- Must visit
Kunsthalle zu Kiel
Major art museum of Kiel University with European paintings, sculptures, and modern works; one of the city's key cultural institutions.
Cheapest price
$86
Average price
$100
Fastest journey
4 h 15 m
Average duration
4 h 31 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
360 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Dortmund to Kiel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Dortmund to Kiel will cost around $100 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $86.
Of the 4 trains that leave Dortmund for Kiel on Fri, Jun 19, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 360 km distance in an average of 4 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 15 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 4 h 53 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 train as it is the most popular option from Dortmund to Kiel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 32m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $26, and a flight costs an average of $98.
Distance: 223 miles (360 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$87 Average price | $43 Average price Cheapest | $246 Average price | $79 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 37m Average total duration 4h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 29m Average total duration 5h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 32m Average total duration Fastest 1h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Kiel:
A bus is $44 (€36) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Dortmund to Kiel costing on average $87 (€72).
A bus is $203 (€166) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Dortmund to Kiel costing on average $246 (€201).
Other travel options to Kiel take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 7m.
Bus takes on average 5h 59m.
You'll arrive about 49m sooner (4h 7m by train vs 4h 56m by car). Tickets start at around $87 (€72) compared to roughly $79 (€64) 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 Deutsche Bahn.
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.
The table below shows live departures for Dortmund to Kiel trains for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:25 AM Dortmund | 4h30 | 8:55 AM Kiel | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:28 AM Dortmund | 4h53 | 10:21 AM Kiel | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:25 AM Dortmund | 4h27 | 11:52 AM Kiel | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:25 AM Dortmund | 4h15 | 12:40 PM Kiel | 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 Kiel run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:05. The fastest train covers the 223 miles (360 km) distance in 4h 15m.
Distance 223 miles (360 km) |
Average train duration 4h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 4h 15m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:05 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Kiel — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kiel trip today.
Major art museum of Kiel University with European paintings, sculptures, and modern works; one of the city's key cultural institutions.
Maritime museum on the fjord covering naval, shipping, and harbor history, with exhibits linked to Kiel's seafaring identity.
City museum in Kiel's oldest preserved townhouse, presenting local history, maritime life, and changing exhibitions.
The city's signature waterfront promenade along Kiel Fjord, ideal for walking, harbor views, and watching ships pass.
Historic market square in the center, surrounded by key city sights and a natural starting point for exploring old Kiel.
Beloved local park with lawns, paths, and a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere, especially popular in good weather.
Lightly smoked small sprats traditionally associated with Kiel. They are a classic North German seaside snack and a local culinary symbol.
A hearty northern sailor’s dish of corned beef, potatoes and beetroot, often served with pickled herring and egg. It is iconic across Schleswig-Holstein.
Young pickled herring served with a creamy apple-onion sauce, usually with potatoes. It is a staple fish dish in northern coastal cuisine.
Established waterfront restaurant known for fish, seafood and modern regional cooking, with a refined atmosphere by the harbor.
Well-known spot for northern German and seafood dishes with harbor views and an upscale yet relaxed setting.
Traditional cellar restaurant serving German classics in a historic atmosphere, suitable for trying hearty regional fare.
Prices are moderate by German standards. Supermarkets and casual dining are reasonable, while hotels and waterfront dining cost more in peak season.
Service is usually included. In restaurants, round up or leave about 5-10% for good service. Round up taxi fares. Small tips are appreciated in cafes; hotel staff may get EUR 1-2.
Official public transport app
Kiel Hbf, Kiel -> Kiel Hbf, Kiel
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dortmund to Kiel 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 Kiel, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Dortmund to Kiel trains use the Dortmund Hbf to Kiel Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Dortmund and Kiel 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 Möllerbrücke is 1 km from Dortmund city centre. Public transport options include:
Dortmund Möllerbrücke 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, Kleimann, Linus, Teheran
Wi-Fi is available at Dortmund Möllerbrücke. ATMs are available at Dortmund Möllerbrücke.
Ticket office support is available at Dortmund Möllerbrücke. Information desks are available at Dortmund Möllerbrücke.
Luggage storage is available at Dortmund Möllerbrücke. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dortmund Möllerbrücke: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dortmund Möllerbrücke: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dortmund Möllerbrücke.
Nearby hotels include Ringhotel Drees, Cityhotel Dortmund, Hotel Fürst garden, Hotel Unique Novum.
Dortmund Stadthaus 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: Westermanns Deli, Subway, Caliente, Ong Bui Asia Fusion
Wi-Fi is available at Dortmund Stadthaus. ATMs are available at Dortmund Stadthaus.
Ticket office support is available at Dortmund Stadthaus. Information desks are available at Dortmund Stadthaus.
Luggage storage is available at Dortmund Stadthaus. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dortmund Stadthaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dortmund Stadthaus: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dortmund Stadthaus.
Nearby hotels include Ringhotel Drees, La Villa am Kaiserbrunnen, Hotel Neuhaus, Cityhotel Dortmund.
Kiel 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: MUM&DAD, Lunatique, McDonald's, Campus Suite
Wi-Fi is available at Kiel Hbf. ATMs are available at Kiel Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Kiel Hbf. Information desks are available at Kiel Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Kiel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kiel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kiel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kiel Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Wiking, Hotel Berliner Hof Kiel, Astor, InterCityHotel Kiel.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need