The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Dortmund
Cheapest price
$5
Average price
$13
Fastest journey
21 m
Average duration
23 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
32 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Dortmund is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Dortmund will cost around $13 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $5.
Of the 5 trains that leave Essen for Dortmund on Tue, Dec 23, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Dec 23 the direct trains cover the 32 km distance in an average of 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 21 m .
On Tue, Dec 23 the slowest trains will take 25 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.










Essen - DortmundCompare Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, National Express

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.


Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Essen to Dortmund
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Dortmund among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €3. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 24m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €3, and a bus costs an average of €7.
Distance: 19 miles (32 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€6 Average price Cheapest | €10 Average price |
54m Average total duration Fastest 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 0m Average total duration 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Essen to Dortmund train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Dortmund trains for today, Monday, December 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 206 | On time 7:00 AM Essen Hbf | 0h21 | 7:21 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 845 | On time 7:21 AM Essen Hbf | 0h23 | 7:44 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1545 | On time 7:47 AM Essen Hbf | 0h22 | 8:09 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 8:04 AM Essen Hbf | 0h23 | 8:27 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 12:04 PM Essen Hbf | 0h23 | 12:27 PM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 4:04 PM Essen Hbf | 0h25 | 4:29 PM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Essen to Dortmund by train or bus
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.
Dec 23
Dec 24
Dec 25
Dec 26
Dec 27
Dec 28
Dec 29
Why should you book Essen to Dortmund trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC) as well as FlixTrain and National Express offer trains services from Essen to Dortmund. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Dortmund.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC)?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC), but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain and National Express to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Dortmund.
- 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 Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC) with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Dortmund.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC) tickets can be bought on Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC)'s website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of FlixTrain and National Express to help you choose the right option for your journey from Essen to Dortmund.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Dortmund.
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Essen to Dortmund

Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Dortmund
Trains from Essen to Dortmund run on average 6 times per day, taking around 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $3 (€3) if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:52. The fastest train covers the 19 miles (32 km) distance in 21m.
Distance 19 miles (32 km) |
Average train duration 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $3 (€3) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 21m |
First train 00:03 |
Last train 23:52 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, National Express from Essen to Dortmund trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, National Express trains will get you between Essen and Dortmund from $3 (€3). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
FlixTrain
National Express
Traveling by train from Essen to Dortmund
The train connection between Essen and Dortmund is well-served by reliable providers such as Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain. With frequent services throughout the day, travelers can enjoy a comfortable journey that typically takes around 30 minutes to cover the distance of approximately 35 km (22 miles) between these two cities in North Rhine-Westphalia. Whether you're heading for business or leisure, both operators offer convenient options to suit your schedule.
Train Connection: Essen to Dortmund
The train connection between Essen and Dortmund is direct, with a travel duration of just 20 minutes. There are approximately 25 connections available each day, making it convenient for travelers. Passengers will depart from Essen Hbf and arrive at Dortmund Hbf.
Essen to Dortmund Train Connection
The first daily train from Essen to Dortmund departs at 05:03, providing an early start for travelers looking to explore the vibrant city of Dortmund. The last journey of the day leaves at 20:17, allowing visitors ample time to enjoy their activities before returning in the evening.
Train Tickets Price for Essen and Dortmund
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Essen and Dortmund is €3. The average ticket price typically hovers around €8, making it an affordable option for travelers looking to explore these two cities in Germany.
Exploring Dortmund: A Journey Through History and Culture
Welcome to Signal Iduna Park, also known as Westfalenstadion, the largest stadium in Germany and a true fortress of football. Opened in 1974, it has witnessed countless unforgettable matches and is renowned for its electrifying atmosphere during Borussia Dortmund games. One unique feature that sets this stadium apart is the famous "Yellow Wall," where passionate fans create an awe-inspiring display of support with their vibrant yellow banners.
Next on our journey is Reinoldikirche, a stunning Gothic church dating back to the 13th century that stands as one of Dortmund's oldest landmarks. This architectural gem not only serves as a place of worship but also symbolizes resilience; it survived both World War II bombings and extensive renovations over time. A highlight here is its impressive stained glass windows which tell stories from biblical times while allowing colorful light to dance across the interior.
Finally, we arrive at the iconic Dortmund U-Tower, once home to a brewery but now transformed into a cultural hub since its renovation in 2010. Standing tall at 60 meters high with its distinctive illuminated sign atop, this landmark represents innovation and creativity within modern urban life. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from its observation deck or explore various exhibitions showcasing contemporary art—making it truly unique among city attractions!
FAQs: Trains from Essen to Dortmund
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Dortmund 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 Dortmund, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Essen to Dortmund
- 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
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
- 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
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
- Webers
- 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
- Subway
- Caliente
- Ong Bui Asia Fusion
- Kleimann
- Cityhotel Dortmund
- Esplanade
- Drei Kronen
- Hotel Unique Novum
- Strobels
- Rosenterassen
- S&E Café
- S&E Imbiss
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Dortmund
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