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Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from Dortmund to Lille per day. The average train journey from Dortmund to Lille takes 8 hours and 54 minutes, though some trains might be a few minutes slower or faster.
| Distance | 201 mi (323 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 54m |
| Lowest price | €23.49 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Dortmund to Lille?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Dortmund to Lille. 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 | 8h 54m | €43.28 |
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 Lille from Dortmund. The train usually departs from Dortmund Central Station in Dortmund and arrives at Gare de Lille Europe in Lille after about 8 hours and 54 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Dortmund and Lille is approximately 201 miles, or 323 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 54 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.
Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Dortmund to Lille. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Tuesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Dortmund at 12:00pm and arrives in Lille around 8 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 Lille to Dortmund.
City Information
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.
Lille
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Once an important trade center in historic French Flanders, Lille is now the capital of the Hauts-de-France region close to the Belgian border. With strong Flemish influences and an ever-lively downtown, Lille makes an incredible Northern France destination.
It's hard to decide where to go first in this city full of architecturally-beautiful historical buildings. The Vieux-Lille is possibly one of the most striking areas, filled with many ornate buildings. This old-town area of Lille demonstrates the true Flemish soul of the city. Visit the Place du General-de-Gaulle or the Vieille Bourse (a stock exchange from the 1600s!) for a taste of the city's history, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets to discover many local cafes.
During your visit to Lille, you must sample the foods and drinks that the region is famous for. Northern France hosts an amazing beer scene, with many craft bars offering a truly French-Flemish experience. Plus, Lille's proximity to Belgium means you are never too far away from waffles. Belgian-style waffles have delighted the people of Lille for over 250 years, and you will be able to see why as soon as you taste one.
Travel to Lille is exceptionally convenient. Arrive via Eurostar from London or via TGV from Paris and other major cities. Lille also has a small airport, offering direct flights from nearby countries. The cheapest mode of transport is often traveling by bus. Carriers including FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, and Sindbad run bus routes from Lille to destinations throughout Western Europe.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Dortmund?
Image credit: onnola
Link to image attributionMain departure 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.
All train stations in Dortmund:
Dortmund Central Station
Where is the train station in Lille?
Image credit: Fred Romero
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Gare de Lille Europe
Gare de Lille Europe (Lille-Europe Station) is a large transportation interchange on the northeastern edge of Lille's center. It consists of a railway station, bus station, metro stop, and tram stop along and below the Boulevard de Turin. International Eurostar and long-distance TGV services stop through this station, connecting to destinations in the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands. It is within walking distance to Lille-Flandres, where trains to Paris depart. There are multiple waiting areas, kiosks, toilets, and more at this large station.
Train stations in Lille:
Gare de Lille Europe
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Need a return trip from Lille to Dortmund?
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