- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Outstanding collection of Picasso, pop art, and modern masters in a central museum complex. A major stop for twentieth-century art lovers.
Cheapest price
$8
Average price
$34
Fastest journey
1 h 13 m
Average duration
1 h 16 m
Trains per day
31
Distance
80 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Dortmund Airport to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Dortmund Airport to Cologne will cost around $34 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $8.
Of the 31 trains that leave Dortmund Airport for Cologne on Thu, Jul 30, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 30 the direct trains cover the 80 km distance in an average of 1 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 13 m .
On Thu, Jul 30 the slowest trains will take 1 h 19 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
FlixTrain
S4 · S1 · IC 2542
S4 · S1 · IC 2542
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
17413
17421Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Dortmund Airport to Cologne 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 27m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $6, and a train costs an average of $6.
Distance: 49 miles (80 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$11 Average price | $8 Average price Cheapest | $14 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 57m Average total duration Fastest 1h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 10m Average total duration 1h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Dortmund Airport to Cologne:
A bus is $4 (€4) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Dortmund Airport to Cologne costing on average $11 (€11).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 40m.
Tickets start at around $11 (€11) compared to roughly $14 (€14) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $3 (€3). The journey takes 1h 27m versus 1h 14m 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.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain.
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 Dortmund Airport to Cologne trains for today, Wednesday, July 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S4 · S2 · ICE 515 | On time 7:57 AM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 1h49 | 9:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · 20070 · ICE 956 | On time 8:03 AM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 2h09 | 10:12 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · 20070 · ICE 956 | On time 8:06 AM Dortmund-Wickede station | 2h06 | 10:12 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · S2 · 26708 · ICE 623 | On time 8:40 AM Dortmund-Wickede station | 2h02 | 10:42 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
S4 · S1 · IC 2542 | On time 8:40 AM Dortmund-Wickede station | 2h05 | 10:45 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
20070 · ICE 956 | On time 8:42 AM Holzwickede station | 1h30 | 10:12 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S4 · S2 · 26708 · ICE 623 | On time 8:42 AM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 2h00 | 10:42 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
S4 · S1 · IC 2542 | On time 8:42 AM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 2h03 | 10:45 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · S1 · ICE 225 | On time 8:55 AM Dortmund-Wickede station | 2h16 | 11:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · S1 · ICE 225 | On time 8:57 AM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 2h14 | 11:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · 20072 · 28513 | 9:03 AM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 2h26 | 11:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · 20072 · 28513 | 9:06 AM Dortmund-Wickede station | 2h23 | 11:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
17411 | 9:18 AM Holzwickede station | 1h20 | 10:38 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S4 · 17413 | 9:33 AM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 2h05 | 11:38 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S4 · 17413 | 9:36 AM Dortmund-Wickede station | 2h02 | 11:38 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
20072 · 28513 | 9:42 AM Holzwickede station | 1h47 | 11:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S4 · S1 · 26814 | 9:55 AM Dortmund-Wickede station | 2h16 | 12:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · S1 · 26814 | 9:57 AM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 2h14 | 12:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · 20074 · ICE 954 | On time 10:03 AM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 2h09 | 12:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · 20074 · ICE 954 | On time 10:06 AM Dortmund-Wickede station | 2h06 | 12:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
17413 | 10:19 AM Holzwickede station | 1h19 | 11:38 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S4 · 17415 | 10:33 AM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 2h05 | 12:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S4 · 17415 | 10:36 AM Dortmund-Wickede station | 2h02 | 12:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
20074 · ICE 954 | On time 10:42 AM Holzwickede station | 1h30 | 12:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S4 · S1 · ICE 123 | On time 10:55 AM Dortmund-Wickede station | 2h16 | 1:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · S1 · ICE 123 | On time 10:57 AM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 2h14 | 1:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · 20076 · 28517 | 11:03 AM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 2h26 | 1:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · 20076 · 28517 | 11:06 AM Dortmund-Wickede station | 2h23 | 1:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
17415 | 11:18 AM Holzwickede station | 1h20 | 12:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S4 · 17417 | 11:33 AM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 2h05 | 1:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S4 · 17417 | 11:36 AM Dortmund-Wickede station | 2h02 | 1:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
20076 · 28517 | 11:42 AM Holzwickede station | 1h47 | 1:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S4 · S1 · 26818 | 11:55 AM Dortmund-Wickede station | 2h16 | 2:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · S1 · 26818 | 11:57 AM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 2h14 | 2:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · 20078 · ICE 952 | On time 12:03 PM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 2h09 | 2:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · 20078 · ICE 952 | On time 12:06 PM Dortmund-Wickede station | 2h06 | 2:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
17417 | 12:19 PM Holzwickede station | 1h19 | 1:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 12:27 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h14 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S4 · 17419 | 12:33 PM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 2h05 | 2:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S4 · 17419 | 12:36 PM Dortmund-Wickede station | 2h02 | 2:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
20078 · ICE 952 | On time 12:42 PM Holzwickede station | 1h30 | 2:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S4 · S1 · ICE 125 | On time 12:55 PM Dortmund-Wickede station | 2h16 | 3:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · S1 · ICE 125 | On time 12:57 PM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 2h14 | 3:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · 20080 · 28521 | 1:03 PM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 2h26 | 3:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · 20080 · 28521 | 1:06 PM Dortmund-Wickede station | 2h23 | 3:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
17419 | 1:18 PM Holzwickede station | 1h20 | 2:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S4 · S2 · ICE 1011 | On time 1:25 PM Dortmund-Wickede station | 2h02 | 3:27 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
S4 · S2 · ICE 1011 | On time 1:27 PM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 2h00 | 3:27 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
S4 · 17421 | 1:33 PM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 2h05 | 3:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S4 · 17421 | 1:36 PM Dortmund-Wickede station | 2h02 | 3:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
20080 · 28521 | 1:42 PM Holzwickede station | 1h47 | 3:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S4 · S2 · ICE 611 | 1:55 PM Dortmund-Wickede station | 1h51 | 3:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · S2 · ICE 611 | 1:57 PM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 1h49 | 3:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · 20082 · ICE 950 | Delayed 2:03 PM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 2h08 | 2:23 PM 2:23 PMCologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · 20082 · ICE 950 | Delayed 2:06 PM Dortmund-Wickede station | 2h05 | 2:23 PM 2:23 PMCologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
17421 | 2:19 PM Holzwickede station | 1h19 | 3:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S4 · 17423 | 2:33 PM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 2h05 | 4:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S4 · 17423 | 2:36 PM Dortmund-Wickede station | 2h02 | 4:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
20082 · ICE 950 | Delayed 2:42 PM Holzwickede station | 1h29 | 2:23 PM 2:23 PMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S4 · S2 · IC 2508 | On time 2:55 PM Dortmund-Wickede station | 1h50 | 4:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · S2 · IC 2508 | On time 2:57 PM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 1h48 | 4:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · S1 · ICE 2311 | On time 3:10 PM Dortmund-Wickede station | 2h11 | 5:21 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S4 · S1 · ICE 2311 | On time 3:12 PM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 2h09 | 5:21 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
17423 | 3:18 PM Holzwickede station | 1h20 | 4:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S4 · S2 · ICE 1013 | On time 3:25 PM Dortmund-Wickede station | 2h04 | 5:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
S4 · S2 · ICE 1013 | On time 3:27 PM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 2h02 | 5:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 2 transfers | |
S4 · 17425 | 3:33 PM Dortmund-Wickede West station | 2h05 | 5:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S4 · 17425 | 3:36 PM Dortmund-Wickede station | 2h02 | 5:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S4 · S2 · 26722 · ICE 727 | On time 3:40 PM Dortmund-Wickede station | 2h02 | 5:42 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 3 transfers | |
20084 · ICE 2311 | On time 3:42 PM Holzwickede station | 1h39 | 5:21 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S4 · S2 · ICE 613 | 3:55 PM Dortmund-Wickede station | 1h51 | 5:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 2 transfers | |
17425 | 4:19 PM Holzwickede station | 1h19 | 5:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
20086 · ICE 858 | On time 4:42 PM Holzwickede station | 1h30 | 6:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
17427 | 5:18 PM Holzwickede station | 1h20 | 6:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
20088 · 28529 | 5:42 PM Holzwickede station | 1h47 | 7:29 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
17429 · ICE 556 | Delayed 6:19 PM Holzwickede station | 1h15 | 5:59 PM 5:59 PMCologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
17429 | 6:19 PM Holzwickede station | 1h19 | 7:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
20090 · ICE 856 | 6:42 PM Holzwickede station | 1h30 | 8:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
17431 | 7:18 PM Holzwickede station | 1h20 | 8:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
20092 · ICE 554 | On time 7:42 PM Holzwickede station | 1h32 | 9:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
17433 | 8:19 PM Holzwickede station | 1h19 | 9:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 8:27 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h13 | 9:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
17435 | 9:18 PM Holzwickede station | 1h20 | 10:38 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
17437 · ICE 552 | On time 10:19 PM Holzwickede station | 1h40 | 11:59 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Dortmund Airport to Cologne run on average 27 times per day, taking around 1h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $6 (€6) but you can travel from only $6 (€6) by bus.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 10:27, the last at 19:50. The fastest train covers the 49 miles (80 km) distance in 1h 12m.
Distance 49 miles (80 km) |
Average train duration 1h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $6 (€6) |
Trains per day 27 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 1h 12m |
First train 10:27 AM |
Last train 7:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Outstanding collection of Picasso, pop art, and modern masters in a central museum complex. A major stop for twentieth-century art lovers.
Excellent private museum for modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and a sculpture-filled former industrial hall.
Art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne, blending contemporary architecture with historic ruins and carefully curated sacred art.
The heart of Cologne’s old town, filled with historic lanes, churches, squares, and Rhine views. Best area for first walks and atmosphere.
Broad riverside promenade ideal for walking, skyline views, and photos of the cathedral, bridge, and Rhine traffic.
Popular east-bank steps and terrace with one of Cologne’s best panoramic views across the Rhine to the cathedral and old town.
Marinated beef roast in a sweet-sour gravy, traditionally served with red cabbage and dumplings. It is a Rhineland classic long associated with Cologne.
Pan-fried black pudding with onions and mashed potatoes or rye bread. This hearty Rhineland dish is a long-standing Cologne pub favorite.
Halved rye roll with butter, Gouda, onions, and mustard. It is Cologne's iconic simple pub snack, traditionally enjoyed with Kölsch.
Celebrated fine-dining restaurant with modern German cuisine, polished service, and panoramic Rhine views from the upper floors.
Well-known brewery restaurant with classic local fare, seasonal dishes, and its own Kölsch in a spacious historic atmosphere.
Beloved traditional brauhaus serving Mühlen Kölsch, Halve Hahn, and other Cologne staples in a bustling old-city setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak trade fair periods, but dining and local transit are generally manageable for most tourists.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. Tip about 5-10% in restaurants, round up for taxis, and leave small change at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dortmund Airport to Cologne 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 Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Dortmund Airport to Cologne trains use the Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Dortmund Airport and Cologne 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/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen 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: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need