The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Dortmund
Cheapest price
€4
Average price
€12
Fastest journey
21 m
Average duration
23 m
Trains per day
6
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 €12 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €4.
Of the 6 trains that leave Essen for Dortmund on Sat, Nov 22, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Nov 22 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 Sat, Nov 22 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.
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 2575
ICE 208
ICE 208
ICE 1545
FlixTrain
ICE 2575
FlixTrainTravel 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: 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 tomorrow, Saturday, November 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixTrain | 6:03 AM Essen Hbf | 0h23 | 6:26 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 208 | On time 7:00 AM Essen Hbf | 0h21 | 7:21 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 2575 | On time 7:20 AM Essen Hbf | 0h23 | 7:43 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1545 | On time 7:48 AM Essen Hbf | 0h21 | 8:09 AM Dortmund Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 10:04 AM Essen Hbf | 0h25 | 10:29 AM 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.
Nov 22
Nov 23
Nov 24
Nov 25
Nov 26
Nov 27
Nov 28
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 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 32 km distance in 21m.
Distance 32 km |
Average train duration 24m |
Cheapest ticket price €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. 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
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.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Essen Hbf, which is located around 1 mile (1.6 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.
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
- Bootshaus Ruhreck
- Da Vinici
- Asia-Nudeln
- Bacchos
- Zur Guten Quelle
- Hotel Töff-Töff
- Budike
- Döbbe
- Der Bonner Hof
- Pino's Bar & Restaurant und Eventlocation
- Pizza Pasta
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
- Webers
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
- McDreams
- Burger King
- Werner
- Bückmannsmühle
- Muckel-Eis
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Pizza Farm
- Call a Pizza
- Nefeli
- Haus Gantenberg
- Wolperding
- Athena
- Porky Grill
- Alte Lohnhalle
- Lukas
- Im Fass
- Pizzeria Spuntino Dario
- Contilla EisCafe
- Bootshaus Ruhreck
- Bacchos
- Döner
- Eiscafe Kemmerling
- Döbbe
- Der Bonner Hof
- Copper Irish Pub
- Giulia
- Hotel Henning
- 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
- Subway
- Caliente
- Ong Bui Asia Fusion
- Kleimann
- Cityhotel Dortmund
- Esplanade
- Drei Kronen
- Hotel Unique Novum
- Grill Palace
- Gathi's Pizza & Döner
- Onur Grill
- Café Aufbruch
- Rosmarin
- Abant Grill
- Apollon
- Tadim Restaurant
- S&E Café
- S&E Imbiss
- Strobels
- Rosenterassen
- VIDA
- Citybäcker
- IUMA
- Yve's Eiscafé und mehr
- Mamma Mia
- Grill Station Husen
- Pan Pizza Mo
- The Greek
- Peking Garden
- Piccola Enzo
- Restaurant Symbol
- Side Döner
- Heisse Theke
- IKEA Restaurant
- Wiacker Gartencafé
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Dortmund
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