- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major collections of 19th- to 21st-century painting, photography, and design.
Cheapest price
$29
Average price
$29
Fastest journey
52 m
Average duration
52 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
42 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Dortmund Airport to Essen 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 Essen will cost around $29 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.
Of the 2 trains that leave Dortmund Airport for Essen on Mon, Jun 22, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct trains cover the 42 km distance in an average of 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 52 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 52 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 Airport to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 46m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $26, and a train costs an average of $26.
Distance: 26 miles (42 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$32 Average price Cheapest | $9 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 16m Average total duration Fastest 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 46m.
You'll arrive about 4m sooner (46m by train vs 50m by car). Tickets start at around $32 (€26) compared to roughly $9 (€7) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Dortmund Airport to Essen trains for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:38 AM Dortmund Airport | 1h29 | 8:07 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 Essen run on average 3 times per day, taking around 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 06:06, the last at 08:06. The fastest train covers the 26 miles (42 km) distance in 52m.
Distance 26 miles (42 km) |
Average train duration 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 52m |
First train 6:06 AM |
Last train 8:06 AM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major collections of 19th- to 21st-century painting, photography, and design.
A key museum for the Ruhr region’s history, archaeology, and natural heritage, housed in the iconic Zollverein Coal Washery.
A major design museum displaying award-winning contemporary product and industrial design inside the Zollverein complex.
Large open area around the Zollverein complex with striking industrial scenery, walking paths, and some of Essen’s most photographed views.
A major leisure area around a reservoir on the Ruhr, popular for walking, cycling, lakeside views, and social-media-friendly sunsets.
Charming historic quarter with half-timbered buildings, cobbled streets, and a relaxed small-town feel within Essen.
Sliced grilled sausage with curry ketchup and fries, a beloved Ruhr area fast-food classic found across Essen.
A traditional Westphalian beef stew seasoned generously with pepper and onions, long associated with the wider region around Essen.
A hearty Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes and applesauce, often served with black pudding; common in western German home cooking.
Refined dining in Schloss Hugenpoet, offering upscale cuisine in a historic manor-house atmosphere south of central Essen.
Well-known fine-dining restaurant in Essen with modern creative cuisine and an elegant, intimate atmosphere.
Long-established restaurant and beer garden popular for German and regional dishes in a relaxed, green setting.
Moderate by German standards. Budget eats are reasonable, while hotels and sit-down dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up small bills; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Round up in taxis. Little or no tip is fine for counter service.
Official public transport app
Essen Hbf, Essen -> Essen Hbf, Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dortmund Airport to Essen 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 Essen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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