- Must visit
Museum Schloss Horst
Renaissance castle museum with exhibitions on archaeology, local history, and changing art shows in one of the city's finest historic sites.
Cheapest price on Oct 09
€4
Average ticket price on Oct 09
€20
Fastest journey on Oct 09
18 m
Average journey duration on Oct 09
20 m
Trains on Oct 09
7
Distance
24 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Dortmund to Gelsenkirchen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Dortmund to Gelsenkirchen will cost around €20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €4.
On Fri, Oct 09, we found 7 trains from Dortmund to Gelsenkirchen, including 7 direct services.
On Fri, Oct 09 the direct trains cover the 24 km distance in an average of 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 18 m .
On Fri, Oct 09 the slowest trains will take 24 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.
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 217
ICE 27
ICE 646
ICE 646
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
89710
ICE 217Trains from Dortmund to Gelsenkirchen run on average 1 times per day, taking around 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €4 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:09, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 14 miles (24 km) distance in 18m.
Distance 14 miles (24 km) |
Average train duration 29m |
Cheapest ticket price €4 |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 18m |
First train 12:09 AM |
Last train 11:53 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 21 days |
The table below shows live departures for Dortmund to Gelsenkirchen trains for today, Thursday, October 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 642 | Delayed 11:05 AM 12:15 PMDortmund Hbf | 0h21 | 11:25 AM 11:25 AMGelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 4:26 PM Dortmund Hbf | 0h18 | 4:44 PM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 8:26 PM Dortmund Hbf | 0h23 | 8:49 PM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, October 9 | |||||
89710 | 8:07 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0h22 | 8:29 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 646 | On time 8:14 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0h18 | 8:32 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 217 | On time 8:17 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0h24 | 8:41 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 27 | On time 8:20 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0h28 | 8:48 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
31251 | 8:33 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0h27 | 9:00 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 12:26 PM Dortmund Hbf | 0h18 | 12:44 PM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey

Discover the best of Gelsenkirchen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gelsenkirchen trip today.
Renaissance castle museum with exhibitions on archaeology, local history, and changing art shows in one of the city's finest historic sites.
Leading modern art museum in the Ruhr, noted for kinetic and contemporary works and ambitious temporary exhibitions.
Museum documenting pharmacy history inside Schloss Horst, with historic equipment and displays on medicine and daily life.
Large leisure park on a former colliery, combining industrial heritage, greenery, playgrounds, and canal-side walking routes.
Extensive zoo and landscaped grounds famous for Alaska-themed habitats and family-friendly outdoor exploration.
Elegant lakeside park around Schloss Berge, popular for strolling, boating views, and relaxed green space in Buer.
A hearty Ruhr-area potato stew with vegetables and sausage or bacon. It is a classic workers’ dish long associated with everyday home cooking in the region.
Pan-fried blood sausage with mashed potatoes and apples. Common across North Rhine-Westphalia, it is a traditional pub and home-style comfort meal.
Cured minced pork spread served on rye bread with onions. Popular in the Ruhr and nearby Westphalia as a simple, traditional snack or supper item.
Refined fine-dining restaurant in Gelsenkirchen known for modern German cuisine, careful presentation, and an elegant special-occasion atmosphere.
Traditional brewery-style venue serving hearty German and Ruhr-area dishes in a relaxed, rustic setting popular for local beer and classic comfort food.
Well-known casual venue for German grills, schnitzel, and regional comfort food with a lively, approachable atmosphere suited to groups and families.
Moderate for Germany: hotels are often cheaper than in major cities, while dining and local transit are fairly typical for the region.
Service is usually included. Round up or tip about 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes.
Official public transport app
Gelsenkirchen Hbf -> Heinrich-König-Platz, Gelsenkirchen
The train connection between Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen is efficient and convenient, making it easy for travelers to explore these vibrant cities. The journey typically takes around 30 minutes, with services provided by Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain. With frequent departures throughout the day, passengers can enjoy a comfortable ride while taking in the scenic views of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The train connection between Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen takes approximately 18 minutes. There are 2 direct connections available per day, with no transfers required. Passengers will depart from Dortmund Hbf and arrive at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
The first daily train from Dortmund to Gelsenkirchen departs at 06:07, providing an early start for travelers looking to explore the vibrant culture and attractions of Gelsenkirchen. The last train leaves at 22:20, allowing visitors ample time to enjoy their day before returning in the evening.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen is €4. The average ticket price typically hovers around €16, making it an affordable option for travelers looking to explore these two cities in Germany.
Welcome to the Veltins-Arena, a remarkable stadium that opened in 2005 and has since become a symbol of modern architecture and innovation in sports. This venue is significant not only for hosting FC Schalke 04 matches but also for its ability to transform from an open-air arena into a fully enclosed space with a retractable roof, making it versatile for various events year-round. As you explore, take note of the stunning design elements like the glass façade and state-of-the-art facilities that enhance your experience as both spectator and participant.
Next on our journey is ZOOM Erlebniswelt, an extraordinary zoo that redefines animal habitats through immersive environments inspired by different continents. Opened in 2006, this attraction emphasizes conservation while providing visitors with unique opportunities to observe animals up close within their naturalistic settings—like walking through African savannas or exploring Asian rainforests. The park's commitment to education shines through interactive exhibits designed to engage guests of all ages while fostering appreciation for wildlife preservation.
Finally, we arrive at Schloss Berge—a picturesque castle dating back to the late 18th century nestled amidst lush gardens overlooking Lake Berger See. Its historical significance lies not just in its architectural beauty but also as a cultural hub where art exhibitions and community events bring people together throughout the year. Unique features include charming walking paths lined with centuries-old trees and breathtaking views from its terraces—perfect spots for capturing unforgettable memories during your visit!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dortmund to Gelsenkirchen 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 Gelsenkirchen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Dortmund to Gelsenkirchen trains use the Dortmund Hbf to Gelsenkirchen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Use this guide to compare Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Dortmund Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Subway, Caliente, Ong Bui Asia Fusion, Kleimann
Wi-Fi is available at Dortmund Hbf. ATMs are available at Dortmund Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Dortmund Hbf. Information desks are available at Dortmund Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Dortmund Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dortmund Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dortmund Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dortmund Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Cityhotel Dortmund, Esplanade, Drei Kronen, Hotel Unique Novum.
Gelsenkirchen Hbf is 1 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Gelsenkirchen Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Subway, Café Madrid, Shere Punjab, Café del Sol
Wi-Fi is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. ATMs are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Information desks are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel St. Petrus.
Wanne-Eickel Hbf is 3 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Wanne-Eickel Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Dschingis Khan, Kolpinghaus Wanne-Eickel, Nikolaus Grill, McDonald's
Wi-Fi is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. ATMs are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Information desks are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
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