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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 47 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 29 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 2 changes on your way to Cologne. You can choose to travel with Frecciarossa, ICE or Trenitalia 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

2:45 am

Last train

10:36 pm

Departure station

Dortmund

Arrival station

Cologne

Journey time

From 11h 23m

Distance

426 miles (685 km)

Frequency

29 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train and bus operators

Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia, Trenord, Italo, ÖBB

What do people frequently ask 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.

How do I travel from Dortmund to Cologne?

You can get from Dortmund to Cologne in 13 hours and 47 minutes on average, with the fastest trains taking just 11 hours and 23 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details on times, tickets and prices.

How long does the train from Dortmund to Cologne take?

The average journey time by train between Dortmund and Cologne is 13 hours and 47 minutes, with around 29 trains per day running on this route. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

Is it possible to get a high-speed train from Dortmund to Cologne?

Yes, it is possible to travel on a high-speed train from Dortmund to Cologne. There are often different amenities available on board high-speed trains from ICE (Intercity Express) - take a look at theclasses and onboard services. The fastest trip on a high-speed train can take 11 hours and 23 minutes.

What's the fastest journey time between Dortmund and Cologne by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Dortmund to Cologne is 11 hours and 23 minutes.

What are the train times from Dortmund to Cologne?

Check out the next trains departing from Dortmund to Cologne for Tuesday Sep 2nd 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
6:36 am5:59 pm11h 23m, 4 changes
7:36 am7:19 pm11h 43m, 6 changes
7:36 am7:39 pm12h 3m, 5 changes
8:36 am8:19 pm11h 43m, 4 changes
8:36 am8:39 pm12h 3m, 3 changes
8:50 am8:19 pm11h 29m, 6 changes
8:50 am8:39 pm11h 49m, 5 changes
9:36 am9:39 pm12h 3m, 5 changes
10:36 am11:19 pm12h 43m, 4 changes
11:36 am4:34 am16h 58m, 5 changes

Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), IC (Intercity) and ÖBB trains from Dortmund to Cologne

You can travel from Dortmund to Cologne on Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), IC (Intercity) and ÖBB trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

PhotoJoachimKohlerBremen, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

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.

PhotoNelso Silva, under licence CC BY-SA 2.0

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.

PhotoFalk2, under licence CC4.0

An express train running on German domestic routes, the Intercity is a little slower than the ICE and is also used for long distance trips. The integrated circuit covers long distances with a maximum speed of 125 mph (200 km/h). In recent years, trains of the new generation "Intercity 2" run on some lines at 100 mph (160 km/h) only – these trains, however, offer extra legroom and extra space for toddlers. They are also equipped with air conditioning, a food carriage and wheelchair parking spaces.

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.

What Frecciarossa, Italo, Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity classes are there from Dortmund to Cologne?

Compare the different travel classes offered by Frecciarossa, Italo, Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity when traveling from Dortmund to Cologne.

What are the onboard services on Frecciarossa, Italo, Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity?

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Dortmund to Cologne.

LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?
  • 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.
RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?
  • 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.
WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?
  • 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.
ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?
  • 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).
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?
  • 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.
PetPetCan I bring pets on board?
  • 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.
WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

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).

InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power outlets you can find at your seat.

LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?
  • 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).
RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

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.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?
  • 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.
ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?
  • 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.
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?
  • 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).
PetPetCan I bring pets on board?
  • 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.
WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

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.

InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

Air-conditioning is available on all Italo trains, as well as power outlets at every seat.

LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?
  • 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.
RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

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.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

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.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

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.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?
  • 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.
PetPetCan I bring pets on board?
  • 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.
WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

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.

LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?
  • You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Eurocity trains free of charge.
  • In most cases, there are no baggage size limits – you can even travel with musical instruments and sports equipment. You’ll just need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?
  • You’ll find a Bar-Bistrò on Eurocity trains that are travelling between Italy, Switzerland and Germany.
  • A minibar trolley service is also available – you can choose from a wide range of snacks and drinks.
WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

Free WiFi is available on Eurocity Giruno trains.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

Kids under 4 can travel for free if they're accompanied by an adult and don't occupy a seat.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

Not all Eurocity trains allow you to take your bike on board – you’ll need to check in advance if you can travel with your bike. If that’s the case, you’ll need to buy a ticket and book your bike space before departure at the ticket office.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

Guide and assistance dogs can travel for free and don't need a ticket.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

All of Trenitalia’s Eurocity trains offer dedicated spaces to passengers with disabilities.

InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

A quiet area (or Area Silenzio) is available on all Eurocity Giruno trains.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Dortmund to Cologne?

The price of train tickets from Dortmund to Cologne starts at one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Booking on the day is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or class.

1. 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.§

2. 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.

3. 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!

4. 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.

§Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.

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