- Must visit
Dortmunder U
A Former Brewery Tower Turned Center For Contemporary Art And Culture, Known For Exhibitions, Events, And Its Rooftop City Views.
Cheapest price
$121
Average price
$149
Fastest journey
3 h 10 m
Average duration
3 h 55 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
287 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Karlsruhe to Dortmund is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Karlsruhe to Dortmund will cost around $149 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $121.
Of the 6 trains that leave Karlsruhe for Dortmund on Fri, Jun 26, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 26 the direct trains cover the 287 km distance in an average of 3 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 10 m .
On Fri, Jun 26 the slowest trains will take 5 h 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.
ECE 8 · ICE 1012 · ICE 1020
ICE 202 · ICE 692 · 33089+
15110
ECE 8 · ICE 1012
ICE 376 · ICE 614
ICE 202
ECE 8 · ICE 1012
ICE 376 · ICE 614
ICE 202
ECE 8 · ICE 1012 · ICE 1020
ICE 202 · ICE 692 · 33089+
15110Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Karlsruhe to Dortmund among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 53m. 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 $24, and a train costs an average of $24.
Distance: 178 miles (287 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$92 Average price | $35 Average price Cheapest | $65 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 23m Average total duration Fastest 3h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 36m Average total duration 5h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Karlsruhe to Dortmund:
A bus is $57 (€47) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Karlsruhe to Dortmund costing on average $92 (€76).
Other travel options to Dortmund take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 6m.
You'll arrive about 8m sooner (3h 53m by train vs 4h 1m by car). Tickets start at around $92 (€76) compared to roughly $65 (€53) 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, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
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 Karlsruhe to Dortmund trains for tomorrow, Friday, June 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 376 · ICE 614 | On time 7:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h22 | 11:21 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 376 · 26716 | On time 7:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 5h18 | 1:17 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ECE 8 · ICE 1012 | On time 8:37 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h10 | 11:47 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ECE 8 · ICE 1012 · ICE 1020 | Delayed 8:37 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 4h42 | 11:35 AM 11:35 AMDortmund Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 202 | On time 8:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h22 | 12:21 PM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 202 · ICE 692 · 33089+ 15110 | On time 8:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 5h00 | 1:59 PM Dortmund Hbf | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Karlsruhe to Dortmund run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 (€20) but you can travel from only $24 (€20) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 178 miles (287 km) distance in 3h 10m.
Distance 178 miles (287 km) |
Average train duration 3h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€20) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 3h 10m |
First train 12:07 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Dortmund — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dortmund trip today.
A Former Brewery Tower Turned Center For Contemporary Art And Culture, Known For Exhibitions, Events, And Its Rooftop City Views.
An Interactive National Museum Dedicated To German Football History, Trophies, Media Installations, And Family-Friendly Exhibits Near The Main Station.
The City’S Major Modern And Contemporary Art Museum, Featuring Expressionism, Fluxus, And Rotating Exhibitions Inside Dortmunder U.
A Large Urban Park Famous For Gardens, Seasonal Events, Open Space, And Social-Media-Friendly Views Around Florian Tower.
A Popular Lakeside Redevelopment Area With Walking Paths, Modern Architecture, And Sunset Views, Especially Trendy With Locals And Visitors.
The Historic Old Market Square In Central Dortmund, A Classic Meeting Point Surrounded By Important City-Center Buildings.
A traditional Westphalian beef stew seasoned generously with pepper, slowly cooked until tender. It is one of Dortmund’s best-known regional specialties.
Air-dried and lightly smoked Westphalian ham, prized across the region for its deep flavor. It is often served with dark bread and pickles.
A Dortmund bakery classic: a small savory roll topped with salt and caraway, traditionally eaten with Mett, butter, or cheese.
An established seafood-focused restaurant with a polished setting and strong reputation for quality ingredients and refined preparation.
A well-known central steakhouse with a classic atmosphere, strong service, and substantial meat-focused dishes. Good for a more upscale meal.
A long-established brewery restaurant near the market square, known for hearty regional food and Dortmund beer in a lively traditional setting.
Moderate by German standards: public transport and casual food are reasonable, while hotels and fine dining cost more during trade fairs and football weekends.
Service is usually included. In restaurants, round up or leave about 5-10% for good service. Round up in taxis. Small tips are appreciated in bars; no tip is expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Dortmund Hbf, Dortmund -> Dortmund City Center, Dortmund
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Karlsruhe 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.

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