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Trip Summary
You can pick from 18 daily train trips between Ulm and Dortmund. The average train journey from Ulm to Dortmund takes 5 hours and 31 minutes, but some DB Intercity-Express train trips are as short as 4 hours and 17 minutes.
| Distance | 242 mi (390 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 17m |
| Lowest price | $77.77 |
| Trains per day | 14 |
| Most frequent service | Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company |
| Train lines | 4 |
Which train should you take from Ulm to Dortmund?
There are 4 train lines with service from Ulm to Dortmund. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 19 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DB Eurocity | 1 | 6h 1m | $96.87 |
| DB Intercity-Express | 8 | 4h 47m | $141.63 |
| Deutsche Bahn | 10 | 5h 57m | $129.63 |
| Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company | 19 | 5h 33m | $129.20 |
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 Ulm to Dortmund start from $78, and on average cost . Daily there are 19 Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company schedules to Dortmund. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company in Ulm leaves from Ulm Ost and 3 other stations. And in Dortmund trains arrive at Dortmund Central Station .
From Ulm to Dortmund train travel on Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company takes 5 hours and 33 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 4 hours and 17 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company offers 47 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to Dortmund.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Ulm and Dortmund is approximately 242 miles, or 390 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 31 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 17 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.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Ulm to Dortmund. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Sunday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Friday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Ulm at 12:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00pm. 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 18 scheduled trains on most days. 14 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 Ulm.
City Information
Ulm
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
Ulm boasts a rich history dating back to the 9th century, making it one of the best cities to explore Germany’s past. Its most notable landmark is Ulm Minster, a Gothic church with the tallest steeple in the world. From the church, amble south into the Fischerviertel, a quarter blessed with cobblestone streets, picturesque footbridges, and charming cafes.
Ulm is the birthplace of the world-famous scientist Albert Einstein, and the site of his former home now preserves his legacy with the Albert Einstein Memorial. The sculptural memorial is a bit abstract, so you could also cross to the other side of the city to see Einstein Brunnen. This bizarre fountain has a sculpture of Einstein's head sticking out of it, with his tongue sticking out of his mouth.
You don't need to be an Einstein to figure out how to get to Ulm. Numerous bus companies provide routes to Ulm from cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Krakow, and Paris. The German train network, Deutsche Bahn, also connects Ulm to various destinations by rail.
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 Ulm?
Main departure station: Train Station
Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 4 stops and stations in Ulm where you can board the train.
All train stations in Ulm:
Train Station
Ulm-Donautal
Ulm Ost
Ulm-Söflingen
Where is the train station in Dortmund?
Image credit: onnola
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Dortmund Central Station
Dortmund Central Station, also known as Dortmund HBF, is Dortmund's main transport hub. The station was destroyed in a WWII air-raid, rebuilt in 1952, and now serves more than 190,000 passengers per day. Deutsche Bahn services head to cities like Berlin, Hanover, and Hamburg. Internationally, trains head to Paris, Vienna, and Zurich. Inside the station is a seating area, luggage lockers, toilets, and parking outside. There's also a Dunkin Donuts and KFC in the station if you want a quick snack, plus plenty of restaurants and shops outside if you've got some more time.
Train stations in Dortmund:
Dortmund Central Station
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Need a return trip from Dortmund to Ulm?
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