The cheapest and fastest trains from Dortmund to Cologne
Cheapest price
€11
Average price
€32
Fastest journey
1 h 12 m
Average duration
1 h 12 m
Trains per day
50
Distance
74 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Dortmund to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Dortmund to Cologne will cost around €32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €11.
Of the 50 trains that leave Dortmund for Cologne on Fri, Jun 19, 43 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 74 km distance in an average of 1 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 12 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 1 h 12 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.
FlixTrain8:27 PM1h13Dortmund Hbf9:40 PMCologne Hbf€111One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain4:27 PM1h16Dortmund Hbf5:43 PMCologne Hbf€111One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain12:27 PM1h14Dortmund Hbf1:41 PMCologne Hbf€121One-way0 transfers
ICE 5276:23 AM1h19Dortmund Hbf7:42 AMCologne Messe/Deutz€151One-way0 transfers
IC 20139:17 AM1h23Dortmund Hbf10:40 AMCologne Hbf€181One-way0 transfers
ICE 5158:36 AM1h12Dortmund Hbf9:48 AMCologne Hbf€341One-way0 transfers
ICE 1037:36 AM1h12Dortmund Hbf8:48 AMCologne Hbf€201One-way0 transfers
ICE 1059:36 AM1h12Dortmund Hbf10:48 AMCologne Hbf€341One-way0 transfers
ICE 51710:36 AM1h12Dortmund Hbf11:48 AMCologne Hbf€341One-way0 transfers
ICE 10711:36 AM1h12Dortmund Hbf12:48 PMCologne Hbf€341One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Dortmund to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Dortmund to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €6. 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 €6, 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 16m Average total duration 1h 46m 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
Dortmund to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Dortmund to Cologne trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixTrain | 8:27 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h13 | 9:40 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, June 19 | |||||
ICE 913 | On time 6:10 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1h17 | 7:27 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 527 | On time 6:23 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1h19 | 7:42 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 513 | On time 6:36 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1h12 | 7:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 529 | On time 7:22 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1h20 | 8:42 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 103 | On time 7:36 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1h12 | 8:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 915 | On time 8:10 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1h17 | 9:27 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 646 | On time 8:15 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1h18 | 9:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26706 · ICE 621 | On time 8:21 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1h21 | 9:42 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 515 | On time 8:36 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1h12 | 9:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 217 | 8:40 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1h13 | 9:53 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 946 | On time 9:13 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1h22 | 10:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2013 | 9:17 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1h23 | 10:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26708 · ICE 623 | On time 9:21 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1h21 | 10:42 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 105 | On time 9:36 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1h12 | 10:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26812 | 9:45 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1h26 | 11:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 240 · 28513 | On time 9:46 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1h43 | 11:29 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 644 | On time 10:15 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1h18 | 11:33 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 517 | On time 10:36 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1h12 | 11:48 AM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26814 | 10:45 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1h26 | 12:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1548 | On time 10:50 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1h26 | 12:16 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 944 | On time 11:13 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1h20 | 12:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26712 · ICE 627 | On time 11:21 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1h21 | 12:42 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 107 | On time 11:36 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1h12 | 12:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26816 | 11:45 AM Dortmund Hbf | 1h26 | 1:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 919 | On time 12:11 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h16 | 1:27 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 642 | On time 12:15 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h19 | 1:34 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 12:27 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h14 | 1:41 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 519 | On time 12:36 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h12 | 1:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26818 | 12:45 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h26 | 2:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 942 | On time 1:13 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h19 | 2:32 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26716 · ICE 721 | On time 1:21 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h21 | 2:42 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 109 | On time 1:36 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h12 | 2:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26820 | 1:45 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h26 | 3:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1011 | On time 2:09 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h18 | 3:27 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 640 | On time 2:15 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h19 | 3:34 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 927 | On time 2:25 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h21 | 3:46 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 611 | 2:36 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h12 | 3:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26822 | 2:45 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h26 | 4:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1546 | On time 2:50 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h29 | 4:19 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 940 | On time 3:13 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h20 | 4:33 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26720 · ICE 725 | On time 3:21 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h21 | 4:42 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
ICE 201 | On time 3:36 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h12 | 4:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26824 | 3:45 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h26 | 5:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1013 | On time 4:09 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h20 | 5:29 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 548 | On time 4:15 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h20 | 5:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26722 · ICE 727 | On time 4:21 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h21 | 5:42 PM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 4:27 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h16 | 5:43 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 613 | 4:36 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h12 | 5:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26826 | 4:45 PM Dortmund Hbf | 1h26 | 6:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Dortmund to Cologne 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.
Jun 19
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Why should you book Dortmund to Cologne trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Eurostar to find the best option for your trip from Dortmund to Cologne.
- 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 with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Dortmund to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Trainline, Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Eurostar to find the best option for your trip from Dortmund to Cologne.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Dortmund to Cologne.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Dortmund to Cologne?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Dortmund to Cologne
Trains from Dortmund to Cologne run on average 11 times per day, taking around 1h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €7 but you can travel from only €6 by bus.
There are 8 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.
Distance 74 km |
Average train duration 1h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price €7 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 1h 12m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 70 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Eurostar from Dortmund to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Eurostar trains will get you between Dortmund and Cologne from €6. 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
Eurostar
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Trains from Dortmund to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dortmund to Cologne 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 Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Dortmund to Cologne
- 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
- Yve's Eiscafé und mehr
- Mamma Mia
- Grill Station Husen
- Pan Pizza Mo
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only
- There are luggage lockers in the station
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected]
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
Most popular train connections from Dortmund
More options for your journey from Dortmund to Cologne
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