- Must visit
Optisches Museum Jena
Major science center with hands-on exhibitions on light, optics, and perception, ideal for families and curious adults.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$36
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$36
Fastest journey on Sep 19
8 h 56 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
8 h 56 m
Trains on Sep 19
1
Distance
294 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Dortmund to Jena is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Dortmund to Jena will cost around $36 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $36.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 1 trains from Dortmund to Jena, including 1 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 294 km distance in an average of 8 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 56 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 8 h 56 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.


Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Dortmund to Jena among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $60 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 28m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $60, while a flight costs an average of $588.
Distance: 182 miles (294 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$146 Average price | $588 Average price | $60 Average price Cheapest | $64 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 25m Average total duration 4h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 28m Average total duration Fastest 2h 28m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 7h 33m Average total duration 7h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 19m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Dortmund to Jena:
A bus is $86 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Dortmund to Jena costing on average $146.
A bus is $528 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Dortmund to Jena costing on average $588.
Other travel options to Jena take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 55m.
Bus takes on average 7h 3m.
Tickets start at around $146 compared to roughly $64 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-82.48. The journey takes 4h 55m versus 4h 19m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Dortmund to Jena trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:16 AM Dortmund | 8h56 | 9:12 AM Jena | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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 Jena run on average 11 times per day, taking around 4h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $22 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:19, the last at 23:14. The fastest train covers the 182 miles (294 km) distance in 4h 1m.
Distance 182 miles (294 km) |
Average train duration 4h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 1m |
First train 12:19 AM |
Last train 11:14 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Jena — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Jena trip today.
Major science center with hands-on exhibitions on light, optics, and perception, ideal for families and curious adults.
University museum presenting the city's academic history, student culture, and notable scholars in a compact setting.
Literary memorial house dedicated to Romantic writer Friedrich Schiller, who lived and worked in Jena.
Central market square framed by historic buildings, a main gathering point and practical base for exploring old Jena.
One of Germany's oldest botanical gardens, ideal for a peaceful walk among themed plant collections and greenhouses.
Popular limestone hill viewpoint above the city with rewarding hikes and classic vistas over Jena and the Saale valley.
Thuringia’s famous grilled pork sausage, seasoned with marjoram and traditionally cooked over charcoal. It is one of the region’s best-known street foods.
A hearty potato dumpling central to Thuringian cooking, usually served with roasts and gravy. It is a defining staple of Sunday and festive meals.
Slow-cooked beef roulade filled with bacon, onion, mustard, and pickles. It is a classic celebratory dish across Thuringia and often paired with dumplings.
Refined fine dining with modern German cuisine and tasting menus in an elegant setting. A strong choice for a special meal in Jena.
Historic traditional inn known for Thuringian specialties, local beer, and a warm rustic atmosphere. Good for classic regional dishes.
Popular brewery restaurant serving hearty German fare and house-brewed beer in a lively, casual setting near the center.
Moderate for Germany: hotels, dining, and local transit are generally cheaper than in Berlin or Munich, but pricier than smaller towns.
Service is usually included, but rounding up or adding 5-10% is common in restaurants. Round up taxi fares and leave small change at cafes for good service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dortmund to Jena 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 Jena, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Dortmund to Jena trains use the Dortmund Hbf to Jena West station pair, with some services arriving at Jena Paradies. Use this guide to compare Dortmund and Jena 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.
Jena West is 1 km from Jena city centre. Public transport options include:
Jena West 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: Eiscafe RIVA, Portofino, Wein-Tanne, Subway
Wi-Fi is available at Jena West. ATMs are available at Jena West.
Ticket office support is available at Jena West. Information desks are available at Jena West.
Luggage storage is available at Jena West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Jena West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Jena West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Jena West.
Nearby hotels include Ibis, Thüringer Hof, Hotel Vielharmonie, Hotel Rasenmühle.
Jena Paradies 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: Eiscafe RIVA, Portofino, Wein-Tanne, Subway
Wi-Fi is available at Jena Paradies. ATMs are available at Jena Paradies.
Ticket office support is available at Jena Paradies. Information desks are available at Jena Paradies.
Luggage storage is available at Jena Paradies. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Jena Paradies: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Jena Paradies: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Jena Paradies.
Nearby hotels include Ibis, Thüringer Hof, Hotel Vielharmonie, Hotel Rasenmühle.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need