Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cologne to Dortmund
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Dortmund 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 1h 26m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, and a train costs an average of $9.
Distance: 45 miles (74 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$22 Average price | $10 Average price Cheapest | $17 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 56m Average total duration Fastest 1h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 1m Average total duration 1h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Cologne to Dortmund:
A bus is $11 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Dortmund costing on average $22 (€17).
Other travel options to Dortmund take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 31m.
Travel optionsfrom Cologne to Dortmund
How to get from Cologne to Dortmund by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Cologne to Dortmund is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
FlixBus7:50 AM2h00Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)9:50 AMDortmund, ZOB am Hbf$91One-way0 transfers
Cheapest
FlixBus7:50 AM2h00Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)9:50 AMDortmund, ZOB am Hbf$91One-way0 transfers
Fastest
ICE 2085:11 AM1h10Cologne Hbf6:21 AMDortmund Hbf$91One-way0 transfers
Other options
ICE 15435:43 AM1h24Cologne Hbf7:07 AMDortmund Hbf$91One-way0 transfers
ICE 9202:09 AM1h33Cologne Hbf3:42 AMDortmund Hbf$91One-way0 transfers
ICE 2212:14 AM1h34Cologne Hbf1:48 AMDortmund Hbf$91One-way0 transfers
FlixBus4:05 PM2h30Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)6:35 PMDortmund, ZOB am Hbf$91One-way0 transfers
FlixBus10:10 PM2h55Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)1:05 AMDortmund, ZOB am Hbf$91One-way0 transfers
FlixBus5:10 AM3h10Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)8:20 AMDortmund, ZOB am Hbf$91One-way0 transfers
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, buses and flights
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.
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How to get from Cologne to Dortmund
The Best Way According to our Users
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FAQs: Travel from Cologne to Dortmund
Travel to Dortmund easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Cologne to Dortmund.

This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Dortmund:
A bus is $11 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Dortmund costing on average $22 (€17).
Other travel options to Dortmund take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 31m.
- Around 12 trains per day.
- Around 9 buses per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Cologne and Dortmund as scheduled services by train and bus can vary by season or day of the week.
- Trains mostly depart from Cologne Hbf and arrive in Dortmund Hbf.
- Buses mostly depart from Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) and arrive in Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf.
- Travel with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar to go to Dortmund by bus.
- Travel with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to go to Dortmund by train.
- 9 direct buses per day with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar.
- 9 direct trains per day with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Travelling from Cologne to Dortmund: related information
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