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Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from Dortmund to Zurich per day. The average train journey from Dortmund to Zurich takes 15 hours and 4 minutes, though some trains might be a few minutes slower or faster.
| Distance | 290 mi (467 km) |
| Fastest train | 15h 4m |
| Lowest price | €41.26 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
Price trends for trains from Dortmund to Zurich
Monthly average prices
Which train should you take from Dortmund to Zurich?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Dortmund to Zurich. 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 | 15h 4m | €48.49 |
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 Zurich from Dortmund. The train usually departs from Dortmund Central Station in Dortmund and arrives at Limmatstrasse 5 in Zurich after about 15 hours and 4 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Dortmund and Zurich is approximately 290 miles, or 467 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 15 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.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Dortmund to Zurich. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Sunday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Sunday 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 12:00 and arrives in Zurich around 15 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 Zurich 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.
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.
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 Zurich?
Main arrival station: Limmatstrasse 5
Zurich Central Bus Station is directly next to Zurich HB (the city's central train station), and buses operate here to various destinations across Europe. Although there are few amenities for the station, most people rely on the train station's extensive shopping facilities, including restaurants, grocery stores, cafes, and souvenir shops. There is also a large, multi-story parking garage and stops for different services, such as Flixbus and OneBus. Flixbus also has a ticket and information centre here, although they encourage passengers to buy tickets online in advance. Destinations include Paris, Nantes, Salzburg, Sofia, and Bucharest.
Train stations in Zurich:
Limmatstrasse 5
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Need a return trip from Zurich to Dortmund?
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