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Trip Summary
117 trains operate daily from Zurich to Dortmund. The train trip from Zurich to Dortmund is usually about 7 hours and 55 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Deutsche Bahn train can get you there in as little as 6 hours and 4 minutes.
| Distance | 290 mi (467 km) |
| Fastest train | 6h 4m |
| Lowest price | €82.17 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Deutsche Bahn |
| Train lines | 4 |
Which train should you take from Zurich to Dortmund?
There are 4 train lines with service from Zurich to Dortmund. Deutsche Bahn is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 68 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DB Eurocity | 1 | 7h 30m | €49.62 |
| DB Intercity-Express | 8 | 7h 5m | €72.66 |
| Deutsche Bahn | 68 | 7h 58m | €83.55 |
| Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company | 45 | 8h 1m | €82.04 |
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 Zurich to Dortmund start from €50, and on average cost . Daily there are 45 Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company schedules to Dortmund. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company in Zurich leaves from Zürich HB . And in Dortmund trains arrive at Dortmund-Kurl and 4 other train stations.
From Zurich to Dortmund train travel on Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company takes 8 hours and 1 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 6 hours and 4 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company offers 68 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 Zurich and Dortmund is approximately 290 miles, or 467 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 55 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 4 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.
Monday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Zurich to Dortmund. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Monday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Monday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Zurich at 05:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 21:00. 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 117 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Zurich to Dortmund. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Dortmund to Zurich.
City Information
Zurich
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Located in the heart of Europe, the Swiss capital lies at the northwestern tip of the eponymous Lake Zurich. This cosmopolitan city is buzzing year-round with vibrant city life, while the relaxing and peaceful Alps are less than an hour away.
Lake Zurich provides an elegant focal point of the city, with daily cruises available to explore this vast lake. Many chic cafes and restaurants are dotted along the banks, epitomizing Zurich's urban and cosmopolitan vibe.
The Old Town, or Altstadt, is arguably one of the city's most beautiful areas, characterized by winding cobblestone streets and medieval-style architecture. Here, you'll discover some of Zurich's most iconic landmarks, such as St Peter's church with its impossibly large clock face, the largest clock in Europe.
If the weather isn't suited to wandering, there are over 50 museums within Zurich to explore. Go traditional with the Swiss National Museum, or opt for something a bit more exhilarating at the FIFA Museum.
Zurich's airport is the largest in Switzerland, and it is just 10 kilometers from the city center. Several train carriers, including the German Deutsche Bahn network, operate routes to Zurich from across Europe. Long-distance buses also make it easy to reach Zurich from cities like Bern, Stuttgart, Munich, and Milan.
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 Zurich?
Image credit: Jun Seita
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Zürich HB
Zurich HB is Zurich's central railway station and is the largest and most major transport hub in Switzerland, seeing up to 3,000 trains pass through daily. It's been regularly featured as the busiest station in Europe and one of the best for efficiency and facilities-- mostly since it has an entire underground shopping mall! It also hosts seasonal events such as Christmas markets and open-air cinemas in the large main hall. Trains include S-Bahn services traveling within Zurich and neighboring cities, plus international services to cities including Hamburg, Paris, Venice, Amsterdam and Zagreb, among others. The station sits in the centre of Zurich, meaning the surrounding area is home to countless shops, restaurants, attractions, and other transport connections such as buses and trams.
All train stations in Zurich:
Zürich HB
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
Dortmund-Wickede West
Dortmund-Kurl
Dortmund-Wickede
Dortmund-Sölde
Dortmund-Bövinghausen
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Need a return trip from Dortmund to Zurich?
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