The cheapest and fastest trains from Dortmund to Essen
Cheapest price
$89
Average price
$110
Fastest journey
4 h 27 m
Average duration
4 h 42 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
209 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 $110 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $89.
It's difficult to get from Dortmund to Essen without transferring at least 2 times.
89872 · IC 3629 · R 2583+
200128:03 AM4h27Dortmund Hbf12:30 PMEssen station$891One-way3 transfers
ICE 646 · ICE 316 · IC 20108:15 AM4h58Dortmund Hbf1:13 PMEssen station$1201One-way2 transfers
ICE 646 · ICE 316 · IC 4510 · R 23618:15 AM4h40Dortmund Hbf12:55 PMEssen station$1201One-way3 transfers
89872 · IC 3629 · R 2583+
200128:03 AM4h27Dortmund Hbf12:30 PMEssen station$891One-way3 transfers
ICE 646 · ICE 316 · IC 4510 · R 23618:15 AM4h40Dortmund Hbf12:55 PMEssen station$1201One-way3 transfers
ICE 646 · ICE 316 · IC 20108:15 AM4h58Dortmund Hbf1:13 PMEssen station$1201One-way2 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 $22. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 4h 10m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $22, and a train costs an average of $81.
Distance: 129 miles (209 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$106 Average price | $26 Average price Cheapest | $8 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 12m Average total duration 4h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 40m Average total duration Fastest 4h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Dortmund to Essen:
A bus is $80 (€64) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Dortmund to Essen costing on average $106 (€85).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 42m.
Tickets start at around $106 (€85) compared to roughly $8 (€6) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-97.93 (€-79.04). The journey takes 4h 42m versus 3h 5m 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.
Live departures
Dortmund to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Dortmund to Essen trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, June 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
89872+ 20012+ IC 3629 · R 2583 | 8:03 AM Dortmund Hbf | 4h27 | 12:30 PM Essen station | 3 transfers | |
ICE 646 · ICE 316 · IC 2010 | On time 8:15 AM Dortmund Hbf | 4h58 | 1:13 PM Essen station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 646 · ICE 316 · IC 4510 · R 2361 | On time 8:15 AM Dortmund Hbf | 4h40 | 12:55 PM Essen station | 3 transfers | |
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.
Jun 03
Jun 04
Jun 05
Jun 06
Jun 07
Jun 08
Jun 09
Why should you book Dortmund to Essen trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), but also compare tickets for the likes of Eurostar or Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) 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 Intercity (DB IC) with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Dortmund to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Dortmund to Essen
Trains from Dortmund to Essen run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $81 (€66) but you can travel from only $22 (€18) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:18, the last at 16:47. The fastest train covers the 129 miles (209 km) distance in 4h 15m.
Distance 129 miles (209 km) |
Average train duration 4h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $81 (€66) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 4h 15m |
First train 5:18 AM |
Last train 4:47 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 28 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) from Dortmund to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) trains will get you between Dortmund and Essen from $22 (€18). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Eurostar
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
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
- Subway
- Kleimann
- Linus
- Teheran
- Ringhotel Drees
- Cityhotel Dortmund
- Hotel Fürst garden
- Hotel Unique Novum
- Westermanns Deli
- Subway
- Caliente
- Ong Bui Asia Fusion
- Ringhotel Drees
- La Villa am Kaiserbrunnen
- Hotel Neuhaus
- Cityhotel Dortmund
Most popular train connections from Dortmund
More options for your journey from Dortmund to Essen
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