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Taking the train from Dortmund to Cologne (Koln)

On 1st October 2023, Thalys became Eurostar. Thalys' red trains will stay the same, including the classes and services available on board, but every Thalys train now displays the Eurostar name and logo. 

➡️ Head to our dedicated Eurostar page for more information.

The captivating trip by train from Dortmund to Cologne (Koln) awaits you. Both stations are centrally located, so why bother driving when you can arrive relaxed and refreshed instead of stressing about traffic and parking spaces once you reach the city.

Deutsche Bahn's Intercity (IC) trains will get you there quickly and comfortably, with wide seating, air-conditioning and an onboard food and drinks carriage to enjoy along the way. Before you know it, you'll be admiring the beautiful architecture in Cologne.

The Dortmund to Cologne train route is popular with locals and tourists alike. With around 48 trains a day you have plenty of flexibility when it comes to time of travel. Once you arrive into Cologne, why not enjoy a cruise on the Rhine River to take in breath-taking views of the city.

Ready to book? Start your search for tickets in our Journey Planner at the top of the page or keep reading for more information about the journey and the FAQs.

Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf by train

It takes an average of 1h 21m to travel from Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf by train, over a distance of around 45 miles (73 km). There are normally 68 trains per day travelling from Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf and tickets for this journey start from £10.49 when you book in advance.

First train

00:17

Last train

23:23

Departure station

Dortmund Hbf

Arrival station

Köln Hbf

Journey time

From 1h 8m

Distance

45 miles (73 km)

Frequency

68 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £10.49

Train and bus operators

Deutsche Bahn, Flixbus, SNCF, Eurostar

Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf train times

Check out the next trains departing from Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf for Tuesday 22nd October 2024. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
11:21 12:40 1h 19m, direct
11:26 12:45 1h 19m, direct
11:36 12:46 1h 10m, direct
11:45 13:12 1h 27m, direct
12:09 13:38 1h 29m, 1 change
12:17 13:41 1h 24m, 1 change
12:36 13:49 1h 13m, direct
12:45 14:12 1h 27m, direct
13:09 14:38 1h 29m, 1 change
13:36 14:47 1h 11m, direct

Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), FlixTrain and IC (Intercity) trains from Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf

You can travel from Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf on Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), FlixTrain and IC (Intercity) 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.

Operating alongside its sister coach company FlixBus since 2018, FlixTrain provides cheap intercity connections using 100% green energy. The main routes served by FlixTrain are Cologne-Hamburg, Aachen-Cologne-Berlin, and Berlin-Stuttgart. The network will expand in future to include more routes to Munich and Leipzig. FlixTrain carriages are fitted with free WiFi and power outlets or USB charge points. Plus, every ticket comes with a seat reservation, guaranteeing you a seat for the journey.

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.

Eurostar, Intercity (IC), ICE and Eurocity (EC) classes from Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf

Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurostar, Intercity (IC), ICE and Eurocity (EC) when travelling from Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf.

Onboard services on Eurostar, Intercity (IC), ICE and Eurocity (EC)

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

LuggageLuggageLuggage

Although there's no weight limit for your luggage on Eurostar trains, you must be able to carry your bags safely by yourself.

Each bag must be clearly labelled and must be no longer than 85 cm (for trains to and from the United Kingdom) or no larger than 75 x 53 x 30 cm (for trains in Europe).

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

Are you travelling to or from the United Kingdom? In Eurostar Standard Class, choose from a wide selection of drinks and snacks at the Eurostar Café, the onboard café-bar in the middle of the train. Cards and cash (Euros or pounds) are accepted. If you're travelling in Standard Premier, a light meal and a drink will be served at your seat.

Travel in Business 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 sweet and savoury snacks.

In Premium class, you'll get a free meal served directly to your seat.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

Eurostar doesn't have an onboard entertainment portal. However, there is free WiFi available, as well as UK and EU plug sockets at your seat so you can charge your devices while travelling.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Children under 4 can travel free on Eurostar trains, as long as they're sitting on an accompanying adult's lap. Alternatively, buying a child ticket guarantees them their own seat.

You'll find changing tables on all Eurostar trains, as well as family-oriented seating (4 seats facing one another) where available.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

Currently, only certain Eurostar trains running between London and Brussels can transport fully assembled bikes - contact Eurostar for more information. You can, however, take a foldable bike on board Eurostar trains to and from the UK provided that it's no more than 85 cm long and it fits in a protective bag that covers the whole bicycle. Folded bikes are treated as standard luggage.

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 135 x 85 x 30 cm). Foldable bicycles are also allowed and count towards standard luggage limits.

PetPetPets

The rules around travelling with your pets depend on whether you're travelling 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 6 kg can travel for free. They must travel in a cage or carrier (max. dimensions 45 x 30 x 25 cm).
  • If your dog is larger than this, you must buy them a dog ticket (generally the price is fixed at €30, around £26), 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.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

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 the contact form at least 48 hours before your journey so that the team can help you.

If you're travelling 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 Standard Premier or Business Premier - you'll only pay for a Standard Class ticket. Someone can travel with you at a discounted rate.

If you're travelling on red trains in the rest of Europe:

  • Wheelchairs can be transported as long as they're no bigger than 70 cm long and 120 cm high. The wheelchair's turning circle must be no larger than 150 cm in diameter. The combined weight of the wheelchair, passenger and any luggage must not exceed 300 kg.
  • Please note that combustion engine-powered wheelchairs are not permitted on board. However, electric wheelchairs are allowed.
InfoInfoOther

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, but large bottles of spirits are not permitted. If you're travelling 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 120 x 35 x 35 cm.
  • You can bring tents or other shelters if they're stored in bags or cases less than 85 cm 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 75 mm 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.
LuggageLuggageLuggage

You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.

Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.

Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

You will find an extensive menu in the on-board 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.

If you upgrade to First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.

Although the menu changes every three months, you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

Currently, free WiFi is available on certain IC trains. Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on all their IC trains.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

On IC trains, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and don’t need a ticket. Kids up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.

On board, you will find family and children areas which are bookable.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

You need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle on a IC train. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.

Bike storage spaces are usually located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.

PetPetPets

With IC, you can travel with your pet. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an extra 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 additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling 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.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

Deutsche Bahn offer the Mobility Service, where staff will help you board, disembark or change trains. Staff will also answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.

Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.

Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

When travelling with ICE, you can enjoy an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you choose the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.

Upgrade to First Class and you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.

DB change their menu every three months, but you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

If you’re travelling on a ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favourite TV show.

You can also connect to the ICE portal, where you’ll find a wide range of entertainment, such as films, television, audiobooks, games, newspapers and magazines.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

On DB’s ICE trains, kids under 5 years old travel for free and don’t need a ticket. Children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.

You can also book family areas and children compartments on all ICE trains.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

With ICE, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle onboard. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.

Generally, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.

PetPetPets

You can travel with your pet on all ICE trains. You do not need an extra ticket If you have a small dog and they can travel in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling 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.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

DB’s Mobility Service can assist you with boarding, disembarking or changing trains. Also, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.

Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.

Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

With EC, you can enjoy food and drink in the on-board 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.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on their EC trains.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

When travelling 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.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

When travelling with EC, you need a bicycle ticket and 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.

PetPetPets

If you’re travelling on a 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 travelling 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.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

The Mobility Service can help you with board, disembark and change trains. In addition, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.

Cheap train tickets from Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf

The price of train tickets from Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf starts at £10.49 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.

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 Hbf to Köln Hbf 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.

§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.

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf? 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 Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf take?

The average journey time by train between Dortmund Hbf and Köln Hbf is 1 hour and 21 minutes, with around 68 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 Dortmund Hbf and Köln Hbf by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf is 1 hour and 8 minutes.

How much does the train from Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf cost?

Train ticket prices from Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf can start from as little as £10.49 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

Is there a direct train from Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf?

Yes, it is possible to travel from Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf without having to change trains. There are 51 direct trains from Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf leave?

The first train from Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf leaves at 00:17. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf leave?

The last train from Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf leaves at 23:23. 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 Dortmund Hbf and Köln Hbf by train?

Trains travelling from Dortmund Hbf to Köln Hbf cover a distance of around 45 miles (73 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Köln Hbf to Dortmund Hbf.

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