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Trip Summary
You can pick from 9 daily train trips between Kiel and Dortmund. The average train journey from Kiel to Dortmund takes 5 hours and 13 minutes, but some Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train trips are as short as 4 hours and 41 minutes.
Distance | 223 mi (360 km) |
Fastest train | 4h 41m |
Lowest price | £33.12 |
Most frequent service | Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company |
Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Kiel to Dortmund?
2 train services operate from Kiel to Dortmund. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company usually has more trains scheduled, with 4 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
Deutsche Bahn | 5 | 5h 38m | £35.36 |
Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company | 4 | 4h 52m | £31.17 |
Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train tickets from Kiel to Dortmund start from £17, and on average cost . Daily there are 4 Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company schedules to Dortmund. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company in Kiel leaves from oppendorf and 2 other stations. And in Dortmund trains arrive at Dortmund Central Station .
From Kiel to Dortmund train travel on Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company takes 4 hours and 52 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 41 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Kiel and Dortmund is approximately 223 miles, or 360 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 13 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 41 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 Kiel to Dortmund are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Kiel at 01:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 20:00. 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 9 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Dortmund to Kiel.
City Information
Kiel
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
Kiel is a port city on the coast of the Baltic Sea, known for its role in WWII as the base of Germany's submarine fleet. Large ferries transport visitors from Scandinavia into the city. So, if you're ready to discover Kiel, start at its harbour. Right on the waterfront, the Kiellinie is a promenade that begins at Schlossgarten and ends at Hindenburgufer. It is filled with sailing clubs, cafes, restaurants, and even a small aquarium.
For more water-based attractions, check out the Kiel Canal, a manufactured canal that runs from the Baltic Sea to the North Sea. In nearby Holtenau, you can watch ships pass through the locks and learn more in a small museum devoted to the canal.
If you want to experience Kiel's history, then the Schiffahrtsmuseum is a must-see. This maritime museum is appropriately located where Kiel's fish market used to be. Paintings, installations, and even ships showcase the city's legacy in the maritime industry.
There is definitely a lot to see, do, and experience in Kiel. To get to the city, you can ride Deutsche Bahn, DB Intercity, or FlixTrain. There are also a few coaches serving the area, such as FlixBus and Sindbad. The nearest airport is about an hour south in Hamburg.
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 Kiel?
Main departure station: Kiel-Russee
Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 4 stops and stations in Kiel where you can board the train.
All train stations in Kiel:
Kiel-Russee
oppendorf
Kiel-Elmschenhagen
ellerbek
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 Kiel?
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