Dortmund to Essen train with Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Wed, Jun 03
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Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Eurostar
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Eurostar
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Dortmund to Essen

Showing times and prices for Jun 03

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Dortmund to Essen without transferring at least 2 times.

  • Deutsche Bahn89872 · IC 3629 · R 2583+VIAS Rail GmbH20012
    8:03 AM4h27
    Dortmund Hbf
    12:30 PMEssen station
    $891One-way
    3 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 646 · ICE 316 · IC 2010
    8:15 AM4h58
    Dortmund Hbf
    1:13 PMEssen station
    $1201One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 646 · ICE 316 · IC 4510 · R 2361
    8:15 AM4h40
    Dortmund Hbf
    12:55 PMEssen station
    $1201One-way
    3 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

The cheapest way to travel from Dortmund to Essen is a bus with an average price of $26 (€21).

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).

The fastest way to travel from Dortmund to Essen is by bus with an average journey time of 4h 10m.

Other travel options to Essen take longer:

Train takes on average 4h 42m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Dortmund and Essen including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Dortmund to Essen among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn89872+VIAS Rail GmbH20012+Deutsche BahnIC 3629 · R 25838:03 AM Dortmund Hbf
4h27
12:30 PM Essen station3 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 646 · ICE 316 · IC 2010
On time
8:15 AM Dortmund Hbf
4h58
1:13 PM Essen station
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 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.

Wed
Jun 03
Thu
Jun 04
Fri
Jun 05
Sat
Jun 06
Sun
Jun 07
Mon
Jun 08
Tue
Jun 09

Why should you book Dortmund to Essen trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) as well as Eurostar or Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) offer trains services from Dortmund to Essen.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) tickets.

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

GermanyGermany
BelgiumBelgium
Icon of train

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.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $22 (€18)
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
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $22 (€18)

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

About
Eurostar is a high-speed international rail service connecting the UK with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, primarily via the Channel Tunnel. Since merging with Thalys in October 2023, Eurostar now operates an expanded network across Western Europe. Known for its city-center to city-center travel, Eurostar offers a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to flying. Passengers can enjoy amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and power sockets at every seat. Key destinations include London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne, with seasonal services to other locations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
24m
Cheapest Price
$62 (€50)
Eurostar frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included in standard ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage areas at the end of carriages and overhead racks
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café-bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First-class passengers receive complimentary meals on some routes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed for a fee. Large dogs not permitted except guide dogs
Quiet zone

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
22m
Cheapest Price
$30 (€24)
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
19 a day

Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
42m
Cheapest Price
$16 (€13)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) frequency
8 a day

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Dortmund to Essen can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $81 (€66), while the average price is around $106 (€85).
The train from Dortmund to Essen takes 4h 15m and runs 4 per day.
The first train from Dortmund to Essen leaves at 5:18 AM.
The distance by train from Dortmund to Essen is 129 miles (209 km).
The last train from Dortmund to Essen leaves at 4:47 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Dortmund to Essen.
Yes, there is a direct train from Dortmund to Essen. This service operates 0 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Dortmund to Essen.
The train station in Dortmund that goes to Essen is Dortmund Hbf, which connects to Essen station.
The cheapest way to get from Dortmund to Essen is by bus, with a cost of around $22 (€18).
The train journey from Dortmund to Essen is primarily urban and industrial, offering views of built-up areas, infrastructure, and occasional green spaces, rather than traditional scenic landscapes.
A day trip from Dortmund to Essen is not feasible as the travel duration is 4h 15m. Trains run 2 times per day.
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Essen is sufficient to explore its main attractions, including the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, Museum Folkwang, and the Grugapark botanical garden.
Yes, you can take the train from Dortmund to Essen.
Since both Dortmund and Essen are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Essen include Antwerp, Brussels, Roosendaal, Zaventem, Ghent.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Dortmund to Essen among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Belgium uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find card payments widely accepted in cities, restaurants, and shops, though carrying some cash is advisable for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Essen, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport and popular shopping streets. Scams involving fake charity collectors and overcharging in taxis can also occur. Staying alert in busy places and using licensed transportation helps ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Dortmund to Essen

Dortmund
Essen
The major train station for departures in Dortmund is Dortmund Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Dortmund Hbf for your trip from Dortmund to Essen.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 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
Dining
Dining
  • Subway
  • Caliente
  • Ong Bui Asia Fusion
  • Kleimann
Hotel
Hotel
  • Cityhotel Dortmund
  • Esplanade
  • Drei Kronen
  • Hotel Unique Novum
Dortmund MöllerbrückeWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Dining
Dining
  • Subway
  • Kleimann
  • Linus
  • Teheran
Hotel
Hotel
  • Ringhotel Drees
  • Cityhotel Dortmund
  • Hotel Fürst garden
  • Hotel Unique Novum
Dortmund StadthausWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
Dining
Dining
  • Westermanns Deli
  • Subway
  • Caliente
  • Ong Bui Asia Fusion
Hotel
Hotel
  • Ringhotel Drees
  • La Villa am Kaiserbrunnen
  • Hotel Neuhaus
  • Cityhotel Dortmund

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