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Trip Summary
There are 7 daily trains from Basel to Dortmund. Traveling by train from Basel to Dortmund usually takes around 8 hours, but the fastest Deutsche Bahn train can make the trip in 5 hours and 7 minutes.
| Distance | 273 mi (440 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 7m |
| Lowest price | $35.04 |
| Trains per day | 5 |
| Most frequent service | Deutsche Bahn |
| Train lines | 5 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Basel to Dortmund?
In the last month, $42.29 was the average price of a train ticket from Basel to Dortmund. This is a great price, especially considering the length of the route. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 13 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $118.38 more than that for a same-day booking.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Basel to Dortmund often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in November when the average ticket price is only $97,
If you're thinking of traveling from Basel to Dortmund during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $147 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Which train should you take from Basel to Dortmund?
There are 5 train lines with service from Basel to Dortmund. Deutsche Bahn is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 55 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DB Eurocity | 1 | 6h 0m | $131.69 |
| DB Intercity-Express | 13 | 6h 9m | $157.39 |
| Deutsche Bahn | 55 | 6h 50m | $139.49 |
| Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company | 28 | 6h 57m | $153.87 |
| FlixTrain | 1 | 9h 49m | $47.75 |
The most popular Deutsche Bahn ICE routes travel to Berlin, Cologne, Paris, and Munich. Seating is spacious with a good amount of legroom, and onboard amenities include complimentary WiFi, restrooms, and a restaurant car selling beverages, snacks, sandwiches, and hot meals. Unlike the rest of the Deutsche Bahn network, ticket prices on Deutsche Bahn ICE services are not based on a per-kilometer rate but on specific station-to-station links.
Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train tickets from Basel to Dortmund start from $77, and on average cost . Daily there are 28 Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company schedules to Dortmund. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company in Basel leaves from Basel SBB . And in Dortmund trains arrive at Dortmund-Kurl and 11 other train stations.
From Basel to Dortmund train travel on Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company takes 6 hours and 57 minutes. If you are looking to get to Dortmund faster, Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 5 hours and 7 minutes.
Part of the FlixBus family, FlixTrain launched in 2018 to offer affordable and sustainable train travel in Germany. Its trains provide Wi-Fi, power outlets, air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and access to an entertainment portal full of movies, games, and music. In addition, each passenger gets a guaranteed seat, so you don't have to worry about standing in any aisles. FlixTrain operates 1 daily trips to Dortmund from Basel. The train usually departs from Badischer Schwarzwaldallee in Basel and arrives at Central Bus Station in Dortmund after about 9 hours and 49 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
The distance between Basel and Dortmund is approximately 273 miles, or 440 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 7 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Basel to Dortmund on Friday. Tickets for Friday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Sunday. Sunday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Basel at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 7 scheduled trains on most days. 5 of these are direct connections to Dortmund. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Dortmund to Basel.
City Information
Basel
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Basel is bordered by France to the west and Germany to the east, with the river Rhine running directly through the city. This culture-centric destination is known for containing Switzerland's highest concentration of museums. With over 40 museums, roughly one per square kilometer, you're guaranteed to find at least one museum that fits your interests. Of course, it's got classic art museums like the Fine Arts Museum and the Jean Tinguely Museum, but you'll write home about the niche ones like Basel Paper Mill (a museum about paper and printing) and Toys Worlds Museum.
Basel's Old Town area will give you a taste of the city's history, with its cobblestoned streets and medieval churches, as well as several beautiful fountains. In the Marktplatz, or market square, check out the bold red City Hall, as well as even more museums, these ones devoted to Basel's history.
Basel is also home to Switzerland's oldest zoo, founded in 1874. Conveniently located in the heart of Basel, the zoo lets you get up close and personal with animals from the tiniest insects to the grandest elephants. Plus, you can learn more about the zoo's conservation projects.
Basel is well-situated for easy travel to other countries due to its proximity to France and Germany, as well as its transportation options. The world's only tri-national airport, EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, is only 4km from Basel. This unique airport is located on both French and Swiss territory but also serves travelers to nearby Freiburg, Germany. Basel also welcomes national and international train routes, and many European bus services stop in the city.
Dortmund
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
Dortmund used to be Germany's center of steel and coal industries, but today is better known for the Borussia soccer team. It is Westphalia's largest city, and it offers lots of parks and open spaces to guests. There are also dozens of museums and local attractions in the area.
If you're ready to explore Dortmund, plan a visit to The Alter Markt, or Old Market. This century-old structure is in a pedestrian-friendly shopping area in the center of Old Town. Get lost amidst its galleries, boutiques, shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Your next stop could be St. Reinold's Church. Built during the 13th century, this church stands tall, with its 104-meter high tower visible from afar. If you're up to it, climb up the tower to get a sweeping view of the city.
Another interesting site to visit is the Zollern Colliery. This building used to be a coal mine, initially built in 1904. You might be picturing a dull old factory, but you'll be surprised by the stunning steel and glass structure with a red brick facade. Take a tour of the building to learn all about Dortmund's industrial past.
You can travel to Dortmund by nearly every form of transportation—we see you, hot air balloon enthusiasts. Flights operate from Dortmund Airport, and Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain provide train service. Buses on carriers including FlixBus, Sindbad, Onebus, and Union Ivkoni connect Dortmund to cities throughout Germany and Europe.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Basel?
Image credit: Alexandre Prevot
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Basel SBB
Basel SBB in Switzerland is Europe's largest border station. The SBB stands for Schweizer Basel Bahnhof, which was its former name before it was completely rebuilt in 1900 with a gorgeous new exterior. More than 1,000 trains depart from here daily, including Deutsche Bahn ICE trains to cities across Germany. There are daily trains to Amsterdam, plus more to Paris and Milan, plus a few local buses and airport services. Inside the station are shops, cafes, a supermarket, and a pharmacy. Forgot your toothbrush? There's even a dentist in the building if needed!
All train stations in Basel:
Basel SBB
Badischer Schwarzwaldallee
Where is the train station in Dortmund?
Main arrival station: Dortmund-Kurl
There are more train stations and stops in Dortmund than most cities. Most trains from Basel will stop at one (or more) of the 13 following stations in Dortmund:
Train stations in Dortmund:
Dortmund-Kurl
Dortmund-Lütgendortmund
Dortmund Central Station
Dortmund-Nette/Oestrich
Dortmund-Bövinghausen
Dortmund-Mengede
Dortmund-Somborn
Dortmund-Wickede West
Dortmund-Wickede
Central Bus Station
Dortmund-Lütgendortmund Nord
Dortmund-Asseln Mitte
Dortmund-Sölde
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