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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Cologne to Dortmund. The train trip from Cologne to Dortmund is usually about one hour and 21 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest FlixTrain train can get you there in as little as one hour and 15 minutes.
| Distance | 45 mi (73 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 15m |
| Lowest price | £4.38 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Cologne to Dortmund?
The average price for a train ticket from Cologne to Dortmund is £4.38, This is one of the best deals we’ve seen for train fares recently. By booking your trip at least 10 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay £4.98 more.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Cologne 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 £13,
If you're thinking of traveling from Cologne to Dortmund during August, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £21 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in August, is to book your trip well in advance.
Which train should you take from Cologne to Dortmund?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Cologne to Dortmund. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 2 | 1h 22m | £6.97 |
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 2 daily trips to Dortmund from Cologne. The train usually departs from Cologne Central Station in Cologne and arrives at Dortmund Central Station in Dortmund after about 1 hours and 22 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Cologne to Dortmund on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Thursday. Thursday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Cologne at 08:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 08:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Cologne twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Dortmund with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Dortmund to Cologne.
City Information
Cologne
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
There's no shortage of sights, culture, history, and adventure in Cologne, an alluring city on the Rhine. One of the most famous landmarks of the city is the Cologne Cathedral. This Gothic building and UNESCO World Heritage site remains the most iconic structure in the city. In fact, the Cologne Cathedral is the most visited landmark in Germany. Next door, the Museum Ludwig contrasts the cathedral's sense of history with an impressive collection of modern art, including works by Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.
Cologne's breadth of museums also caters to a younger crowd. Families with children should head to the Cologne Chocolate Museum along the river or the Cologne Zoological Garden for memorable, kid-friendly experiences.
Foodies, rejoice! Cologne is home to mouthwatering German delicacies and upscale restaurants. Start your day with breakfast at Café Sehnsucht. For lunch, visit Herings Im Martinswinkel, and for dinner, head over to Bei Oma Kleinmann to feel like you're visiting your long-lost German grandmother.
Trains like Deutsche Bahn, DB Intercity, and FlixTrain connect Cologne to other major European cities, including Munich, Paris, and Vienna. You can also catch a coach from Cologne on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Sindbad, Union Ivkoni, or Columbuzz. Plus, the Cologne Bonn Airport is a large, well-outfitted airport with daily international flights for travelers coming from afar.
Dortmund
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
Dortmund used to be Germany's centre 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 centre 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. Coaches 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 Cologne?
Main departure station: Cologne Central Station
There is one train station in Cologne.
All train stations in Cologne:
Cologne Central Station
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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