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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 €16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 26m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €16, and a train costs an average of €70.
Distance: 129 miles (209 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€70 Average price | €16 Average price Cheapest |
4h 56m Average total duration Fastest 4h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 5m Average total duration 7h 35m 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.
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Why should you book Dortmund to Essen trains with Omio?
National Express as well as Eurostar and 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 National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Eurostar and 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 National Express 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 Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While National Express tickets can be bought on National Express's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn to help you choose the right option for your journey 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 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $86 (€70) but you can travel from only $20 (€16) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:18, the last at 22:31. 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 $20 (€16)
Distance 129 miles (209 km) |
Average train duration 4h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $86 (€70) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 4h 26m |
First train 05:18 |
Last train 22:31 |
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 $20 (€16)
Train companies: National Express, Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn from Dortmund to Essen trainsNational Express, Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn trains will get you between Dortmund and Essen from $20 (€16). 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
22m
Cheapest Price
$15 (€12)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
4 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
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
21m
Cheapest Price
$12 (€10)
National Express frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
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.
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.
A day trip from Dortmund to Essen is not feasible as the travel duration is 4h 26m. Trains run 2 times per day.
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.
The distance by train from Dortmund to Essen is 129 miles (209 km).
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Dortmund to Essen.
The first train from Dortmund to Essen leaves at 5:18 AM.
Train ticket prices from Dortmund to Essen can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $86 (€70), while the average price is around $86 (€70).
Yes, you can take the train from Dortmund to Essen.
The cheapest way to get from Dortmund to Essen is by bus, with a cost of around $20 (€16).
Yes, there is a direct train from Dortmund to Essen. This service operates 0 times per day, provided by National Express, Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn.
The train from Dortmund to Essen takes 4h 26m and runs 2 per day.
The train station in Dortmund that goes to Essen is Dortmund Hbf, which connects to Essen station.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Dortmund to Essen.
The last train from Dortmund to Essen leaves at 10:31 PM.
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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