Trains from Heidelberg to Dortmund
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Traveling from Heidelberg to Dortmund by train
Looking to travel from Heidelberg to Dortmund by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 4 hours 10 minutes to travel from Heidelberg to Dortmund by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 3 hours 19 minutes though. You'll usually find 50 trains per day running along the 250 km route between these two destinations. Once you're onboard, you can sit back and relax, as you won't need to make any changes on your way to Dortmund. Trains on this route are usually operated by either ICE or DB. On board you'll find modern comfortable seating and plenty of room for luggage as standard.
Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Heidelberg to Dortmund start from $14.61 when you book in advance, so start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices.
If you're feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Dortmund by train, including our train schedule where you can view first and last train times.
Heidelberg to Dortmund by train
It takes an average of 4h 10m to travel from Heidelberg to Dortmund by train, over a distance of around 156 miles (250 km). There are normally 50 trains per day traveling from Heidelberg to Dortmund and tickets for this journey start from $14.61 when you book in advance.
| First train | 01:27 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:14 | |
| Departure station | Heidelberg | |
| Arrival station | Dortmund | |
| Journey time | From 3h 19m | |
| Distance | 156 miles (250 km) | |
| Frequency | 50 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $14.61 | |
| Train and bus operators |
Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express) and IC (Intercity) trains from Heidelberg to Dortmund
Deutsche Bahn
ICE (Intercity Express)
IC (Intercity)
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.
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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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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.
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Cheap train tickets from Heidelberg to Dortmund
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 Heidelberg to Dortmund 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.
FAQs for Heidelberg to Dortmund
How long does the train from Heidelberg to Dortmund take?
The average journey time by train between Heidelberg and Dortmund is 4 hours and 10 minutes, with around 50 trains per day. 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.
What's the fastest journey time between Heidelberg and Dortmund by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Heidelberg to Dortmund is 3 hours and 19 minutes.
How much does the train from Heidelberg to Dortmund cost?
Train tickets from Heidelberg to Dortmund can start from as little as $14.61 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Heidelberg to Dortmund?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Heidelberg to Dortmund without having to change trains. There are 5 direct trains from Heidelberg to Dortmund each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Heidelberg to Dortmund leave?
The first train from Heidelberg to Dortmund leaves at 01:27. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Heidelberg to Dortmund leave?
The last train from Heidelberg to Dortmund leaves at 22:14. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Heidelberg and Dortmund by train?
Trains travelling from Heidelberg to Dortmund cover a distance of around 156 miles (250 km) during the journey.