Trains from Zürich to Dortmund
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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.
Search. Book. Travel.
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.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
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Travel from Zürich to Dortmund by train in 6 hours 4 minutes
If you want to know more about the journey from Zürich to Dortmund by train, look no further!
The average journey time from Zürich to Dortmund by train is 7 hours 2 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 6 hours 4 minutes. You'll usually find 24 trains per day traveling the 467 km between these two destinations. Direct trains are usually available every day on the route to Dortmund. During your journey, you'll either be traveling with DB or SBB, as they are the main operators of services on this route.
Book train tickets from Zürich to Dortmund in advance instead of buying them on the day and they can start from $86.73. We'll always highlight the cheapest prices when you search in our Journey Planner.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including our train schedule where you can view first and last train times, as well as tips on how to find cheap train tickets.
Zürich to Dortmund by train
It takes an average of 7h 2m to travel from Zürich to Dortmund by train, over a distance of around 290 miles (467 km). There are normally 24 trains per day traveling from Zürich to Dortmund and tickets for this journey start from $86.73 when you book in advance.
| First train | 00:08 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 21:59 | |
| Departure station | Zürich | |
| Arrival station | Dortmund | |
| Journey time | From 6h 4m | |
| Distance | 290 miles (467 km) | |
| Frequency | 24 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $86.73 | |
| Train and bus operators |
SBB, Deutsche Bahn and EC (Eurocity) trains from Zürich to Dortmund
SBB
Deutsche Bahn
EC (Eurocity)
The Swiss rail network is operated by SBB. SBB train ticket prices are based on travel and not on the type of trains. You will find available return tickets (standard price, one way or round trip), Multiple journey tickets (for six individual trips on a pre-determined itinerary) and the City-Ticket (including a one-day transportation pass from the city of departure or arrival).
More information
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
EuroCity (EC) trains offer convenient European cross-border connections between major cities in Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria – it's often a good alternative to air travel.
More information
- Eurocity /
- Trenitalia /
- Deutsche Bahn /
- SBB /
- ÖBB
Eurocity (EC) and Eurocity classes from Zürich to Dortmund
Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurocity (EC) and Eurocity when traveling from Zürich to Dortmund.
Eurocity (EC)
Eurocity
Second Class
Traveling in Second Class? Enjoy air-conditioning, power outlets and a bar car where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Air conditioning
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Seat reservation
First Class
Want to treat yourself? Upgrade to First Class and enjoy more legroom, a quiet area and an in-seat meal service.
- Air conditioning
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Seat reservation
Economy Class
Benefit from free WiFi, spacious seating, power outlets and air-conditioning in newer SBB's Eurocity trains.
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- In-seat meal service
- More legroom
- Lounge access
First Class
Treat yourself in SBB's First Class and enjoy more legroom, access to First Class Lounges, in-seat dining and plenty of space for your baggage.
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- In-seat meal service
- More legroom
- Lounge access
Onboard services on Eurocity (EC) and Eurocity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Zürich to Dortmund.
Eurocity (EC)
Eurocity
You can take as much baggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Baggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Baggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead baggage rack. The standard dimensions of baggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm (27.5 x 19.6 x 11.8 inches). Larger items of baggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large baggage racks by the doors.
With EC, you can enjoy food and drink in the onboard restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you opt for the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.
In First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
DB trains offer a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on all EC trains.
When traveling with EC, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and don’t require a ticket. Also, children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.
On board most EC trains, you will find a family compartment or area suitable for families with babies and children up to the age of 3 years old.
When traveling with EC, you need a bicycle ticket and a reservation to take a bicycle with you. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.
Usually, bike storage spaces are located in second-class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.
If you’re traveling on an EC train, you can take your pet with you. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an additional ticket and they can travel for free in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an extra ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not traveling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.
Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.
The Mobility Service can help you with boarding, disembarking and changing trains. In addition, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
You can take as much baggage as you want on SBB Eurocity trains, provided that it fits in the baggage racks provided.
Many SBB Eurocity trains will have a restaurant or bistro car so you can buy food and drink throughout your journey. You may be able to sit at a table in the restaurant carriage or take your meal back to your seat.
There are power outlets and free WiFi on SBB Eurocity trains.
There is stroller storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet on board.
You can take your bike on board SBB Eurocity trains provided that you can fit it into the storage space onboard, but you'll need to buy a ticket for it. You'll also need a reservation for the Swiss part of your journey when traveling internationally. You can make a reservation online or at a ticket office.
Dogs under 30cm in height can travel for free if they're in a carrier and placed under your seat. Larger dogs can travel with you if you buy a Dog Day Pass for CHF 25, which can be purchased at a ticket office, at a ticket machine, online or on the SBB app. The pass is valid for a day on trains, ships, trams and buses in most Swiss cities.
There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet on board, plus priority seating for passengers with reduced mobility.
There is air conditioning on board newer SBB Eurocity trains, so you can travel in comfort.
Cheap train tickets from Zürich 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 Zürich 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 Zürich to Dortmund
Want to know more about your journey from Zürich to Dortmund? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Zürich to Dortmund take?
The average journey time by train between Zürich and Dortmund is 7 hours and 2 minutes, with around 24 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 Zürich and Dortmund by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Zürich to Dortmund is 6 hours and 4 minutes.
How much does the train from Zürich to Dortmund cost?
Train tickets from Zürich to Dortmund can start from as little as $86.73 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 Zürich to Dortmund?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Zürich to Dortmund without having to change trains. There is 1 direct train from Zürich 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 Zürich to Dortmund leave?
The first train from Zürich to Dortmund leaves at 00:08. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Zürich to Dortmund leave?
The last train from Zürich to Dortmund leaves at 21:59. 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 Zürich and Dortmund by train?
Trains travelling from Zürich to Dortmund cover a distance of around 290 miles (467 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Dortmund to Zürich.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.