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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Karlsruhe to Dortmund. The train trip from Karlsruhe to Dortmund is usually about 7 hours and 29 minutes long. However, be prepared just in case your train arrives slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 178 mi (287 km) |
| Fastest train | 7h 29m |
| Lowest price | $79.29 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Karlsruhe to Dortmund?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Karlsruhe to Dortmund. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 1 | 7h 29m | $79.29 |
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 Karlsruhe. The train usually departs from Train Station in Karlsruhe and arrives at Central Bus Station in Dortmund after about 7 hours and 29 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Karlsruhe and Dortmund is approximately 178 miles, or 287 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 29 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.
Trains from Karlsruhe to Dortmund are the most crowded on Tuesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Karlsruhe at 11:00am and arrives in Dortmund around 7 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Dortmund to Karlsruhe.
City Information
Karlsruhe
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
Karlsruhe is fondly referred to as the Fan-Shaped City. Even though it's at the northern edge of the Black Forest, Karlsruhe has some of the warmest weather in the country, so many visitors pick this city to experience a Mediterranean-inspired vacation in Germany. There are hundreds of fine museums, quirky galleries, and beautiful theatres in the area that are all worth checking out.
Karlsruhe is a hub for science and technology, but it has an artistic side, too. The ZKM is a unique art museum that displays contemporary video and audio installations in a former weapons factory. Hit up the Jakobus Theatre, Kammertheater Karlsruhe, or The Sandkorn Theatre for live music or theatrical performance.
Another can't-miss landmark is the Karlsruhe Palace, built in the 18th-century. Not only does the palace include stunning grounds and magnificent architecture, it also houses the Baden State Museum with exhibits about the region's history. Some of the best outdoor recreation sites are Badesee Epple, Rheinstrandbad Rappenwort, and Weingarten, offering blue waters for fishing, swimming, and sailing, respectively.
Karlsruhe is easy to reach from cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt on Deutsche Bahn trains. FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Sindbad, Union Ivkoni, and Cazmatrans provide bus service to the city as well. The Karlsruhe/Baden Airport is not too far away, so you can travel to this warm destination from nearly anywhere.
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 Karlsruhe?
Main departure station: Train Station
There is one train station in Karlsruhe.
All train stations in Karlsruhe:
Train Station
Where is the train station in Dortmund?
Image credit: Erich Ferdinand
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Central Bus Station
The Dortmund Central Bus Station (Dortmund Busbahnhof) is the city's main bus station located very close to the central train station. FlixBus and Sindbad buses from the station mainly serve cities within Germany such as Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg and Hanover, which run daily. The bus station has parking for over fifty cars and a few restaurants nearby. There are also plenty of shops and amenities a short distance away on the other side of the main train station.
Train stations in Dortmund:
Central Bus Station
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Need a return trip from Dortmund to Karlsruhe?
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