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All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
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No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
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Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
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Looking for a cheap price?
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About the train journey from Dortmund to Cologne
Want to travel from Dortmund to Cologne by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from Dortmund to Cologne usually takes 13 hours 23 minutes on average to travel 685 km, although the quickest services can take as little as 11 hours 23 minutes. You can expect to find 24 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren't any direct services running between Dortmund and Cologne, you'll need to make 3 changes on your way to Cologne. You can choose to travel with Eurostar, Frecciarossa or ICE to get to Cologne. As the main rail operators on this route, their trains offer modern comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.
To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Dortmund to Cologne in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save!
Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Cologne, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you're ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.
Dortmund to Cologne by train
| First train | 12:45 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 10:36 pm | |
| Departure station | Dortmund | |
| Arrival station | Cologne | |
| Journey time | From 11h 23m | |
| Distance | 426 miles (685 km) | |
| Frequency | 24 trains per day | |
| Changes | 3 changes | |
| Train and bus operators | Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia, Trenord, ÖBB, Italo, TGV Lyria, Eurostar |
FAQs about the train journey from Dortmund to Cologne
Want to know more about your journey from Dortmund to Cologne? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Can you take a train directly from Dortmund to Cologne?
How close is Dortmund to Cologne by train?
Which train companies operate from Dortmund to Cologne?
Is it possible to get from Dortmund to Cologne without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Dortmund to Cologne?
What time does the first train from Dortmund to Cologne leave?
What time does the last train from Dortmund to Cologne leave?
How often are trains from Dortmund and Cologne?
Do you need to book the train from Dortmund to Cologne in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Dortmund to Cologne?
Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), TGV Lyria and ÖBB trains from Dortmund to Cologne
Deutsche Bahn
ICE (Intercity Express)
TGV Lyria
ÖBB
The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.
More information
The high-speed train of Deutsche Bahn, with a maximum speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), the ICE connects major cities and is also used for international travel to neighbouring countries such as Austria, France and Denmark. This train is equipped with air conditioning, a dining car, a children's compartment and power sockets. Passengers enjoy a free WiFi connection throughout the duration of the ICE trip.
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TGV Lyria links France to Switzerland and can travel at a maximum speed of 200 mph (320 km/h). Resulting from the collaboration between SNCF and SBB, TGV Lyria has three comfort classes on all trains. Standard (equivalent to the Second Class TGV, with comfortable seats), Standard 1ère (with more legroom and access to the SNCF show Grand Voyageur at the Gare de Lyon in Paris) and Business 1ère (available all week except Saturday, on some lines only).
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ÖBB is the major railway company for Austria, subdivided into several subsidiaries, responsible for certain areas of transport, such as long distance and local transport, the operation of postal buses and the transport of goods. Railjet is ÖBB's high-speed train, which travels at speeds of up to 143 mph (230 km/h) and connects the main Austrian cities with Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Italy.
Eurostar, Frecciarossa, Italo and Trenord classes from Dortmund to Cologne
Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurostar, Frecciarossa, Italo and Trenord when traveling from Dortmund to Cologne.
Eurostar
Frecciarossa
Italo
Trenord
Eurostar Standard
In Eurostar Standard, you'll find comfortable seats, free WiFi and a large selection of drinks and snacks for sale in the onboard café-bar.
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- Complimentary in-seat meal
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
Eurostar Plus
As well as all the facilities you'll find in Eurostar Standard, in Eurostar Plus you'll also get a light meal served at your seat for trips to and from London. Though you won't get a meal at your seat for trips solely in Europe, you'll get to sit back and relax in comfier seats.
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- Complimentary in-seat meal (1)
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
- (1) A meal at your seat is only provided on trains traveling to or from the United Kingdom.
Eurostar Premier
Eurostar Premier gives you the freedom to travel in your own time, with same-day boarding guaranteed and Eurostar's exclusive lounges (where available) where you can relax before your trip. In Eurostar Premier, you'll also benefit from complete comfort, including a free meal and free drinks at your seat.
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- Complimentary in-seat meal
- Gourmet menu (1)
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
- (1) A gourmet hot meal is exclusive to trains to and from the United Kingdom; on trains in Europe, you'll have a cold meal served at your seat.
Standard
With Frecciarossa Standard, you’ll enjoy high-quality services including eco-leather reclining seats, folding tables and free WiFi at a reasonable price. You can order food and drink from the FRECCIABistrò car or using the Easy Bistrò at-seat meal service.
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Free WiFi
- USB ports
- Dining car
- In-seat meal service
- More legroom
- Welcome drink
- Snack box
- Quiet area
- Conference room
- Open Bar
- Lounge access
Premium
Providing all the perks of First Class for the price of Second Class, Frecciarossa Premium offers more legroom and baggage space, as well as a total of 4 food / beverage products including: sweet or savory snack, welcome drink, small water bottle, 1 wet wipe.
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Free WiFi
- USB ports
- Dining car
- In-seat meal service
- More legroom
- Welcome drink
- Snack box
- Quiet area
- Conference room
- Open Bar
- Lounge access
Business
If you’re traveling for work, Frecciarossa Business is the ideal option for you – it offers more legroom, glass dividers for more privacy, and a private 4-seat compartment called Salottino. A free food box containing 7 fresh food & beverage products differentiated according to the time of day + Illy expresso coffee is also included.
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Free WiFi
- USB ports
- Dining car
- In-seat meal service
- More legroom
- Welcome drink
- Snack box
- Quiet area
- Conference room
- Open Bar
- Lounge access
Executive
Frecciarossa Executive can accommodate up to 10 single armchairs and offers plenty of legroom, wider reclining leather seats, free entry to FRECCIALounge at the main train stations, unlimited drinks, and monthly menus (some of which were ideated by Michelin star chef Carlo Cracco).
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Free WiFi
- USB ports
- Dining car
- In-seat meal service
- More legroom
- Welcome drink
- Snack box
- Quiet area
- Conference room
- Open Bar
- Lounge access
Smart
Although Smart is Italo’s standard and cheapest class, you won’t miss out on the fantastic service! This class provides you with the following amenities:
- Vending machine
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Power outlets at each seat
- Free WiFi
- Welcome service
- Fast track access
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Lounge car
- Personal screens
- In-seat meal service
Prima
In addition to all the perks of Italo Smart, Italo Prima also provides a little extra, such as a dedicated Fast Track service and a welcome service.
- Vending machine
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Power outlets at each seat
- Free WiFi
- Welcome service
- Fast track access
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Lounge car
- Personal screens
- In-seat meal service
Club Executive
If you want to travel in style, upgrade to Italo Club Executive and enjoy dedicated catering service, personal screens, and free access to Italo Club Lounge.
- Vending machine
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Power outlets at each seat
- Free WiFi
- Welcome service
- Fast track access
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Lounge car
- Personal screens
- In-seat meal service
Second Class
Explore Lombardy and its neighbouring regions at an affordable price. You don't need to reserve a seat - just sit back and enjoy the views around you.
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
First Class
You can travel in Trenord's First Class only if you have a First Class ticket. Store your bags in the dedicated baggage racks, sit back and enjoy your journey.
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
Onboard services on Eurostar, Frecciarossa, Italo and Trenord
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Dortmund to Cologne.
Eurostar
Frecciarossa
Italo
Trenord
Although there's no weight limit for your baggage on Eurostar trains, you must be able to carry your bags safely by yourself.
Each bag must be clearly labeled and must be no longer than 33.4 inches (for trains to and from the United Kingdom) or no larger than 29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches (for trains in Europe).
Are you traveling to or from the United Kingdom? In Eurostar Standard, choose from a wide selection of drinks and snacks at the Eurostar Café, the onboard bar car in the middle of the train. Cards and cash (Euros or pounds) are accepted. If you're traveling in Eurostar Plus, a light meal and a drink will be served at your seat.
Travel in Eurostar Premier and you'll be treated to a gourmet meal, as well as a continuous drinks service throughout your journey.
For all other Eurostar trains (red trains, formerly Thalys), head to the bar car and choose from a wide range of hot and cold drinks as well as savory and sweet snacks.
In Eurostar Premier on European routes, you'll get a free meal served directly to your seat.
Eurostar doesn't have an onboard entertainment portal. However, there is free WiFi available, as well as UK and EU power outlets at your seat so you can charge your devices while traveling.
- Kids of all ages need their passport to travel with Eurostar.
- Children under 4 can travel free on Eurostar trains, as long as they're sitting on an accompanying adult's lap. Alternatively, you can book them their own seat with a child ticket.
- If you're alone with kids, you can pre-book assistance so that a member of Eurostar staff can help you during your journey.
- Kids under 12 must travel with someone over 16, while those aged 12-15 can travel alone if they have an unaccompanied minor form (excluding direct trains to/from the Netherlands).
- 16 to 17-year-olds can travel alone if they meet all legal requirements.
- You'll find changing tables on all Eurostar trains, as well as family-oriented seating (4 seats facing one another) where available.
Generally, Eurostar trains running to and from the United Kingdom can't transport fully assembled bikes - though on certain trains between London and Brussels, you may be able to book a bike space by contacting Eurostar. You can, however, take a foldable bike on board Eurostar trains to and from the UK provided that it's no more than 33.4 inches long and it fits in a protective bag that covers the whole bicycle. Folded bikes are treated as standard baggage.
For all other Eurostar trains in Europe, a limited number of non-foldable bikes can be brought on board, provided that the wheels are taken off and the whole bicycle is stored in a suitable cover (max. size 53.1 x 33.4 x 11.8 inches). Foldable bicycles are also permitted and count towards standard baggage limits.
The rules around traveling with your pets depend on whether you're traveling across the Channel or not, so check before you travel:
Eurostar trains to and from the United Kingdom:
- Pets are not permitted on board.
- Guide dogs and assistance dogs can travel, but they must be accompanied by their owner. You must also reserve a ticket for your assistance dog at least 48 hours before travel, by filling out Eurostar's contact form.
Trains in the rest of Europe:
- Small dogs and other pets weighing less than 13 lbs (6 kg) can travel for free. They must travel in a cage or carrier (max. dimensions 17.7 x 11.8 x 9.8 inches).
- If your dog is larger than this, you must buy them a dog ticket (generally the price is fixed at €30, around $32), and the dog must travel on your lap or on the ground, on a lead and with a muzzle.
- Guide dogs and assistance dogs, whatever their size, travel for free.
If you need help getting on or off the train, you should contact Eurostar directly before your trip. To use Eurostar's special assistance program, fill in this contact form at least 48 hours before your journey so that the team can help you.
If you're traveling on trains to/from the United Kingdom:
- Arrive at least one hour before your train's scheduled departure time, then head to the Eurostar Assist desk or ask a member of staff.
- If you have a wheelchair, you must reserve a wheelchair space in either Eurostar Plus or Eurostar Premier - you'll only pay for a Eurostar Standard ticket. Someone can travel with you at a discounted rate.
If you're traveling on red trains in the rest of Europe:
- Wheelchair users travel in Eurostar Premier on routes in Europe.
- Wheelchairs can be transported as long as they're no bigger than 27.5 inches long and 47.2 inches high. The wheelchair's turning circle must be no larger than 59 inches in diameter. The combined weight of the wheelchair, passenger and any baggage must not exceed 661 lbs (300 kg).
- Please note that combustion engine-powered wheelchairs are not permitted on board. However, electric wheelchairs are allowed.
Specific restrictions for trains to/from the United Kingdom:
Liquids:
- There's no restriction on liquids. However, there are restrictions on alcohol: you can take 4 bottles/cans of beer or 1 bottle of wine per person to enjoy on the journey; large bottles of spirits are not permitted. If you're traveling with large quantities of alcohol, you should contact a courier service.
Sports equipment:
- You can travel with a golf bag as long as it's no larger than 47.2 x 13.7 x 13.7 inches.
- You can bring tents or other shelters if they're stored in bags or cases less than 33.4 inches long.
- Camping gas or butane bottles are not permitted on board.
- Camping utensils or tools such as pocket knives and Swiss army knives are permitted provided the blades are less than 3 inches long. Folding knives where the blade locks into place are prohibited.
- You can bring bats, snooker or pool cues and darts on board if they're stored in a protective case.
- You can take your bags on board Frecciarossa trains free of charge.
- In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
- You can go to the FrecciaBistrò café-bar counter located in the middle part of the train to get snacks, main courses, and drinks.
- You can also order your favorite meal from the comfort of your seat – go to the entertainment portal called FRECCIAPlay and use the EasyBistrò service or ask a member of staff.
- If you travel in Premium Class, you’ll get a total of 4 food / beverage products is offered on board, including: sweet or savoury snack, welcome drink, small water bottle, 1 wet wipe.
- Travelers in Business Class receive a food box containing 7 fresh food & beverage products differentiated according to the time of day, plus Illy expresso coffee.
- If you travel in Executive Class, you’ll get unlimited drinks plus food from a rotating monthly menu where some meals were ideated by the renowned Michelin star chef Carlo Cracco.
- You’ll find free WiFi on all Frecciarossa trains. Connect to their entertainment portal called FRECCIAPlay and choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts.
- You can also use the FRECCIAPlay portal to get the latest updates on your journey, as well as book other services that will help you reach your destination.
- Kids under 4 can travel for free if a seat is not assigned to them. If they do have a seat, they can get 50% off Base tickets (Frecciarossa’s standard fare).
- Children aged 4-14 also get 50% off.
- Bimbi Gratis offer: You can also get free travel for kids under 15 plus 40% off Base tickets for adults, if you’re traveling in a family group of 2 to 5 people (including at least one adult and one child).
- You can travel with your bike for free on all Frecciarossa trains provided it’s not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 17.7 inches).
- Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
- Dogs, cats and other small pets can travel for free in a carrier with maximum dimensions of 70x30x50 cm (maximum one per passenger).
- Bigger dogs can travel for only 5 € from Sunday to Friday, and for as little as 1 € on Saturday.
- Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60, which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232, which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).
Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power outlets you can find at your seat.
- You can take your bags on board free of charge. If you have a small bag or backpack, you can place it under your seat.
- If you’re traveling with a larger bag, you can place it on the luggage racks above your seat.
- In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. However, if you travel in Italo Smart, your bags must not be larger than 75 x 53 x 30cm (29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches).
While there’s no bar or restaurant car on Italo trains, you can use the vending machines on board to get snacks and drinks during your journey.
- Italo trains offer free WiFi and a free entertainment portal called ItaloLive, where you can choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts.
- You can also charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.
- Kids aged 0-3 travel for free on Italo trains if they don’t occupy a seat. However, if an adult travels with more than one child aged 0-3, they will need to pay for a seat.
- Children aged 2-14 get 50% off the Flex fare if they’re traveling in Italo’s Smart Class.
- You can travel with a folding bike if it’s stored in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
- You can travel with a traditional bike if it’s disassembled and placed in a bag that is not larger than 80 x 110 x 40cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 15.7 inches).
- Pets under 10kg (22 lbs) can travel for free on all Italo trains provided they’re placed in a carrier or cage
- Pets over 10kg (22 lbs) will need a ticket to travel with you. They must also be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
Priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility are available on Italo trains. They’re usually located next to an accessible toilet. All accessible toilets also have tactile and Braille signs.
Air-conditioning is available on all Italo trains, as well as power outlets at every seat.
- You can take your bags on board Trenord trains free of charge, provided their dimensions do not exceed 80 x 110 x 40cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 15.7 inches).
- You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
At the moment, a restaurant service is not available on Trenord trains. However, you can take your own food on board so pick up some snacks at the station before you set off.
Trenord do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.
Kids under 4 travel for free on all Trenord trains if they don’t occupy a seat and sit on an adult’s lap. Children aged 4-13 get 50% off the standard fare.
- Each passenger can take only one bike onboard Trenord trains.
- Folding bikes and scooters that do not exceed the maximum dimensions of 80 x 120 x 45cm (31.4 x 47.2 x 17.7 inches) are allowed on board free of charge.
- If you can’t fold your bike, you may be able to take it onboard some Trenord trains. However, you’ll need to buy a ticket both for you and for your bike.
- Please note that the last cars of some trains are only reserved for bikes of those working in the food delivery sector.
- Small pets can travel on all Trenord trains free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm (27.5 x 11.8 x 19.6 inches).
- Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket for unlimited travel for the whole day you’re traveling. They need to be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
- Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
- Pets are not allowed on board on weekdays from 7 am to 9.30 am and from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm.
Passengers with disabilities can:
- Request, through the Lombardy Region, the IVOL regional card, which allows them to travel at a discounted price
- Buy the ticket on board without going through control checks
- Access the train with CartaBlu (free card for disabled passengers that live in Italy)
To request special assistance, passengers will need to call the toll-free number 800210955 (active every day from 8.15 am to 7:45 pm) at least 48 hours before departure.
Cheap train tickets from Dortmund to Cologne
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Dortmund to Cologne by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.