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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Dortmund to Erlangen. The train trip from Dortmund to Erlangen is usually about 11 hours and 36 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest FlixTrain train can get you there in as little as 9 hours and 19 minutes.
| Distance | 205 mi (329 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 19m |
| Lowest price | €27.57 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Dortmund to Erlangen?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Dortmund to Erlangen. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 2 | 11h 36m | €42.83 |
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 Erlangen from Dortmund. The train usually departs from Dortmund Central Station in Dortmund and arrives at Bus Station in Erlangen after about 11 hours and 36 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Dortmund and Erlangen is approximately 205 miles, or 329 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 36 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 hours and 19 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Dortmund to Erlangen 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 Friday. Friday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Dortmund at 12:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 17:00. 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 Dortmund twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change 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 Erlangen 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.
Erlangen
Erlangen is a small city in the German state of Bavaria, located just north of Nuremberg. Most of Erlangen's residents are enrolled or employed at either the Friedrich-Alexander University or the Siemens company. Visitors to Erlangen often stay near the historic core, where quaint streets lead to some of the city's most impressive buildings. These include the 18th century Palais Stutterheim, historically Erlangen's town hall and now home to the museum Kunstpalais and the city's public library. Don't forget to visit one of the oldest churches in the city, the Huguenot Church, which boasts an impressive size and architecture, and reflects the influence of Huguenots in Erlangen's history.
Erlangen also offers plenty of scenic spots for outdoor activity or relaxation. The Schlossgarten quickly fills up with sunbathing students on sunny days, and the nearby Botanical Garden includes a unique attraction in its artificial stalactite cave.
The closest airport to Erlangen is in Nuremberg, but you can easily connect to Erlangen via Deutsche Bahn or commuter S-Bahn trains. Intercity trains from Munich to Berlin often stop in Erlangen, and connections from these hubs open up the entire country and continent for exploration. Plus, several intercity bus companies, including FlixBus, offer affordable ground travel from Erlangen to destinations throughout Germany.
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 Erlangen?
Main arrival station: Bus Station
Erlangen has one train station.
Train stations in Erlangen:
Bus Station
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Need a return trip from Erlangen to Dortmund?
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