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Dortmund - EssenCompare Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn
$56
21m
2 a day
Power plugs
Wifi
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included in standard ticket
Included in ticket price for all classes
Accessibility
Wifi
Seat reservation: Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Quiet zone
Pets: Small pets in carriers allowed for a fee. Large dogs not permitted except guide dogs
Food sold onboard: Café-bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First-class passengers receive complimentary meals on some routes
Luggage included: 2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included in standard ticket
Cancellation Policy: Refund policies depend on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Check in: Passengers must arrive at least 45-60 minutes before departure for check-in and security screening
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.
$108
4h 51m
17 a day
Power plugs
Wifi
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Second Class:
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.
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.
Accessibility
Wifi
Seat reservation: Second Class:\nNot included by default.\nYou can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).\nCosts around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).\n\nFirst Class:\nYes, always included in the ticket price.\n\n
Toilets
USB plugs
Quiet zone
Pets: Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):\nAllowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage). \nMust stay in the box for the entire journey.\n\nLarge dogs:\nRequire a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.\nMust be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.\nCannot sit on seats.\n\nAssistance dogs:\nTravel free of charge.\nDo not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.\nAllowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Food sold onboard: Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:\nA Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.\nA Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.\nAt-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.\n\nRegional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):\nNo onboard catering.\nYou’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Luggage included: Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Cancellation Policy: Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Check in: DB does not have a formal check-in process. Passengers can board the train with a valid ticket and find their reserved or available seat.
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
The cheapest and fastest trains from Dortmund to Essen
Showing times and prices for Apr 19
Cheapest price
$95
Average price
$95
Fastest journey
4 h 26 m
Average duration
4 h 26 m
Trains per day
1
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 $95 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $95.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Dortmund for Essen on Sun, Apr 19, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Apr 19 the direct trains cover the 209 km distance in an average of 4 h 26 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 26 m .
On Sun, Apr 19 the slowest trains will take 4 h 26 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.
7:03 AM4h26Dortmund11:29 AMEssen$951One-way0 transfers
- 7:03 AM4h26Dortmund11:29 AMEssen$951One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train 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 $23. 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 $23, and a train costs an average of $95.
Distance: 129 miles (209 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$114 Average price | $23 Average price Cheapest |
5h 22m Average total duration 4h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 40m Average total duration Fastest 4h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Dortmund to Essen by bus or train
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.
Sun
Apr 19
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Apr 23
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Apr 25
Why should you book Dortmund to Essen trains with Omio?
Eurostar as well as Deutsche Bahn offer trains services from Dortmund to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Dortmund to Essen.
Why book with Omio vs Eurostar?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Eurostar, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn 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 Eurostar with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Dortmund to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Rome2rio, Trainline or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn to find the best option for your trip from Dortmund to Essen.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Dortmund to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Dortmund to Essen
Germany
Belgium
Trains from Dortmund to Essen run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $95 (€76) but you can travel from only $23 (€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 26m.
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 $23 (€18)
Distance 129 miles (209 km) |
Average train duration 4h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $95 (€76) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 4h 26m |
First train 5:18 AM |
Last train 4:47 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
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 $23 (€18)
Train companies: Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn from Dortmund to Essen trainsEurostar, Deutsche Bahn trains will get you between Dortmund and Essen from $23 (€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
21m
Cheapest Price
$56 (€45)
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
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 51m
Cheapest Price
$108 (€87)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
17 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.
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.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
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.
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.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.
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.
Quiet zone
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.
Train ticket prices from Dortmund to Essen can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $95 (€76), while the average price is around $114 (€91).
The train from Dortmund to Essen takes 4h 26m and runs 2 per day.
The distance by train from Dortmund to Essen is 129 miles (209 km).
The first train from Dortmund to Essen leaves at 5:18 AM.
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 Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn.
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 $23 (€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 26m. 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
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
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
- Subway
- Caliente
- Ong Bui Asia Fusion
- Kleimann
Hotel
- Cityhotel Dortmund
- Esplanade
- Drei Kronen
- Hotel Unique Novum
The major train station for arrivals in Essen is Essen. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen for your journey to Essen from Dortmund.
Essen
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningATMAccessibilityBike Parkinginformation
Most popular train connections from Dortmund
More options for your journey from Dortmund to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Dortmund
Most popular train connections to Essen
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