia, dense, dark and slightly sweet. It is a regional staple often served with ham, cheese or smoked fish.
Refined modern tasting menus in an elegant setting. One of Dortmund’s best-known fine dining addresses with polished service.
Traditional brewery restaurant serving Dortmund beer and hearty regional dishes in a lively, historic atmosphere near the city center.
Well-established steakhouse known for quality beef, classic sides and dependable service in a smart but relaxed setting.
Moderate for Germany; hotels vary, dining is reasonable, and local transit is fairly priced for city travel.
Service is usually included, but rounding up or adding 5-10% is standard. Round taxi fares up; leave small change at cafes.
Official public transport app
Dortmund Hbf -> Dortmund City Center
The train connection between Cologne and Dortmund is well-served by reliable providers such as Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain. With frequent services throughout the day, travelers can enjoy a comfortable journey that typically takes around 1 hour. Whether you're heading to explore the vibrant culture of Dortmund or experiencing the historic charm of Cologne, these trains offer an efficient way to travel between these two dynamic cities in Germany.
The train connection between Cologne and Dortmund is direct, with a travel duration of 1 hour and 6 minutes. There are up to 25 connections available each day, providing ample options for travelers. The departure stations include Köln-Ehrenfeld, Köln-Mülheim, Köln Hbf, Köln Messe/Deutz, and Köln/Bonn Flughafen; the arrival station is Dortmund Hbf.
The first daily train journey from Cologne to Dortmund departs at 06:00, providing an early start for travelers looking to explore the vibrant city of Dortmund. The last train leaves at 21:49, allowing visitors ample time in both cities before returning in the evening.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Cologne and Dortmund is €5. The average ticket price typically hovers around €15, making it an affordable option for travelers looking to explore these vibrant German cities.
Welcome to Signal Iduna Park, also known as Westfalenstadion, the largest stadium in Germany and a true fortress of football. Opened in 1974, it has witnessed countless thrilling matches and is home to Borussia Dortmund, where passionate fans create an electrifying atmosphere that’s unmatched anywhere else. One unique feature you’ll love is the famous "Yellow Wall," a standing terrace that can hold over 25,000 supporters—an experience every football fan should witness at least once.
Next on our journey is Reinoldikirche, or St. Reinold's Church—a stunning example of Gothic architecture dating back to the 13th century. This historic church not only serves as a spiritual center but also stands as a symbol of resilience through its survival during World War II bombings. Be sure to admire its striking tower which offers panoramic views of Dortmund; climbing up there provides both breathtaking sights and insight into the city’s rich history.
Finally, we arrive at the iconic Dortmund U-Tower—once an industrial brewery turned cultural hub that embodies innovation and creativity today. Completed in 1928 for Union Brewery Company operations, this landmark now houses art exhibitions and creative spaces while showcasing modern design elements alongside its historical roots. Don’t miss out on visiting the rooftop terrace for spectacular views across Dortmund—it perfectly encapsulates how tradition meets contemporary culture right here!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Dortmund by train. 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 train, 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 trains use the Köln Hbf to Dortmund Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Dortmund train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Köln Süd is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Süd has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Subway, Ganesha, Magnus, Borsalino
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Süd. ATMs are available at Köln Süd.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Süd. Information desks are available at Köln Süd.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Süd.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Chelsea, Hotel Mado, Elite Hotel, Blacksheep Hostel.
Dortmund Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Subway, Caliente, Ong Bui Asia Fusion, Kleimann
Wi-Fi is available at Dortmund Hbf. ATMs are available at Dortmund Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Dortmund Hbf. Information desks are available at Dortmund Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Dortmund Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dortmund Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dortmund Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dortmund Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Cityhotel Dortmund, Esplanade, Drei Kronen, Hotel Unique Novum.
Dortmund Signal Iduna Park is 2 km from Dortmund city centre. Public transport options include:
Dortmund Signal Iduna Park has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Strobels, Rosenterassen
Wi-Fi is available at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park. ATMs are available at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park.
Ticket office support is available at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park. Information desks are available at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park.
Luggage storage is available at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park.
Dortmund-Wickede is 11 km from Dortmund city centre. Public transport options include:
Dortmund-Wickede has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Stations-Grill, My Döner & Pan Pizza, Mein Café in der Alten Backstube, Dö-Pi
Wi-Fi is available at Dortmund-Wickede. ATMs are available at Dortmund-Wickede.
Ticket office support is available at Dortmund-Wickede. Information desks are available at Dortmund-Wickede.
Luggage storage is available at Dortmund-Wickede. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dortmund-Wickede: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dortmund-Wickede: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dortmund-Wickede.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need