- 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.
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Dortmund to Gelsenkirchen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 25m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, and a train costs an average of $29.
Distance: 14 miles (24 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$30 Average price | $9 Average price Cheapest | $7 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
55m Average total duration Fastest 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 1m Average total duration 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Dortmund to Gelsenkirchen:
A bus is $21 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Dortmund to Gelsenkirchen costing on average $30.
Other travel options to Gelsenkirchen take longer:
Bus takes on average 31m.
You'll arrive about 10m sooner (25m by train vs 35m by car). Tickets start at around $30 compared to roughly $7 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional), Eurobahn.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
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.

Trains from Dortmund to Gelsenkirchen run on average 2 times per day, taking around 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $29 but you can travel from only $7 by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:09, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 14 miles (24 km) distance in 35m.
Distance 14 miles (24 km) |
Average train duration 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 35m |
First train 12:09 AM |
Last train 11:53 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 21 days |
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 Bochum 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.
Dortmund-Aplerbeck Süd is 6 km from Dortmund city centre. Public transport options include:
Dortmund-Aplerbeck Süd 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: Rilasso, Ali Baba, Da Nino, Giresun Kebap
Wi-Fi is available at Dortmund-Aplerbeck Süd. ATMs are available at Dortmund-Aplerbeck Süd.
Ticket office support is available at Dortmund-Aplerbeck Süd. Information desks are available at Dortmund-Aplerbeck Süd.
Luggage storage is available at Dortmund-Aplerbeck Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dortmund-Aplerbeck Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dortmund-Aplerbeck Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dortmund-Aplerbeck Süd.
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.
Gelsenkirchen-Hassel is 12 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Gelsenkirchen-Hassel 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: Pizza Egem, Dietrichs
Wi-Fi is available at Gelsenkirchen-Hassel. ATMs are available at Gelsenkirchen-Hassel.
Ticket office support is available at Gelsenkirchen-Hassel. Information desks are available at Gelsenkirchen-Hassel.
Luggage storage is available at Gelsenkirchen-Hassel. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gelsenkirchen-Hassel: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gelsenkirchen-Hassel: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gelsenkirchen-Hassel.
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