The cheapest and fastest trains from Dortmund to Essen
Cheapest price
$7
Average price
$23
Fastest journey
21 m
Average duration
21 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
32 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Dortmund 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 to Essen will cost around $23 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $7.
Of the 10 trains that leave Dortmund for Essen on Sun, Apr 12, 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Apr 12 the direct trains cover the 32 km distance in an average of 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 21 m .
On Sun, Apr 12 the slowest trains will take 22 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.
FlixTrain4:27 PM0h21Dortmund Hbf4:48 PMEssen Hbf$71One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain8:27 PM0h21Dortmund Hbf8:48 PMEssen Hbf$71One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain12:27 PM0h21Dortmund Hbf12:48 PMEssen Hbf$71One-way0 transfers
ICE 62510:23 AM0h25Dortmund Hbf10:48 AMEssen Hbf$291One-way0 transfers
ICE 2198:39 AM0h23Dortmund Hbf9:02 AMEssen Hbf$291One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain4:27 PM0h21Dortmund Hbf4:48 PMEssen Hbf$71One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain8:27 PM0h21Dortmund Hbf8:48 PMEssen Hbf$71One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain12:27 PM0h21Dortmund Hbf12:48 PMEssen Hbf$71One-way0 transfers
ICE 5158:36 AM0h22Dortmund Hbf8:58 AMEssen Hbf$291One-way0 transfers
ICE 51710:36 AM0h22Dortmund Hbf10:58 AMEssen Hbf$331One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Dortmund to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Dortmund to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 23m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $9, and a train costs an average of $3.
Distance: 19 miles (32 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$10 Average price | $9 Average price Cheapest |
53m Average total duration Fastest 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 9m Average total duration 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Dortmund to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Dortmund to Essen trains for today, Saturday, April 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixTrain | 2:27 PM Dortmund Hbf | 0h21 | 2:48 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, April 12 | |||||
ICE 915 | On time 6:10 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0h25 | 6:35 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2013 | On time 6:32 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0h24 | 6:56 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 515 | On time 6:36 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0h22 | 6:58 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 219 | On time 6:39 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0h23 | 7:02 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 644 | On time 8:14 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0h23 | 8:37 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 625 | On time 8:23 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0h25 | 8:48 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 517 | On time 8:36 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0h22 | 8:58 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 10:27 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0h21 | 10:48 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Dortmund to Essen by train or bus
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.
Apr 12
Apr 13
Apr 14
Apr 15
Apr 16
Apr 17
Apr 18
Why should you book Dortmund to Essen trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain or Eurostar to find the best option for your trip from Dortmund to Essen.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Dortmund to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline, Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain or Eurostar to find the best option for your trip from Dortmund to Essen.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Dortmund to Essen.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Dortmund to Essen?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Dortmund to Essen

Journey information
Overview: Train from Dortmund to Essen
Trains from Dortmund to Essen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $3 (€3) if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 19 miles (32 km) distance in 21m.
Distance 19 miles (32 km) |
Average train duration 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $3 (€3) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 21m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Eurostar from Dortmund to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Eurostar trains will get you between Dortmund and Essen from $3 (€3). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
FlixTrain
Eurostar
FAQs: Trains from Dortmund to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dortmund 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Dortmund to Essen
- Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Subway
- Caliente
- Ong Bui Asia Fusion
- Kleimann
- Cityhotel Dortmund
- Esplanade
- Drei Kronen
- Hotel Unique Novum
- The Greek
- Peking Garden
- Piccola Enzo
- Restaurant Symbol
- Strobels
- Rosenterassen
- Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
- McDreams
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
- Webers
Most popular train connections from Dortmund
More options for your journey from Dortmund to Essen
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