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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Dortmund
Showing times and prices for Dec 03
Cheapest price
€13
Average price
€31
Fastest journey
1 h 8 m
Average duration
1 h 10 m
Trains per day
22
Distance
74 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Dortmund is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Dortmund will cost around €31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €13.
Fast trains
Of the 22 trains that leave Cologne for Dortmund on Wed, Dec 03, 16 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Dec 03 the direct trains cover the 74 km distance in an average of 1 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 8 m .
On Wed, Dec 03 the slowest trains will take 1 h 14 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.
FlixTrain08:01AM1h28
Cologne Hbf09:29AMDortmund Hbf
€131One-way
0 transfers
IC 234109:09AM1h15
Cologne Hbf10:24AMDortmund Hbf
€211One-way
0 transfers
ICE 122308:24AM1h15
Cologne Messe/Deutz09:39AMDortmund Hbf
€261One-way
0 transfers
ICE 102210:11AM1h10
Cologne Hbf11:21AMDortmund Hbf
€261One-way
0 transfers
RE 2681108:49AM1h25
Cologne Hbf10:14AMDortmund Hbf
€281One-way
0 transfers
ICE 20609:09AM1h08
Cologne Messe/Deutz10:17AMDortmund Hbf
€291One-way
0 transfers
ICE 102210:11AM1h10
Cologne Hbf11:21AMDortmund Hbf
€261One-way
0 transfers
ICE 61608:16AM1h10
Cologne Hbf09:26AMDortmund Hbf
€341One-way
0 transfers
ICE 20211:11AM1h10
Cologne Hbf12:21PMDortmund Hbf
€341One-way
0 transfers
ICE 101210:50AM1h14
Cologne Messe/Deutz12:04PMDortmund Hbf
€291One-way
0 transfers
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 €5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 18m. 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 €5, and a train costs an average of €7.
Distance: 74 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€14 Average price | €8 Average price Cheapest |
1h 48m Average total duration Fastest 1h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 6m Average total duration 1h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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
Cologne to Dortmund train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Dortmund trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, December 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 11:53 PM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 7:01 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h28 | 8:29 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 616 | On time 7:16 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h10 | 8:26 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 824 · RE 26711 | On time 7:17 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h18 | 8:35 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 1223 | On time 7:24 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h15 | 8:39 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 545 | On time 7:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h20 | 8:45 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| RE 26811 | On time 7:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h25 | 9:14 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| IC 2341 | On time 8:09 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h15 | 9:24 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 206 | On time 8:09 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h08 | 9:17 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 847 | On time 8:26 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h17 | 9:43 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| IC 2204 · ICE 757 | On time 8:38 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h31 | 10:09 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| RE 26813 | On time 8:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h25 | 10:14 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 614 | On time 9:05 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h14 | 10:19 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 1022 | On time 9:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h10 | 10:21 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 820 · RE 26715 | On time 9:17 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h20 | 10:37 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| RE 17412 · RE 26413 | On time 9:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h30 | 10:51 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| RE 26815 | On time 9:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h25 | 11:14 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 1012 | On time 9:50 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h14 | 11:04 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 202 | On time 10:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h10 | 11:21 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 728 · RE 26717 | On time 10:17 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h20 | 11:37 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| RE 17414 · RE 26415 | On time 10:21 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h30 | 11:51 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| RE 26817 | On time 10:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h25 | 12:14 PM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 612 | On time 11:05 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1h15 | 12:20 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 Cologne 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.
Wed
Dec 03
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Dortmund?
The best time to book your train from Cologne to Dortmund is 7 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cologne to Dortmund route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cologne to Dortmund per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cologne to Dortmund.
Trains
from €12Buses
from €7Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Dortmund
GermanyGermany
Trains from Cologne to Dortmund run on average 13 times per day, taking around 1h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €7 but you can travel from only €5 by bus.
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 74 km distance in 1h 12m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €5
Distance 74 km |
Average train duration 1h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price €7 |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 1h 12m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €5
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, National Express, Eurostar from Cologne to Dortmund trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, National Express, Eurostar trains will get you between Cologne and Dortmund from €5. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 10m
Cheapest Price
€7
Deutsche Bahn frequency
13 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.
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.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
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.
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.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.
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.
Quiet zone
FlixTrain
About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 15m
Cheapest Price
€6
FlixTrain frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone
Eurostar
About
Eurostar is a high-speed international rail service connecting the UK with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, primarily via the Channel Tunnel. Since merging with Thalys in October 2023, Eurostar now operates an expanded network across Western Europe. Known for its city-center to city-center travel, Eurostar offers a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to flying. Passengers can enjoy amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and power sockets at every seat. Key destinations include London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne, with seasonal services to other locations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 21m
Cheapest Price
€59
Eurostar frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included in standard ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage areas at the end of carriages and overhead racks
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café-bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First-class passengers receive complimentary meals on some routes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed for a fee. Large dogs not permitted except guide dogs
Quiet zone
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 25m
Cheapest Price
€19
National Express frequency
12 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Dortmund
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne 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.
Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Dortmund can start from as little as €6 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Dortmund is €11; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The train time to Dortmund from Cologne is on average 1 h 7 min for the 73 km long journey, but the time it takes to go from Cologne to Dortmund by train can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Cologne to Dortmund leaves at 00: 01. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last train from Cologne to Dortmund leaves at 23: 58.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Cologne to Dortmund without having to change trains with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain or National Express. There are 11 direct trains from Cologne to Dortmund each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
For the journey from Cologne to Dortmund you can take a train with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain or National Express. Be sure to check out all possible train companies that offer services to Dortmund from Cologne on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 23: 58.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Cologne Hbf, which is located around 1.6 miles (2.5 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Dortmund Hbf, located 1.5 miles (2.4 km) away from the city centre.
A day trip to Dortmund from Cologne is worth doing with a journey time of 1 h 7 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Cologne to Dortmund by train is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel to Dortmund from Cologne including taking a train or coach.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Dortmund
Cologne
Dortmund
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Dortmund.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Köln-Ehrenfeld
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
Hotel
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
Köln-Mülheim
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 07:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Tuesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Wednesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Thursday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Friday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
Distance to city center
5 kmDining
- Zum Piccolo
- Kolpinghaus
- Pizzeria Marco Polo
- Grill Stube
Hotel
- Pension Europa
- Hotel Geisler
- The niu Mill
The major train station for arrivals in Dortmund is Dortmund Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Dortmund Hbf for your journey to Dortmund from Cologne.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Dining
- Subway
- Caliente
- Ong Bui Asia Fusion
- Kleimann
Hotel
- Cityhotel Dortmund
- Esplanade
- Drei Kronen
- Hotel Unique Novum
Dortmund-Dorstfeld
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
2 kmDining
- Stachi's Dorfgrill
- Knossos
- Pizzeria bei Pina
- Eiscafé Pina
Dortmund-Hörde
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- Grill Palace
- Gathi's Pizza & Döner
- Onur Grill
- Café Aufbruch
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Dortmund
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Dortmund and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Dortmund
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