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Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Dortmund to Kiel. Traveling by bus from Dortmund to Kiel usually takes around 9 hours and 2 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus bus can make the trip in 6 hours and 20 minutes.
| Distance | 223 mi (360 km) |
| Shortest duration | 6h 20m |
| Cheapest price | €14.35 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus |
| Bus lines | 1 |
What bus companies travel from Dortmund to Kiel?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Dortmund to Kiel. FlixBus is the one bus line that serves this route. Although it's the sole option, there are a couple of different scheduled times to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 2 | 9h 2m | €26.25 |
First launched in Germany in 2013, FlixBus has become one of the largest intercity bus companies in Europe. Its fleet travels through nearly every country in Europe, including the U.K. FlixBus operates an average of 2 trips from Dortmund to Kiel, and usually makes the trip in about 9 hours and 2 minutes. On your trip, you'll enjoy Wi-Fi and live GPS, as well as restrooms, air conditioning, and power outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 9 hours and 2 minutes to cover the 360 kilometers from Dortmund to Kiel. However, the fastest bus only takes 6 hours and 20 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
"Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Dortmund to Kiel for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go."
The first bus leaves at 02:00 and the last bus leaves at 02:00. To see the times for all buses from Dortmund to Kiel, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Dortmund to Kiel. One bus is a direct connection, meaning that you can stay on the same vehicle for the entire trip, without having to transfer onto a connecting bus at any point.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Dortmund to Kiel; ticket prices start at €17.42.
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.
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 harbor. 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 buses serving the area, such as FlixBus and Sindbad. The nearest airport is about an hour south in Hamburg.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Dortmund?
Image credit: Erich Ferdinand
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Central Bus Station
The Dortmund Central Bus Station (Dortmund Busbahnhof) is the city's main coach 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 coach 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.
All bus stations in Dortmund:
Central Bus Station
Where does the bus arrive in Kiel?
Image credit: Carsten Tolkmit
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Kiel
On Kaistraße in central Kiel, you can find Kiel Central Station (Kiel HBF), located next to the city's harbor and serves more than 25,000 passengers daily. Train services often begin here, heading to destinations including Hamburg, Lübeck, and Flensburg. It is a major hub for visitors to Sweden and Norway, as the ferry terminals to Oslo and Gothenburg are a short distance away. Long-distance ICE rail services also operate to Zurich, Stuttgart, and Munich. Within the station, there are eight platforms, plus amenities such as a food court, a bookshop, restaurants, and a bakery (plenty to get you stocked up on food and entertainment for your trip!). Just outside is the Berliner Hof hotel, as well as many shops and attractions in the city center.
Bus stations in Kiel:
Kiel
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